Orientation and Check In

All international students must check in at ISP prior to beginning their academic work at Caltech. Visit ISP during Walk-In Hours, Monday - Friday, 1:00 - 4:00 PM. If an alternate time is needed, contact ISP to schedule an appointment.

Bring the following documents with you to your immigration check-in at ISP:

• Passport
• I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
• I-94 (print your electronic I-94, available only after arrival in the United States)

International Student Orientation is mandatory for all newly admitted degree-seeking students. ISP will assist you as you transition to life at Caltech and in the United States. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your surroundings and to share conversation and resources. International Student Orientation for degree-seeking students takes place in September of each year.

All Caltech scholars must check in at ISS (Building 11 on the campus map). You must schedule an appointment to check in with ISS. You can email iss@caltech.edu or call 626-395-2188 to schedule an appointment. J-1 visitors must check-in within 30 days of the program start date, however, it is best to check in as soon as possible to validate your SEVIS record. Bring your immigration documents to your scheduled appointment as well as those of your dependents.

Documents include:

• Passport
• DS-2019, I-20, Forms I-797, EAD, etc.
• I-94 (download your electronic I-94)

All first-time Caltech J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to attend International Scholar Orientation.

Upon arrival at JPL, you will have a security briefing at JPL International Visitors Coordination (IVC) to review JPL security policies and to receive a badge. After the briefing, check in at the JPL International Office before beginning your appointment. Details of your orientation can be found here.