Updated 18 July 2019
This is NOT an official list of any type and you are responsible for double-checkinhg the information provided here. This is only a general guide or reference for you to get started. Since things chhange all the time, this is an ongoing work in progress, so if you encounter any novelty or have any comments all feedback will be very useful for future incoming postdocs.
If you're an incoming postdoc and this guide was helpful (or not) please contribute to it by adding anything you think will be useful.
Also feel free to contact Alejandro ([email protected]) with any questions you may have.
Double check and be in close contact with Kathy ([email protected]) regarding your visa.
Incoming non-USA citizens who want to do a postodc in the US, need to get a visa for the specific purpose of their postdoc.
The visa to get to do do a postdoc is the J-1 visa (but double check with HR).
J-1 visa is for Professors, scholars and teachers as exchange visitors. Types of US visas.
J-2 visa is for partners of J-1 visa holders.
In short: The J-1 visa processing time varies from 5 weeks to over two months not including any travel time.
We recommend to start the process with at least 3 months in advance.
More info in J-1 Visa Processing Time.
You will need a letter from Dana inviting you to be a postdoc in the Pe'er lab. Inform Dana as soon as posisble please.
You will need a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibiltiy for Exchange Visitor Status which is provided and sent by mail to you.
For offcial information please contact MSKCC HR. You should be in contact with the already, if not ask Kathy for their email.
IMPORTANT
Bring your visa a DS-2019 certificate with you, since these will be asked by the broder control at the US airport. They are allow to not grant you access to the US if you do not have these documents with you, and if they are not nice, you will have to call HR, etc. So just bring these paper with you, and you will be good.
Closest airport is JFK.
From JFK the easiest is to take an uber to NYC.
If you get MSKCC housing, you will have to pay on your arrival 1 month deposit + your first month of rent.
MSKCC housing is unfurnished, thus what we recommend is for you to arrive in a weekday and early so that stores are open and people in the lab are there too in case you need anything (try not to arrive late nor in Friday or weekend):
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Get your keys at the indicated place (usually at Sloan House)
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You can pre-order an infltable Mattress form Amazon to be delivered at your new place, so you have it already when you get there. -- You're welcome :)
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If you come in the winter, also order a sleeping bag or some warm bed stuff. In the winter it can get down to -15 celcius. If you come in the summer, no need to worry about sleeping bag.
In case you wanted to leave your suitcases somewhere or had any issues with finding a place to stay before you manage to arrive at your new place feel free to contact Alejandro ([email protected]).
Housing is selected by HR for you. In principle you can let them know any preferences you may have, and hopefully they will find the most suitable for you.
There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops around, but look for a diner (remember in the US they expect 20% tip) for a full meal or look for sweetgreen if you want something healthy, tasty, substantial and not pricy (~$13) plus no tip. -- You're welcome :)
You can apply for a bank account as soon as you arrive. There is are many banks around MSKCC, but perhaps the closest is Chase and you can get a debit card very quickly. Just bring your visa a an passport.
Talk with Kathy about getting you into payroll, so you know when it starts and you can plan accordingly.
Important
In case of emergency feel free to contact (?)
Once you are settled in, you will have time to get your SSN and select your health insurence. Just make sure you get them.
You will have to do different tests required by HR. Just follow what they say.