The Fermilab Foreign National Access Program (FNAP) Office ensures compliance with all requirements of the DOE Order 142.3B, such as the review and documentation of all non-U.S. citizen access to the Fermilab sites (Batavia and Lead, South Dakota), information, technologies and equipment.
This review includes on-site and/or computing access requests for employees, users, affiliates, subcontractors and authorized guests, and review and approval for all conferences/events and business visitors. Among other assigned duties, the FNAP Office issues all formal (visa) invitation letters and manages the host program.
Access for state sponsors of terrorism
Countries classified as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S. Department of State require additional approvals before on-site, computing, and/or event access can be granted. Please contact the FNAP Office for details.
FNAP Office review process
To obtain computing privileges or a Fermilab ID badge, an access request form must be filled out. The FNAP Office reviews requests from non-U.S. citizens. For an overview of the FNAP review and approval process, please refer to the FNAP access approval workflow (Spanish version of the FNAP access approval workflow).
The process should begin at least four weeks before needed access. Nonproprietary User Agreements are required for on-site experiments with the Fermilab Accelerator Complex or CMS. For access definitions and guidance, refer to the Fermilab access policy. For detailed information, visit specific access pages under the Access Types in the top menu navigation of this website.
Export control review
Requests from non-U.S. citizens are routed to the FNAP Office and Export/Import Control Office concurrently for review and approval. Fermilab follows the U.S. Department of Energy policies, orders and contract requirements and is committed to strict adherence to all United States export control laws and regulations (“export control laws”). A major component of this commitment is screening on-site and computer access to Fermilab and its resources against individuals and entities identified by export control laws as denied or restricted parties.
The export/import control compliance manager and other trade compliance team members conduct these screening reviews and uphold other necessary compliance policies, procedures and processes. For any questions regarding export/import control, please contact exportcontrol@listserv.fnal.gov.
Host responsibilities
In alignment with DOE Order 142.3B UFNA, the role of hosts is required at Fermilab. Hosts are responsible for the activities associated with non-U.S. citizen access to the laboratory and its information and/or technologies. When applicable, non-U.S. citizens will be assigned a host by the FNAP Office.
To be designated as a host, there are various qualifications that must be met, including annual host training.
Please visit the FAQ page and read the Host Fact Sheet to learn more about a host’s role and responsibilities.
Responsibilities of non-U.S. citizens
Non-U.S. citizens are expected to alert their assigned host of anything that would affect their status in the United States. These actions include, but are not limited to the following:
- Change in name, passport or U.S. visa information
- Change in U.S. immigration status
- Change in Fermilab access dates
- Any plans to leave the United States (short periods of time included)
- Any interactions with law officials in the United States
Once the host is informed by their assigned non-U.S. citizen, they must contact the FNAP Office.
Foreign national security plans
In certain circumstances, a foreign national security plan is required. The host is responsible for acknowledging their assigned non-U.S. citizen’s foreign national security plan. As required by DOE, a FNSP may accompany a non-U.S. citizen’s access request. The FNSP includes details regarding the individual’s access to the Fermilab site, information or technologies. FNSP’s are intended to assist hosts in their responsibilities regarding terms and conditions of access approval such as protecting information and facilities not intended for access by the foreign national. Hosts of business visitors are required to ensure their assigned non-U.S. citizens are escorted when in nonpublic areas.
Invitation letters
The FNAP Office drafts and sends all visa invitation letters— B-1/ESTA student, J-1 and J-1 extension. Non-U.S. citizens can obtain an invitation letter by submitting an on-site access request in ServiceNow. If there is any change to the activity associated with the visit after the issuance of the letter, please contact the FNAP Office. Additional information on visas can be found on the Fermilab Visa Office pages for B-1 visas and J-1 visas.
| Type | B-1 visa/ESTA student letter | J-1 visa letter |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | Less than six months | More than 30 days More than three months |
| Funding type | No funding by Fermilab – per diem only | Any funding by Fermilab allowed |
| Interview types | B-1 interview tips | J-1 interview tips |
DOE Order 142.3 B Unclassified Foreign National Access Program
As a U.S. Department of Energy facility, Fermilab is required to comply with DOE Order 142.3B Unclassified Foreign National Access Program (UFNAP). The order is also referenced in the Fermilab policy on access and procedure for access.
FNAP Office
The FNAP Office is in the Global Services Office (1 West) in Wilson Hall. The office is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
fnap-request@fnal.gov | 630-840-2772