Getting Settled
 

Getting Settled / International Postdocs

GETTING STARTED

Taxes

Non-resident aliens who are paid by Harvard must fill out a Foreign National Information Form (FNIF). It is the information from this form that the University Tax Operations Office uses to determine if your country has a tax treaty with the United States, what administrative paperwork you will need to have filed, and the tax obligation you may incur. The Tax Operations Office can be of assistance in answering questions you may have. They also sponsor tax seminars in the Longwood Medical Area.

Tax Operations Office:
Holyoke Center Room 374
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
617 496-5224

Cintax US: http://www.cintax.us
With a password obtained from the Harvard International Office, non-residents can use this online software to choose and fill out appropriate tax forms.

Health Insurance

For information on health insurance, please see the very informative brochure, "Health Insurance for International Students and Scholars and Their Families," [clicking on that takes you to the PDF of the HIO's health insurance brochure] created by the Harvard International Office. In the brochure, refer to the information for Scholars, not Students.

Social Security Numbers

Upon arrival, some foreign postdoctoral fellows with work authorization will need to apply for a Social Security Number. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States will be required. The evidence you will need to submit will depend upon the type of visa. Your department will supply you with an I-9 form stating your eligibility. Consult your department concerning the documentation you must present for the I-9 form to be completed for you.

Social Security Offices

Locate an office by postal zip code on the website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov
1-800-772-1213

10 Causeway Street, Room 148
Boston, Massachusetts 02222

240 Elm Street
Somerville, Massachusetts 02144

Getting a Massachusetts Identification Card (ID)

The Registry of Motor Vehicles will issue an identification card to those who do not have a driver's license and wish to have an alternative form of identification. You must bring your passport with three other forms of identification (Social Security number, birth certificate, Harvard ID, cancelled bank check) to the registry. You can visit the registry website to get more detailed information on primary and secondary documents that are accepted as identification.

Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV Main Office)
617-351-4500
http://www.state.ma.us/rmv

Your photo will be taken at the registry and you will be issued a plastic Massachusetts ID card. This can be used for purposes of identification in most stores for paying by check. It will serve as an alcoholic beverage ID in some restaurants and clubs.

Driver's License Information

Driving with a license from a foreign country is permitted in Massachusetts for a period of one year, if you come from a country that is a member of The United Nations Road Traffic Convention of 1949. The Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Registry website lists participating countries. http://www.state.ma.us/rmv

United States Immigration Agency

This site has comprehensive information on citizenship, green cards, visas, passports, etc.
http://www.immigrationagency.org

Links to U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Your Country

http://usembassy.state.gov/