We have derived a significant amount of our information
and link from International
Scholars Services and Human
Resources,
but we have tried to bring the information together into one location
and organize it into a clearer checklist. Hope you find it
helpful!
Maps of Caltech campus
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| ISS will
ensure that your visa and other paperwork is complete
and accurate. Make sure to bring your passport and all
other visa-related paperwork that you already have. You
will also be required to fill in some forms while there
- bring these with you when you visit Human Resources.
Feel free to ask any questions pertaining to your international
status at this time. |
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| Bring all paperwork
from ISS and anything you have already been given by your
advisor or the department. At this time you will fill in forms pertaining
to getting paid and paying taxes. You will also receive information about
your health
insurance and other benefits. |
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| Go to the
Card Production Office (located inside the Bookstore
- Bldg.
51 on the campus map) to get a new ID card. Office hours: 9 am - 5 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, postdocs have the option to use their
ID as either a credit card (where you change items 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. |
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| In order to obtain an email account, check with your research group or division
office regarding establishing an email account. Each research group has its own
protocol. Once set up, you an access your email either through standard email
software (such as Outlook) or through webmail. |
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| If you want to
drive in California, you will require a driver's license
within 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 Human Resources guide to getting
a license as well
as car
insurance. |
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|
|
|
| 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 website. You are encouraged to register your bicycle
if you plan to cycle to campus - information can be found
at the Caltech Security
website. If you plan to take transit
to campus, please look at the Caltech
Transit Guide. |
| |
|
|
|
| Please check out housing information in the Caltech Housing
information website as a starting point. Also refer to the brief list of local
stores and services to know where to start looking for furniture and household goods, buying groceries
and getting a bank account. |
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|
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| All scholars are required to have either a social security number (SSN) or an
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), regardless of funding. When
you receive your SSN or ITIN, please send it to your department administrator,
Human Resources and International Student Services. PLEASE NOTE: See the instructions on the Human Resources website before applying for an SSN. |
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| Caltech staff and faculty are not allowed to provide tax advice, however, the
Human Resources website has some useful
information and links. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Bring all paperwork
you have already been given by your advisor or the department.
At this time you will fill in forms pertaining to getting
paid and paying taxes. You
will also receive information about your health
insurance and other benefits. |
| |
|
|
|
| Go to the Card
Production Office (located inside the Bookstore - Bldg.
51 on the campus map) to get a new ID card. Office hours: 9 am - 5 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, postdocs have the option to use their
ID as either a credit card (where you change items 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 regarding establishing an email account. Each research group has its own
protocol. Once set up, you an access your email either through standard email
software (such as Outlook) or through webmail. |
| |
|
|
|
| If you want to drive in California, you will require a driver's license within
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
Human Resources guide to getting
a license as well as car
insurance. |
| |
|
|
|
| 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 website. You are encouraged to register your bicycle
if you plan to cycle to campus - information can be found
at the Caltech Security
website. If you plan to take transit
to campus, please look at the Caltech
Transit Guide. |
| |
|
|
|
| Please check out housing information in the Caltech Housing
information website as a starting point. Also refer to the brief list of local
stores and services to know where to start looking for furniture and household goods, buying groceries
and getting a bank account. |
| |
|
