Orientation and Check In
All international students and scholars at Caltech and JPL should follow check-in procedures with the appropriate International Office.
Updated September 10, 2020:
Check-In with ISP
New SEVIS Transfer students will be invited by ISP to complete a virtual check-in after arrival in the United States. ISP will ask to see the following documents to complete your immigration check-in:
- Passport
- I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
- I-94 (PDF of your electronic I-94, available only after arrival in the United States)
Any new students who are inside the United States and who will receive a Caltech stipend (salary) must also complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Form. ISP will contact you with instructions for how to complete the I-9.
iBegin@Caltech
iBegin@Caltech is the International Student Orientation for all newly enrolled degree-seeking students. Through iBegin@Caltech, ISP will assist you in understanding non-immigrant student status, but our goal is also to share conversations and resources. Links to the iBegin@Caltech 2020 online sessions will be emailed directly to new students.
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.
