Information for Applicants

Because of the educational nature of these programs, participants must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), and must maintain satisfactory progress in academic coursework.
2. Postgraduates must have received their degree in an appropriate STEM discipline within five years of the appointment start date, or must complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date.
3. Faculty must be full-time faculty from an accredited U.S. college or university.

Established scientists interested in new research training activities will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the USDA APHIS program coordinator and ORISE management staff if there is an opportunity posting that requires an established scientist.

Applications will be considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

The program is typically open to qualified U.S. citizens, foreign citizens who are eligible to participate as J-1 Exchange Visitors, and foreign citizens eligible for other visa categories approved by USDA APHIS and ORISE. However, a few USDA APHIS offices may only appoint U.S. citizens due to the sensitive nature of the research performed and/or restricted facility access. Any such restrictions will be clearly stated in the project description of the opportunity posting. For more information on eligibility requirements for non-U.S. citizens, please see Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens.

There are various types of immigration statuses that allow foreign nationals to participate in some Research Participation Programs where U.S. citizenship is not required. Generally, participants are not required to hold U.S. citizenship. However, a few USDA APHIS offices may have restricted areas that may only allow U.S. citizens access due to the sensitive nature of the research performed. 

Required Application Materials

• ORISE application through Zintellect
• Current résumé
• Unofficial transcript is required for an application. If selected for a fellowship, an official transcript will be required.
• Two references from persons who are familiar with the candidate’s educational qualifications (including a reference from a current or past faculty member if possible)

The general steps are outlined below:

• All candidates must accept the appointment offer from ORISE prior to reporting to the facility to ensure that they will be eligible to receive a stipend. The appointment letter addendum will outline any contingencies that must be met prior to starting their appointment.
• Selected candidates who are U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents must verify their citizenship before starting the appointment.
• Selected candidates who are not U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents must consult with ORISE immigration staff upon acceptance of the appointment to ensure they have the authorizations necessary for participation. Selected candidates cannot start their appointment until the ORISE immigration staff have notified they are cleared to start. Also, see Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens for clarification on the types of authorizations acceptable for the program.
• On the date the participant begins, the USDA APHIS program coordinator must certify that the candidate reported to the facility. Once all of these steps are complete, ORISE will begin stipend payments.

Can current students participate in research at USDA APHIS through ORISE?
Current undergraduate and graduate students may hold appointments during the summer or part-time appointments during the semester. Please visit current opportunities to find projects that are currently accepting applications from students.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to participate in ORISE programs?
Non-citizens with appropriate immigration statuses are eligible for most USDA APHIS appointments; a few USDA APHIS research projects require U.S. citizenship for security reasons. For more information on eligible immigration statuses, please see Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens.

The project I want to apply for requires a completed degree. Do I need to have my degree completed before I apply, or can I apply if I am earning it within a few months?
If you anticipate receiving your degree shortly, then you may apply. If you are selected, you will be required to show proof of degree completion before beginning the appointment.

How long will my appointment last?
Initial appointments are usually made for a maximum of one year. They may be extended up to a maximum total of five years, based upon program needs, funding availability, and participant eligibility. Shorter appointments are also available, based upon program needs and candidate availability. Many project descriptions state the expected duration of the appointment. 

How many references do I need? Will it help me to send more?
Two references are required. Use your discretion as to whether additional references will strengthen your application by highlighting aspects of your background that were not addressed elsewhere. Selection officials will not be able to see your application until at least one reference has been submitted.

Who should fill out a recommendation for me?
You should obtain recommendations from people familiar with your educational and professional qualifications. At least one recommender should be a professor or other individual who can comment on your educational experience.

How long does the application process take?
If you have applied for a specific project, the USDA APHIS mentor for that project will determine how long applications will be accepted, and how long the review process will take. Once the mentor has selected a candidate, there are several steps that must be completed before the candidate can receive an appointment letter. The process between receiving your application and actual start date may vary depending on several factors including background checks and the security process.

How to I know if the opportunity is still accepting applications?
If you see the opportunity on Zintellect then it is still actively accepting applications. If no deadline is listed then applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of getting an appointment?
Please ensure that all of the necessary application materials have been received and that you have obtained the necessary educational qualifications. Successful applicants generally apply for a specific project. Please review the current opportunities that are available.

Are there opportunities at USDA APHIS through ORISE that are not posted on the ORISE website?
All opportunities for ORISE Research Participation Programs at USDA APHIS are listed in Zintellect. Check back often for additional postings.

My mentor has told me that I have been selected for an appointment. When will I receive notification from ORISE?

All ORISE appointments must be submitted by the USDA APHIS mentor. ORISE will send an appointment letter once this submission is received and the funding for the appointment is in place.

Can I relocate before I receive my appointment letter?
We do not advise you to do this.