Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How would I know if I have the correct immigration status upon arrival?
Question details:
How do I know if I was issued the correct immigration status?
Answer:
Upon entering a US port of entry, you will be asked to present documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Inspections Officer. It is very important that, before you leave the inspections area, verify with the CBP officer that you were issued the correct immigraiton status.
You will likely be "inspected electronically", meaning that you will not issued a paper I-94 arrival/departure card, but rather will be entered into CBP's system electronically. You may also be issued an ink entry stamp in your passport. If you receive an inked entry stamp (per sample images below), ensure that it was issued for the correct immigration classification. Incorrect information on an inked entry stamp may not necessarily be a problem as long as your electronic I-94 record is accurate. Therefore, you should also download a copy of your electronic I-94 record from CBP's website as soon as you have arrived to ensure that you were issued the correct immigration status.
SLAC badges cannot be issued to individuals holding waiver for tourist (WT) or tourist (B-2) status. If you receive a WT or B-2 ink stamp in your passport, please explain to the officer you are in the US to conduct business at a US federally-funded laboratory which requires you hold a business status visa (either a waiver for business (WB) or business visitor (B-1)). You may ask for a supervisor if the CBP Inspections Officer does not understand or is unable to make the correction in your passport.
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What forms of ID are acceptable for entering SLAC?
Question details:
I do not have a SLAC badge. What are the acceptable forms of identification that will allow me to enter the campus?
Answer:
U.S. Citizens and Residents
U.S. citizens and residents age 16 and over must present government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, current driver’s license or a photo identification card issued by a state’s motor vehicles department.
Driver’s licenses that do not have photographs or that are marked with the statement “cannot be used for identification purposes” are not acceptable.
If you’re a foreign national who has visited SLAC before and are now a naturalized U.S. citizen, then please bring your original certificate of naturalization or updated passport so we can update your records accordingly.
Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals must present a valid original passport plus additional visa documentation. Please see Foreign Nationals for details on entry requirements and supporting documentation.
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How do I obtain a driver license?
Answer:
Please visit the Drivers License page of Stanford's Bechtel International Center for details on how to apply for a California driver license.
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How do I obtain a social security number?
Answer:
Please visit the Social Security page of Stanford's Bechtel International Center for detailed information regarding eligibility for, and how to obtain, a Social Security number.
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How do I get information regarding the United States tax requirements?
Answer:
Please visit the Tax Information page of Stanford's Bechtel International Center for detailed information regarding US tax requirements.
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What happens if I arrive at SLAC late at night or on the weekend?
Answer:
If you have a valid badge and your training is up to date, then you should be able to swipe your badge and enter as usual.
Facility Users...
If this is your first time at SLAC, or if your badge has expired, then you will need a temporary badge to enter.
LCLS/SSRL Users: Security will check to see if you’re on the SSRL and LCLS User Access List (http://ssrl.slac.stanford.edu/content/uf-access-list). The list is linked to the registrations and proposals in the SSRL and LCLS User Portal, so if you’ve registered, are on the list, and are associated with an accepted proposal/beam time, then you’ll be given a temporary badge to let you through.
FACET and Test Beam Facility users and non-U.S. citizens need to give advance notice of their arrival to the FACET User Manager. Some international users are required to arrive during working hours, so if this requirement applies to you, the FACET User Manager can help make arrangements. Most registered international users and all registered US citizens will be able to pick up a temporary badge and dosimeter as long as their registration has been approved.
If you receive a temporary badge, then you will need to go to the VUE Center on the next business day to complete your check-in and get your proper badge to avoid any access issues again.
If you have not registered in the SSRL and LCLS User Portal and therefore are not on the User Access List, or have not registered with the FACET User Portal, or are an international User with the requirement to arrive during working hours, then you will not be granted access. However, if you are registered at the Stanford Guest House, then you will be able to proceed to the Guest House only. You will need to go to the VUE Center on the next business day, where User Services will be able to assist you. The best way to avoid this situation is to register with your facility as soon as you know you’ll be conducting work at SLAC, so the Facility User Manager can process your registration in advance of your arrival.
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My badge expires soon. What should I do?
Answer:
Be sure your required training is current, then go to the VUE Center, room 1030. Please bring your old badge with you.
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What is needed to enter the security gate at SLAC?
Question details:
I wish to visit SLAC. Are there any special requirements I should know about before I arrive, in order to enter the site?
Answer:
All guests must provide a photo identification (ID) to enter the SLAC main gate. LCLS and SSRL users must also be listed on a scheduled user facility experiment (see the User Facility Access List).
Guests from certain countries must forward additional information to their SLAC point of contact (POC) in advance to obtain approval before visiting SLAC. Contact your POC to find out if you fall into this category.
To enter through Security Gates 17 or at Sector 30, a SLAC ID badge is required.
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How do I find an individual at SLAC?
Question details:
How do I find contact information for an individual at SLAC?
Answer:
To find contact information for individuals at SLAC or Stanford, reference the SLAC Directory or the Stanford University Directory. The SLAC Security Office (x2551) may also provide general telephone assistance.
For general contact information, go to the SLAC Contact page.
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What should I do in an emergency?
Question details:
What should I do in case of an accident, injury or emergency while at SLAC, or if I need non-emergency medical assistance?
Answer:
In the event of a life-threatening emergency that requires support from the fire department, a police agency, an ambulance service, or in the event of a hazardous materials spill while at SLAC:
- Immediately dial 911 (if using a SLAC landline phone, dial 9 first, then 911)
- Call SLAC extension 5555 from any SLAC landline (or dial 650-926-5555 from a cell phone or other non-SLAC phone)
- Notify your SLAC Contact, Safety Officer, or Duty Operator/Floor Coordinator.
See Emergency Information for more details.
The Occupational Health Center at SLAC is open Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM in Building 28, Room 11 for non-life threatening injury assistance, counseling and other wellness services.
