First Things to Do
International Postdoctoral Scholars and Visitors
Check in with International Scholar Services
If you are an international Postdoctoral Scholar or a visitor, when you first arrive in the U.S., please go to the International Scholars Services (ISS) office located at 266 South Chester Avenue, just north of campus. This includes individuals who are legal permanent residents (LPR). If you know your approximate arrival date in Pasadena, please let the ISS office know in advance.
Please bring to your check-in orientation all your immigration documents (passport, visa) and a copy of the Foreign National Intake Form (which you will complete at ISS). The ISS staff will verify your eligibility to work and will set your effective start date at Caltech. You may start working as soon as your effective date is established. Once you have checked in with ISS and have done the necessary paperwork, the ISS staff will make an appointment for your check-in with the Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholars Affairs located in Human Resources (626) 395-3300. It can be done in the same day as your ISS check in.
Check in with the Postdoctoral Scholar and Visitor Affairs
We suggest you to bring all your immigration documents (passport, visa) and a copy of the Foreign National Intake Form (which you will complete at ISS) to your check-in orientation at the postdoctoral office in Human Resources located at 399 S. Holliston Avenue. Our office will use the information in these documents to prepare your tax forms. In addition, please remember to bring the black or white new hire packet that was sent to you along with your appointment letter. Depending on how much of the paperwork you have filled out prior to your arrival, please allow about 45 minutes for your initial check in appointment in the postdoctoral office. In addition to signing various forms, you will also be given information regarding health, dental and other benefits (if applicable) and given a memo to obtain your Caltech Identification (ID) card. Your ID card will give you access to facilities on campus such as the libraries and gymnasium. You may also request to have a personal campus account linked to your ID card. The Bursar's office will bill your account monthly. You can use your personal campus account at the Caltech Dining Services and Convenience Store.Get a Caltech ID Card
To get your Caltech ID, you have to go to the Card Production Office (located inside the Bookstore). The Office hours: 9 am - 1 pm weekdays, phone (626) 395-6169. Caltech ID cards can be used for a variety of things - to gain entrance into authorized buildings, as a library card or as a photocopy card at the library. In addition, postdoctoral scholars have the option to use their ID as either a credit card (where you charge items like books bought at the bookstore, lunches in various cafeterias etc…to it and get a monthly bill) or a cash card (where you add money on the card which you can then spend). Ask to have this set up at the Card Production Office.
In order to obtain an email account, check with your research group or division office. Each research group has its own protocol. Once set up, you can access your email.Get an Email Account
In order to obtain an email account, check with your research group or division office. Each research group has its own protocol. Once set up, you can access your email.Get a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer ID Number
All postdoctoral scholars are required to have a social security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), regardless of funding. The postdoctoral office will give you directions to the nearest Social Security Office to apply. The social security card will be mailed to the postdoctoral office and Fran or Renee will contact you to pick it up. See the Social Security section on this web site
Get Informed About Paying US Federal and California State Taxes
To get informed about paying US and State of California taxes, we suggest you to have a look at the Tax Consideration section on the web site. Be aware that Caltech staff and faculty are not allowed to provide tax advice.
Get a California Driver's License and Car Insurance
If you want to drive in California, you will require a driver's license within the first two weeks of arriving. The license also serves as a crucial piece of photo identification (so that you don't need to carry your passport everywhere!). Take a look at the Department Motor Vehicle section on the web site as well as the Automobile Insurance section.
Get a California ID Card
For those of you who don’t drive, you will need to get an Identification Card at the Department Motor Vehicle. See the Department Motor Vehicle section in our web site.Get a Parking Permit, Register your Bike or Find Out About Public Transportation
If you will be parking on campus, you will need to purchase a parking permit from Caltech's Parking Services. There are different rates for individuals or carpools. For information on regulations, permits and registration, go to the Parking & Commuter Services web site and for a Caltech Parking Map.
If you plan to bike, you are encouraged to register your bicycle if you use it on the campus. Information can be found at the Caltech Security web site
If you plan to use public transportation, please see Public Transportation.Housing
If you have chosen to live in a Caltech apartment, please check in with Caltech Housing as soon as you arrive at Caltech.
Also refer to the Housing section on the web for stores and utilities.