

January 2023 Update. Happy New Year! While last year generally saw a return to pre-pandemic life, some challenges remained for international students and scholars in the United States and abroad. We look to 2023 and hope for a year with regular and predictable processing times at U.S. Consulates and at USCIS; with enhanced opportunities to connect in-person on campus and lab; where the decision to travel home is simple; where immigration isn't a source of anxiety; where getting together with colleagues, family, and friends is straightforward; with more predictability; where the Caltech and JPL international community continues to grow; where international students and scholars can focus on classes, research, projects and enjoying life. We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023. Stay in touch and let us know how we can help you.
You belong here. Caltech and JPL attract international students, postdocs, visitors, staff, and faculty from around the globe in pursuit of scientific and engineering excellence. Our community is formed by people who share the common language of scientific inquiry and imagination, regardless of whether or not they share cultural backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own cultural voices to their endeavors. We strive to amplify Caltech President Rosenbaum's 2019 message regarding Our International Community of Scholars.
It is essential that we maintain the open, vibrant sense of community that is so central to successful scholarship and innovation. In particular, we must ensure that our international colleagues – students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and visitors – continue to feel welcome here, and continue to enjoy the personal and professional support that they need to pursue their most ambitious goals...
Whether your stay at Caltech or JPL is for a few months or for many years, we hope that you find a home on campus or on lab. We hope to provide you and your families with U.S. immigration and intercultural support throughout your affiliation with Caltech and JPL. You belong here.
Ilana Smith
Director, International Offices