​Among the many procedural steps that the Division of International Services (DIS) takes to receive scientists from overseas, the DIS Monday morning "Check-Ins" are an integral part of the onboarding process for non-FTE foreign nationals. 

Every Monday at 8:00 a.m. (except in the case of a government closure) DIS welcomes, on average, 10-20, non-FTE foreign national scientists to the NIH. Prior to the event, DIS staff erect directional signs starting in the A wing of Building 31, which guide our scientists to the sixth floor of the C wing where the session takes place. Scientists are welcomed into a large conference room where a friendly DIS staff member collects their immigration documents and provides them with a welcome folder and some forms to complete.

While Immigration Specialists review the scientists' documents to confirm proper entry into the United States and work authorization, a DIS staff member leads a networking session in the conference room. Scientists are encouraged to share where they are from, what lab they are working in, and a summary of their research and goals during their time at NIH. The morning Check-In continues with a welcome presentation that covers topics such as the Notice of Action (DIS approval for them to be at NIH), Social Security Numbers, and Pedestrian Safety on and off the NIH campus. Following this presentation, scientists are directed to their lab and instructed to make an appointment with the Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPSAC) to obtain their badge. NIH-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors remain for a J-1 orientation, which reviews J-1 immigration rules and regulations, and also covers topics such as NIH community resources, culture shock and adjustment, and U.S. culture generally.

DIS Monday Check-Ins offer foreign scientists a good first impression of the Office of Research Services (ORS) and the NIH community, and help them build a foundation for future scientific collaborations and friendships that will aid them in having a successful experience during their time at NIH and in the United States. 

For further information about the DIS Monday Check-In, please visit the DIS website at https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/pes/dis/VisitingScientists/Pages/InitialCheckInWithDIS.aspx or contact DIS.