Relocating and Living in the USA and the San Francisco Bay Area

View Onboarding Process Overview

January:

• UCSF Graduate Division Application (unofficial transcripts needed)
• Start official transcript evaluation with International Education Evaluations (IEE)*
• Meet with Fellowship Coordinator

February:

• Make visa appointment and complete forms to receive DS2019 form for visa appointment*
• Apply to student housing (if desired)

March:

• Understand immunization requirements and obtain necessary documentation and vaccines (if needed)
• Review relocation expense sheet and determine if you would like to opt for a GBHI no-interest loan

April – July:

• Book flight to San Francisco (once visa is received*)
• Apply for schools or daycare (if relocating with children)

August:

• Purchase short-term health and repatriation insurance

Arrival date: We recommend that you plan to arrive to San Francisco 10-14 days ahead of the program start date so you have time to sort out logistics and settle in before the program orientation.

*for international students only

Over the past 2 years, most fellows choose to live in student housing accommodations. There are many options for individuals and families. The UCSF Housing Services website is a great resource for guiding students through the various student housing options and communities. For UCSF student housing application guidance, please review the application guide.

When you arrive at the U.S. Port of Entry, a Custom and Border Protection (CBP) official will give you a short interview and ask you for your visa documents, which will be date-stamped and returned to you. Do NOT pack your legal documents in your check-in luggage. You will not be able to access your luggage prior to going through U.S. Customs. Be prepared to present the following to CBP officials:

• Valid Passport

• Valid Visa
• Valid DS-2019 form
• UCSF appointment letter
• Financial Support (if not funded by UCSF)
• SEVIS fee receipt

At some airports, you may be asked to go to a second room where they will date-stamp your documents. With recent changes in the laws governing the exit and entry of international visitors, you will have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Review the pre-arrival instructions packet you received from the UCSF International Students Scholars Office.

GBHI at UCSF does not provide temporary housing. Here is a Short-Term Lodging Guide to assist you in your search for temporary housing until you find permanent accommodations. If your student housing accommodation or apartment rental does not start at the time of your arrival to San Francisco, you will need to find short-term lodging.

We anticipate your first full pay-check to be issued to you several weeks from the start of the program. Please be sure to have enough funds available for your lodging consider staying at an Airbnb instead of a hotel until you secure permanent housing.

If you need medical care during your first week in San Francisco, you may choose to visit an urgent care clinic (for non-emergencies like a cold) or an emergency room for more serious illnesses. Since the U.S. does not have national insurance, you will need to pay out of pocket and/or use your personal medical insurance for any medical related illness prior to your matriculation/enrollment date at UCSF. 

The health insurance provided to you as part of your matriculation/enrollment as a UCSF student will not begin until the first day of the GBHI program. All J-I visa holders and their J-2 dependents are required to maintain health insurance for the duration of their visit in the U.S. Atlantic Fellows at GBHI are required to purchase medical insurance until the start of their fellowship. Feel free to visit this page for potential non-UCSF Insurance Options https://isso.ucsf.edu/j-1-j-2-health-insurance-requirements-and-options.

Please note - GBHI will only cover the cost of health insurance for the student. Dependent coverage is available via the voluntary enrollment plan with the premium being the responsibility of the student.

J-1 Visitors and their accompanying J-2 dependents are also required to hold medical evacuation and repatriation insurance for the duration of the program. This link https://www.betins.com/Products/Evacuation/Evacuation.aspx provides several options for this insurance. Please note that GBHI can reimburse you for the Beta Scholastic or Beta Public plans (or a maximum of $40 if you select a different plan).

Please review the International Students and Scholars office page for U.S. Department of State insurance requirements and options.

In general, San Francisco housing costs are rather high. While we recommend residing in San Francisco for commuting and logistical purposes, the housing prices outside of San Francisco can prove lower. Some students choose to explore options inthe East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Hayward), or the peninsula (Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno). Please be aware that public transportation to/from these areas is not always reliable or sufficient.

You can start your search for housing before you arrive in San Francisco, but be aware that rentals go quickly and are usually not available much in advance.  Finding housing in San Francisco can be done in a weekend if you are not too particular, but the better approach would be to allow several days after arrival. Here are some suggestions for your search:

• Become familiar with the names of neighborhoods. You will want to look for housing in a neighborhood near the UCSF campus, or along public transportation lines to make your commute more convenient since parking is difficult to find.
• If you are looking for a roommate, it is perfectly acceptable to meet with the person for an interview. You would not want to move in with someone that might not be suitable for you. Due to the high cost of living in San Francisco, people commonly live with several roommates. 
• Most landlords require a record of credit history and rental history references. Their applications might also ask for a social security number or a driver’s license number. Since you are an international fellow, you may not have any of these documents. Instead, you may want to request a recommendation letter for the landlord from the GBHI Fellowship Coordinator. It also helps to mention that you are an employee at UCSF and that you have a degree (BA, MS, PhD, etc.).

• UCSF also partners with Places4Students.com to list housing opportunities near campus.  The most common used platforms for finding apartment rentals in the Bay Area are Apartment List, Craigslist, Hotpads and Zillow (These platforms are not affiliated with UCSF in any way.)
• If in doubt contact the GBHI Fellowship Coordinator for assistance with researching and applying for off-campus locations.

Avoid Rental Scams!

If looking to live off-campus, please be mindful of housing scams often directed towards international students. Tips to keep in mind:

• Students should never pay a security deposit, fee or first month’s rent before they’ve signed a rental contract.
• Avoid signing a rental contract for a unit that is unavailable to see in-person.
• Do not provide a photocopy of a passport to the “landlord” prior to signing a housing contract.
• If in doubt, please contact the GBHI Fellowship Coordinator to review a listing.

Further reading:

How to spot a Craigslist housing scam

Most Common Rental Scams and How to Avoid Them

International fellows are required to have a social security number (SSN) if they are employed. An SSN is solely for taxation purposes. An SSN is not legally required to open a bank account, obtain a driver’s license, open a cellular phone account, etc.

On your social security card will be your unique social security number that you will keep for life. You will need this number for many purposes in the U.S., including employment and taxes. A social security card is not a work permit. Visit the Social Security Administration’s website for more information.

WHEN to apply: For international scholars with a J-1, wait at least 10 days from the date of your check-in with Human Resources.

Applications made too early may be rejected or delayed beyond the usual processing time. Fellows must be physically present in the U.S. to apply for an SSN. The Social Security Administration is required to verify your legal entry into the U.S. before issuing an SSN.

An SSN is issued once per lifetime. If you have previously had an SSN but do not currently have the card or do not remember the number, you can apply for a duplicate card if you meet the eligibility requirements above.

WHAT to bring to the Social Security Administrator's Office when you are eligible to apply:

1. Passport I-20 (for F-1 holders), DS-2019 (for J-1 holders) or I-797 (for H-1B or TN-1 holders)
2. I-94 number
3. Job Offer Letter
4. If F-1/J-1 student, letter issued by ISSO Adviser

WHERE to apply:

1. 1098 Valencia St, San Francisco 94110. Between 21st and 22nd St
2. 90 7th St, Annex 1st Floor, San Francisco 94103. Between Market and Mission St
3. 560 Kearny St, San Francisco 94108. Between Sacramento and California St

AFTER you apply: Your social security card will be mailed to the address that you listed on the SSN application 7-10 business days after you apply.

Although an SSN is only meant to be used for tax and government purposes, it is often used by financial institutions, businesses, and others as a unique identification number. Because the SSN is a unique ID, it is often the target of “identity theft.” Therefore, you should be very careful about where and to whom you give your SSN.

• Never carry your social security card or number with you. Keep it at home in a secure place.
• Only give your SSN to someone who has a specific and legitimate need for it.
• Be very careful with any forms, applications, or other materials that may have your SSN on it.
• Never give your SSN to someone who phones you. You should initiate the call or meet in person.
• Never reply to email or web sites that request an SSN.

BUSINESS USES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Most businesses do not need an SSN from you unless it is for credit purposes (loans, credit cards, etc.) If a business requests an SSN solely for ID purposes, you can request that the business create an ID for you. You do not need an SSN to open a bank account. If a bank clerk insists on an SSN, ask to speak to a manager.

Additional SSN information: 1-800-772-1213.

To avoid expensive roaming fees, it is a good idea to purchase a U.S. based cell-phone plan upon arrival in the U.S. You have four options for cell phone plans: 

1. Purchasing an eSIM in the U.S.

2. Purchasing a physical SIM card in the U.S.

3. Buying a new phone and setting up a pre-paid plan to pay as you go

4. Buying a new cell phone and setting up a contract plan to pay monthly 

Option 1: Purchasing an eSIM in the U.S.

An eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan from your current carrier without having to use a physical SIM card. You can install multiple eSIMs and use two phone numbers at the same time. Mint Mobile is a popular service with our students as it runs on the T-Mobile 5G network and takes about 10 minutes to install online and activate.

Option 2: The price of a new SIM card at the airport will be considerably higher than purchasing directly from a cellphone carrier location. If you are not in a rush, we recommend going to a T-Mobile or Metro-PCS location in San Francisco, as they often have plans for tourists and international students at a discounted rate.

Option 3: Buying a new phone and setting up a pre-paid plan to pay as you go

Pre-paid plans are a more expensive option in terms of overall value but can be good if you are in the U.S. for a limited time or do not expect to use your phone much. You purchase the phone and minutes which are often sold at a premium price. You must buy more minutes every time you use them up. This service does not require a contract.

Option 4: Buying a new cell phone and setting up a contract plan to pay monthly

Contract phones require that you buy a phone from the specific company. You must also sign an agreement for a one or two-year plan. This will mean that once every month you will receive a bill for the use of the service. Contract plans generally require either a Social Security number or a credit check, which most international students cannot provide. T-Mobile is one carrier that does not require a contract, nor deposits or a credit check to set up a contract, which makes it a great option for international students. 

To purchase a cellular phone, you might find good plans with T-Mobile, AT&T, Nextel, Verizon, or Sprint. Although most plans require you to have a social security number, some will allow you to lease a phone for short-term use or pay a large deposit (as much as $500) for long-term use. T-Mobile and Metro PCS also offer pre-paid phones that do not require you to have a social security card or credit history, but the plans are more restrictive and may cost a bit more. When you set up your account, ask the cell phone representative if they offer corporate discounts to UCSF employees. Some companies will offer one.

In the U.S. it is not considered safe to keep money in your residence or to carry around large amounts of cash. Upon your arrival, you should keep your money in a secure location, such as a safety deposit box, if staying at a hotel. Be sure to open a bank account as soon as possible. Americans use a combination of online banking, check writing, and debit or credit cards to make purchases and pay bills.

BANK LOCATIONS

It is a quick and easy process to open a bank account at any bank of your choosing. In San Francisco, the four market leaders are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and CitiBank. You will also find bank branches and ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) of any of these four banks throughout the United States. US Bank also operates many branches in the city and throughout the country. HSBC operates three branches in San Francisco. Additionally, many other banks serve San Francisco including Bank of the West (part of BNP Paribas Group), Union Bank, First Republic Bank, and several other banks (Bank of the Orient, First Bank, Eastwest Bank, Sterling Bank and Trust). Alternatively, you may choose to open an account with a credit union. Most credit unions allow you to use any ATM anywhere with fees credited back to your account. While GBHI does not endorse any specific banking option, we want to note that Chase bank is across from campus and does not require a SSN to open a checking account.

CHECKING AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

We recommend that all students and scholars open a checking account to pay bills, such as rent or utilities. Checks are most commonly used to pay bills such as rent, utilities, and other bills. However, online banking has rapidly caught on, and is progressively eliminating the need for paper checks. Nonetheless, a checking account is needed to make payments electronically or otherwise. Some banks charge a monthly service fee to maintain your checking account. However, many banks also offer to waive this fee in conjunction with direct deposit of your salary into your account, or if you maintain a certain minimum balance in your account, or if you also have other accounts with this bank. If you have excess money not needed for daily expenses, you may want to open a Savings Account to earn interest on your money. Please ask the bank teller for current interest rates.

ATM CHECK CARDS OR DEBIT CARDS

When you open a checking account, you should also apply for an ATM card. This is commonly known as a “debit card.” This card allows you to have access to money from your checking account without having to visit your bank or carry checks around with you.

If you simply need cash, ATM machines are conveniently located throughout the city, on each of the UCSF campuses, in grocery stores, gas stations, and in front of bank entrances from where you can withdraw money from your checking account 24 hours a day. Be aware that if you do not use your own bank’s ATM machine, you may be charged a fee ranging from $2 to $5, by both the operating banks as well as your own bank. Hence, it is advisable to use your own bank’s ATM machines when you can.

Most stores and restaurants accept debit cards for payment, but please note that although there may be a Visa or MasterCard logo on the card, this is not a credit card. The money will be automatically deducted from your checking account within 24 hours.

CREDIT CARDS

Since new arrivals to the U.S. may not have a credit history in the U.S., it may be difficult to obtain a credit card. If you are interested in establishing credit so that you may be eligible for credit cards in the future, ask the bank teller to tell you about the “Secure Credit Card,” which will require you to put down a deposit for usage. Within a few months of using the secure credit card, you may be eligible for other credit cards. Note: you will need a social security number to apply for it. Paying one’s phone and wireless bills on time is an important way to keep credit in good standing, as late payment can affect your credit history negatively.

TRANSFERRING AND EXCHANGING MONEY FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY

Once you know your checking account number and bank’s routing number, send the information to your home bank in order to make transferring, or “wiring,” money easier and faster. Never send cash through the U.S. mail service. Only certain bank locations are able to provide foreign money exchange services. Please ask your bank for more details.

A California State I.D. may replace your passport for identification when you are within city limits. You will need some form of picture I.D. that specifies your age to buy alcoholic beverages (drinking age is 21 and over), enter most concert halls and clubs, cash checks, and sometimes to pay with a credit or debit card. You can apply for a California State I.D. card or a California driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Please note, if you will be applying for a California driver's license, you do not need to apply for a California State I.D.

For questions related to visas and other related concerns, please refer to the International Students and Scholars Office located at the Mission Bay Campus, William J. Rutter Center, 1675 Owens Street, Room CC-290, San Francisco, CA 94143. They can be contacted via email at: visa@ucsf.edu and by phone at: (415) 476-1773.

Additionally, the International Students and Scholars Office website offers many resources to help you get acclimated to living in San Francisco, including information on banking, arrival, English language resources, getting to know San Francisco, healthcare, housing and more.

If you are arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), please feel free to use public transportation, including Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a metro rail service, into San Francisco. BART is safe, fast, and comfortable and is available from early morning to just before midnight every day of the week.

If you have a lot of luggage, you can arrange to take an airport shuttle, taxi, or rideshare (e.g., Lyft, Uber) into San Francisco. Airport shuttle, taxi and rideshare stops are located on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level of all terminals. There is no need to make a reservation in advance. Shuttles, taxis and rideshares are available 24 hours a day. Rental cars can also be reserved in advance and are available 24 hours a day.