Things to know as a foreign postdoc

This page provides a rough guide for new UCSC J-1 Postdoctoral Scholars from foreign countries. It is not limited to Postdocs in Astronomy & Astrophysics. As personal situations and governmental requirements vary, this document cannot be exhaustive. It is mainly a list of useful links to UCSC and governmental webpages, and reflects the requirements and procedures with links to webpages as of April 2011.

Before your arrival at UCSC International Postdoctoral Scholars are managed by the International Scholar and Student Services (ISSS) in the UCSC Office of International Education (OIE). Please find below Postdoc-specific links to their webpages:

• Prospective J-1 Scholars
• Pre Arrival Information
• Arrival Information
• Post Arrival Information
• J-2 Dependants
• Forms and Documents

Below you will find essential links to websites by the U.S government specific to J-1 Scholars. Knowledge about the rules and procedures is essential to obtain your J-1 Visa, so follow them carefully. Before you start your visa application you must have received your form DS-2019 and your invitation letter from your UCSC department. Be sure to schedule your visa interview at least 1 month in advance of your arrival.

• U.S. Department of State: All about Exchange Visitor Visas (includes essential links, be sure to follow all of them)
• U.S. Department of State: Exchange Visitors Specific Information for Professors and Research Scholars
• U.S. Department of State: All Visa Forms
• U.S. Department of State: Online Form DS-160 (valid for J-1 visas, be sure to read the FAQs for instructions)
• U.S. Department of State: Visa Photograph Requirements
• U.S. Department of State: Glossary of Visa Terms
• U.S. Department of State: Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
• U.S. Department of State: Approximate Visa Wait Times for Interview Appointments and Processing
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Background Information on the SEVIS I-901 Fee (PDF)
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Arrival at a U.S. Port of Entry

Some legal background information is given below. At least you should get familiar with the tax treaty between the U.S. and your home country. Most tax treaties contain a federal tax exemption period for J-1 Scholars, but you have to know the specific article to claim that exemption.

• Code of Federal Regulations Title 8
  
• Code of Federal Regulations Title 8 Chapter 1 (1-1-10 Edition): Aliens and Nationality
• Immigration and Nationality Act
• Internal Revenue Service: United States Income Tax Treaties - A to Z
• Internal Revenue Service: U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, Publication 519 (2010)
• Internal Revenue Service: Links on Taxation of J-1 Scholars
• Internal Revenue Service: Taxation of Dual-Status Aliens

Finally, an advice on moving expenses: Generally, your arrival airline ticket will be reimbursed by 50%, and only if your ticket is from a U.S. carrier according to the Fly America Act.

After your arrival at UCSC

After your arrival in the U.S., you will have to take several steps to lawfully stay in the U.S. and to set up as a UCSC employee.

1. OIE: Mandatory Check-in with ISSS
2. OIE: How to obtain a Social Security Number and Card?
3. Open a U.S. bank account (You will need your SSN)
4. Complete your check-in with your UCSC department

Working at UCSC

• OIE: J-1 Scholar Authorization for Additional Employment (HTML, PDF) to be filed before you receive remuneration from a source not indicated on your DS-2019 (e.g., from other institutions for visits and invited talks)
• Travel Reimbursement: Your airline ticket must be from a U.S. carrier (also code share) according to the Fly America Act
• OIE: Guidelines for Applications for J-2 Work Permission (PDF) for your partner
• OIE: Tax Links (very general, better get help from your foreign colleague next door or a tax professional)