Visiting Researcher Program
Georgetown University Law Center and the Georgetown University Law Library are pleased to support the research needs of international and domestic scholars through our Visiting Researcher Program. We welcome applications from senior and mid-career legal academics, as well as emerging scholars at the beginning of their careers.
Nomination and Application Process
Due to high demand and limited capacity, the program is highly selective. Currently, the application process is open exclusively to scholars recommended by a Georgetown Law faculty member or Center/Institute Director. In most instances, a recommendation stems from a pre-existing professional relationship between the applicant and the nominating faculty member.
Georgetown Law Faculty should reach out to Mariah Strauch-Nelson at mariah.strauchnelson@georgetown.edu(This link opens in a new tab) with questions or to submit a nomination.
Program Benefits
- Library Access: Full access to the Edward Bennett Williams Law Library, one of the nation’s largest academic law libraries, housing over 1,000,000 volumes.
- Digital Resources: Full use of LexisNexis, Westlaw, and all other electronic databases available to the student body.
- Research Facilities: While materials must remain in the library, researchers may request an assigned research shelf for their checked-out materials.
- Academic Engagement: Researchers are invited to attend public academic events and are encouraged to engage with our faculty.
- Course Auditing: With the instructor’s permission, researchers may audit one course per semester (excluding seminars and first-year JD courses).
Terms of Affiliation
The designation of “Visiting Researcher” signifies a temporary affiliation for the purpose of independent research. Please note the following parameters:
- No Formal Appointment: This status does not constitute a formal academic appointment or employment at Georgetown University. Visiting Researchers are not eligible for Georgetown employment.
- Representation: Individuals should not represent themselves as having a Law Center affiliation in publications, CVs, or media appearances beyond the specific dates of their visit.
- Facilities: The Law Center does not provide office space, clerical services, or administrative support to Visiting Researchers.
Residency Periods and Fees
Fees are assessed on a semester basis and are not prorated. If a research stay extends into any part of a residency period, the full fee for that period will apply. Stays are limited to a maximum of one calendar year. Extensions are considered only under exceptional circumstances.
| Residency Period | Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | August 1-December 31 | $3,000 |
| Spring | January 1-May 31 | $3,000 |
| Fall & Spring | August 1-May 31 | $6,000 |
| Calendar Year | January 1- December 31 | $6,500 |
| Spring & Summer | January 1-July 31 | $4,500 |
| Summer Only | June 1-July 31 | $1,500 |
| Short Term Visit | Maximum of 2 Months | $1,500 |
Application Deadlines and Review Timeline
| Anticipated Arrival Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 (Jan 1 – May 31, 2027) | April 1, 2026 |
| Summer 2027 (June 1 – July 31, 2027) | December 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2027 (Aug 1 – Dec 31, 2027) | January 2, 2027 |
| Spring 2028 (Jan 1 – May 31, 2028) | April 1, 2027 |
- Review Process: The Visiting Researcher Committee reviews applications immediately following each deadline.
- Notification: Applicants can typically expect to receive a formal decision via email within approximately one month of the relevant application deadline.
Visa Information
Georgetown University can facilitate J-1 visa paperwork for Visiting Researchers, provided another sponsor has not already done so. To comply with federal regulations, applicants requiring a visa must provide:
- Financial Support: Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
- English Proficiency: Official documentation is required for all J-1 applicants, including native English speakers. This must be provided as either:
- A transcript from an English-speaking institution, OR
- Results from a recognized proficiency test with the following minimum scores: TOEFL: 80 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based); IELTS: 7.0