Offices & Services
Office for Faculty Affairs

Information for Incoming Scholars

Visas:

General information regarding Visas can be found on the Harvard International Office Website

I've received my DS-2019 form- what do I do now?

Housing:

As a Harvard Affiliate, you will be eligible to live in Harvard Housing. To view available units, visit the Harvard Real Estate Services (HRES) website:http://www.huhousing.harvard.edu/HarvardUniversityHousing/index.aspx

You can use your offer letter as proof of your Harvard affiliation if you find something you’d like to rent before your Harvard ID is ready. The leases run annually from July 1-June 30, so if your visit is less than a year or you are arriving in the middle of a lease period, your options will be very limited (if any). If you have any trouble using your offer letter as proof of your affiliation, please loop me into the conversation.

Harvard Real Estate Services maintains a website where you can search for a Harvard roommate or a short-term sublet opportunity in Harvard housing:https://www.harvardhousingoffcampus.com/property/search

You may be able to work out a reduced rate with a local bed and breakfast. Mary Prentiss Inn is very convenient to campus, and has provided this service for other visitors who are here for one or two months and have difficulty finding a sublet option for a short time period: http://maryprentissinn.com/business-travel-extended/

Here are some websites that may help you find short-term furnished accommodation if you plan to look for housing once you arrive and need a temporary place to stay:

http://Airbnb.com

http://Bostonhomestaysearch.com  

http://www.sublet.com/spider/LeSearch_advt.asp?State=massachusetts&City=boston%20area

http://www.bnbboston.com/accommodations/extended-stay-furnished-room.html

Finally, many Harvard Affiliates will also search for private apartments through Craigslist (http://boston.craigslist.org/hhh/). This is a riskier option, since you won’t know the landlord or the condition of the apartment.

Health Insurance:

For non-benefits eligible J-1 scholars:

Although having health insurance while you are here on a J-1 visa is required, you actually do not need to submit proof that you've purchased it. You can see insurance options here under Insurance Plans Outside Harvard: http://www.hio.harvard.edu/health-care-scholars

 Please see the following Harvard International Office site for their advice regarding health insurance for international scholars: http://www.hio.harvard.edu/j-visa-regulations-regarding-health-insurance-requirements

For benefits eligible scholars:

You will receive information on enrolling in health insurance and other benefits upon your arrival.  Your benefits will be set up to be retroactive to your start date.

Tax questions:

Non US Citizens: Please direct any questions regarding taxes to the Nonresident Alien Tax Compliance

US Citizens: Please direct any questions regarding taxes to Tax Services