Upon Arrival
Visas
Foreign nationals awarded Smithsonian appointments to come to the United States for research or study are usually eligible to apply for a visa as an exchange visitor (category J-1). Even if it would otherwise be possible for a Smithsonian appointee to enter the U.S. without this type of visa, it is the most appropriate category for research visits. The proper visa status also has important consequences for the taxation of awards to nonU.S. citizens (see Tax Information).
To determine the type of visa that is appropriate for the purpose of your particular visit, please contact the administrative staff of the division in which you will be working at SAO. Arrangements will be made with SAO’s Department of Human Resources to provide you with appropriate visa authorization and further instruction. Again, there are possible tax implications for individuals entering the United States in a category other than a J-1 visa as tax status is dependent upon the provisions of the tax treaty in place between the United States and the visitor’s country of permanent residence.
For more information, check the following resources.
Smithsonian Office of International Relations
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Visa Information Page
United States Department of State
Harvard International Office Immigration Information
Division Administrators and Staff Assistants
It is critical for all new fellowship recipients to set up an appointment with their Division Administrators and or Staff Assistants upon arrival. These individuals can direct you to your office as well as the appropriate personnel to get you started at the Center for Astrophysics (CfA). Additionally, they may have you complete any remaining paperwork. A list of Administrators that work closely with fellowship recipients is further below.
The Smithsonian (SI) Academic Appointment Handbook
The reference material below is produced by the Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and provides information to fellowship holders in Washington, D.C. Please note, some information may not be applicable to fellows at the Smithsonian Astrophysical (SAO) Observatory. Consequently, it is important to check with the Fellowship Program Coordinator or your Division Administrator about any differences.
- SI Academic Appointment Handbook
- Frequently Asked Questions about the SI Academic Appointment Handbook
Fellowship Program Coordinator
During your first week at the CfA, it is highly recommended that you reach out to the Fellowship Program Coordinator (Email: ecr-coordinator@cfa.harvard.edu), to sign up for a new fellow orientation to review stipend, insurance, and tax information related to your award.
Short List of Division Administrators and Coordinators
Ting Ting Li, Atomic and Molecular Physics Division
Email: ting_ting.li@cfa.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-7462
Cathryn Murphy, High Energy Astrophysics Division
Email: cathryn.murphy@cfa.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-7007
Sue Demski-Hamelin, Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division
Email: sdemski-hamelin@cfa.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-7320
Tina Arabadjis, OIR/IR Project
Email: carabadjis@cfa.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-496-7528
Elizabeth Shepard, Radio and Geoastronomy Division
Email: elizabeth.shepard@cfa.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-7280
Kathleen Campbell, Solar, Stellar, & Planetary Division
Email: kcampbell@cfa.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-7179