Plan your move
Resources to prepare you for your transition to the area surrounding the NIH campus location of your new role.
On this page
Information in advance of your move
Moving to a new area for a position can be challenging, with many important factors to keep in mind. As you plan your move, focus on both personal and work needs. Read emails from NIH and respond promptly, as there is a lot of paperwork to complete. Failure to respond to requests for information in a timely fashion can significantly delay your start at NIH.
You should not make firm plans for your move until you are officially approved for a fellowship.
Visiting scientists will receive correspondence from the Division of International Services (DIS) with more specific instructions.
Please do not make any visa or travel arrangements until instructed by the DIS. Additionally, the DIS welcome checklist may be of use.
Before getting here
Complete your background check
Complete a federal background check before you arrive.Communicate with your research group
Build relationships with key mentors.Request reasonable accommodations
Request any help you may need.Relocation benefits
Non-FTE fellows (IRTAs, CRTAs, and Visiting Fellows) who relocate to an NIH location for the purpose of participating in an NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) fellowship may be eligible to receive $1,500 to cover reasonable relocation costs. Eligible fellows must have an initial fellowship of one year. Supplemental fellows are only eligible if they are not explicitly receiving funds for relocation costs from their outside (non-NIH) sponsor. Relocation costs are provided as a one-time stipend adjustment once a fellow arrives at NIH. Please reach out to your Administrative Officer (AO) about the process to receive relocation allowance.
Moving near main campus (Bethesda, Rockville, Shady Grove, Twinbrook)
Read the DIS DC welcome guide
Peruse this guide for information on transportation, climate, banking, health care, tourism, safety precautions, schools, and other information relevant to all fellows.Explore childcare & family programs
Find information on the Division of Amenities & Transportation Service (DATS) website.Commuting to main campus
Look for options regarding getting to campus.Find housing near main campus
Find housing resources and a place to live.Moving to areas beyond main campus
The NIH intramural program is located across the nation, with trainees doing research in multiple states. Each campus compiles their own moving guide, complete with local resources for trainee use. For more information about things to keep in mind when entering other NIH campuses, check with your research group.
Bayview Biomedical Research Center (Baltimore, MD)
Email your campus contact.Framingham Heart Study (Framingham, MA)
Email your campus contact.Frederick Cancer Research & Development Center, Fort Detrick (Frederick, MD)
Moving to Frederick, Maryland.Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch (Phoenix, AZ)
Email your campus contact.Research Triangle Park (RTP, NC)
Moving to North Carolina.Rocky Mountain Labs (Hamilton, MT)
Moving to Montana.Contact us
Reach out to us at [email protected] with questions.
Next steps
Once you've figured out the details of your move, continue to the next stage:
This page was last reviewed on March 24, 2026.