Visitors at Caltech
Visitor Process
Caltech fosters an environment that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The Institute supports various types of visitors, including external affiliates, guest collaborators, volunteers, and academic visitors such as visitors, visiting associates, and visiting professors. To promote compliance with Caltech policies and legal requirements affecting its research and business activities, Caltech uses the Visitor Access Request (VAR) application to review and approve visitor requests before they begin their activities.
To sponsor a visitor, please review the visitor types and Visitor Access Request (VAR) process. This process may take 2-3 weeks for visitors. Minor volunteers take 4-6 weeks to ensure compliance with mandated reporter requirements and compliance checks.
Responsibilities and Rights of the Institute Visitor
A visitor is expected to abide by Institute policies and regulations that govern their actions, including but not limited to those of prohibited against discrimination and harassment, ethical behavior, confidentiality, financial responsibility safety, and substance use.
For any questions, please contact Human Resources at (626) 395-3300 or HRInfo@caltech.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, external affiliates, guest collaborators, or volunteers who will be at Caltech (whether remote or on campus) for more than ten days must follow the VAR process. This also includes all academic visitors, such as visitors, visiting associates, and visiting professors. All requests must undergo review and approval.
All minor volunteers must complete the minor volunteer process regardless of the duration or type of access (remote or on campus).
For tips to help you determine your visitor type, please review the quick facts below for external affiliates, guest collaborators, volunteers, and academic visitors. For detailed information, please visit the Visitor Types section above.
Below are the types of access available to visitors:
Caltech ID Card
- The sponsoring division or department may contact the Card Office if individual requires a Caltech ID card.
Building Access
- The sponsoring division or department may contact Campus Security to request building access.
System Access
- Visitors may be granted access to Caltech systems as it pertains to their activity or if it is part of their agreement (i.e. external affiliates). The sponsoring division or department must log a help ticket request with IMSS.
- For continued access for departing staff, faculty, and students, please review the IMSS access guidelines before submitting a VAR request.
Access to Other Services on Campus
Please see below for further information regarding access to additional resources.
Note: Campus housing is not available.