International Student Guide Booklet
Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW HOW TO GET YOUR STUDENT VISA
*Please read all instructions carefully before beginning this process. The most common reason students are not issued a visa or admitted to the U.S. is because they were not prepared. Do not let this happen to you! Please read and understand processes and rules to obtaining a student visa. If you have questions after you have gone through all the documents contact PrattMWP Admissions. Step 1. You will need to pay the $200 tuition deposit to PrattMWP, if you have not already done so. You can do this over the phone by calling (315) 797-‐0000, extension 2285, using VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Step 2. You will need to send PrattMWP documents (see following page for checklist of documents) in order for us to issue you an I-‐20 Form. Step 3. You will need two original copies of all financial documents; one copy must be sent to PrattMWP in order to receive your Form 1-‐20. You will need the second copy to bring with you for your interview with the U.S. Consulate (see step 6). Step 4. We generate an I-‐20 for you. You will then create an account with eShipGlobal, an express shipping company in order to have your Form I-‐20 shipped. Please follow the instructions on Express Mail Shipment pg. 10 Step 5. After you receive the I-‐20, go on-‐line at www.fmjfee.com and pay the $200 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor System) fee. SEVIS is the web-‐based management system of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. If you’ve applied to and received I-‐20s from more than one school, you can only pay the SEVIS fee for ONE school, therefore this is when you choose at which college you will study within the United States. You must do this at least three days before your visa interview with the U.S. Consulate. Step 6. You will need to make an appointment with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an entrance visa into the United States. For information on the documents you need during your interview please see the “Visa Interview” page. This appointment cannot be any sooner than four months before the school start date. For PrattMWP the earliest date that you may make an appointment would be April 27, 2012. For the location nearest you please visit the website: www.usembassy.gov. Once you have received your visa, you cannot enter the U.S. until 30 days before the first day of Orientation. For PrattMWP you cannot enter the U.S. before July 21, 2012, as the international arrival date for the Fall 2012 semester is August 20, 2012. Step 7. When you are on the plane coming to the U.S. you will be asked to fill out an I-‐94 card. This is where the customs official will declare your status when you enter the U.S. For this reason, bring your Form I-‐20, visa and all necessary documents (see checklist on page 2) with you on the plane, not in your suitcase. Please review your I-‐94 card and make sure the status you’ve been given is F-‐1 before you leave the airport. Step 8. When you arrive at PrattMWP, please check in with the International Student Advisor in the Admissions Office. There are forms that must be completed before you can receive your class schedule for the fall semester.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
INSTRUCTIONS
ALL VISA CLASSIFICATIONS
F-‐1 students_________________________________ You will need a Form I-‐20 in order to apply for the F-‐1 visa. You must complete the following steps in order to be considered for the I-‐20 Form. We have included a check list of these steps (to your right) for your convenience. We recommend you send your documents by express mail so that you can track your package. Your Form I-‐20 must be sent my express shipping in order to track its whereabouts. Once you have signed up for an eShipGlobal account and paid for your express shipping, we will FedEx your Form I-‐20. We will send the package tracking number by e-‐ mail, so that you can track your package. Once you receive your Form I-‐20, you must pay a SEVIS fee of $200 directly to the U.S. SEVIS department at www.fmjfee.com. This fee must be paid before making your visa appointment at the nearest Embassy or Consulate. Most Embassies require a visa interview. Important Note: It is important that you apply for the F-‐1 student visa and not enter on the B-‐1/B-‐2 (business/tourist) visa. As of April 12, 2002, B-‐1/B-‐2 visa holders are not allowed to register for a full-‐ time course of study.
I-‐20 Request Checklist Steps____________________ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7.
Biographical Information (page 3) Student Classification (page 4) Certification of Funds (page 6) Affidavit of Support (page 7) Financial Statement Documents (page 8) Copy of your passport Picture and expiration page Passports must be valid at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S. Official TOEFL score* *If you already submitted an official TOEFL score with your Admissions documents, you do not need to send it again.
Transfer Students____________________________ If you have attended high school or another college in the United States within the last five months of the start date at PrattMWP or if you currently have a nonimmigrant visa status in the U.S., you are a transfer student. You are transferring your international visa to our school. This applies even if you have returned to your home country within this time. Please complete the Form I-‐20 request and the F-‐1 Transfer Certification. I-‐20 Request Checklist for Transfer students______ 1. All documents from the I-‐20 Request Checklist 2. Copy of visa and both sides of I -‐94 card (if in the U.S.) 3. F-‐1 Transfer Certification Form
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Male
Female
Family Name_______________ __
___First___
_____
_______Middle______
___
__
__
As shown on passport
Date of Birth (month/day/year)_
_____________________________________________________________
Social Security # (if available)___
__________________________________________________________
PrattMWP ID (if known)_______
__________________________________________________________
Citizenship Country_______
______________________________________________________________
Residence Country_____________________ Birth City____________
_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
Birth Country_________________
_____
____________________________________________________
Home Country Address (Required)___________
______________________________________________
Street Address_____________________________
____________________________________________
City___________________ Country_________________
__ ___Province/Territory____ _
_______
Foreign Phone Number_________
_____ Postal Code____ _
_
________ __
Email____________________________________________________________________________________________________
United States Address (if applicable)______
__________________________________________
Street_________________________ City
__
_________ State
_
Postal Code
Phone Number____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address to Send my I-20 to:___ U.S. Address Home__
___Home Country Address _ _
Address_______________________________________ City___________________
__Address Below
_________________________________ ______
___State/Province/Territory________________
______Postal Code____
Country________________________________________________________________ Phone Number (required for FedEx)____________________
_
_______Email___________________
_
___
______________ _____
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
STUDENT CLASSIFICATION
Please check all that apply. 1. A. I am currently on an: F-‐1 visa Other visa________________ B. I will apply for a F-‐1 visa Other visa________________ C. If presently in the United States, please answer the following questions. Admission number (11 digit number on the I-‐94 card) _______________________________ Attach a photocopy of both sides of your I-‐94 card to this application. D. Do you plan to leave the U.S. before beginning PrattMWP? Yes No If yes, please indicate your dates of anticipated travel outside the U.S. Departure date (month/day/year)___________________________________________________________ Return Date (month/day/year)_____________________________________________________________ 2. Are you currently attending another U.S. institution or on Post Completion Practical Training and transferring to PrattMWP? Yes (if yes, please complete and submit the Transfer Certification Page) No 3. Please check one of the following: Single Married Dependent (Spouse or Child) Family Name_______________________ First__________________________Middle________________ Date of Birth (month/date/year)___ ____Relation_______________Country of Birth_____ __ Dependent will apply for: F-‐2 visa Other If your spouse requires an F-‐2 visa, you must submit a copy of your marriage license and your spouse’s passport pages. If you have children that require F-‐2 visas, you must submit copies of their passport pages. ** F-‐2 individuals cannot study at PrattMWP. If your spouse or child plans to study at PrattMWP, he/she must be accepted in a full program of study and acquire an F-‐1 visa.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
ESTIMATED EXPENSES
Estimated Expenses for One Year (12 months) ______________________________ Undergraduate Full-‐time (12-‐18 credits) PrattMWP Tuition and Fees for 2011-‐2012 Tuition (full-‐time)* $ 24,800 Student Service Fee $ 460 Academic Facility Fee $ 460 Administrative Fee $ 140 Lab/Technology Fee $ 320 Housing $ 6,800 Meal Plan $ 4,600 Health Insurance** $ 1,000 (Estimated) Personal Expenses $ 900 (Estimated) Books and Supplies $ 1,500 (Estimated) _____________________________________________ Total $ 40,980 *Tuition is a flat fee of $24,800 for 12 to 18 credits. It is $830 per credit hour for students taking more than 18 credit hours. **Health Insurance rate subject to change. All financial statements and affidavit of support must be in English and funds must be indicated in U.S. dollars. Costs are calculated on the basis of full-‐time enrollment for fall and spring semesters, year-‐ round residence in United States, without any unforeseen expenses. 1.
2.
Estimated Tuition and Fees -‐ The above columns show the minimum amount of funds needed for one year. Full payment of tuitions and fees are due upon registration for classes, which occurs in the Fall and Spring semester. Mandatory Health Insurance -‐ Because health care in the U.S. is very expensive, PrattMWP requires all students, domestic and international, to purchase health insurance. The comprehensive plan for the 2011-‐2012 academic year has been estimated at $811 (rate subject to change). Coverage for the Fall 2011 semester is from August 29, 2011 through December 16, 2011 and from December 17, 2011 through August 29, 2012 for the Spring 2012 semester.
3. Living Expenses -‐ We strongly recommend that you have at least an additional 25% reserve of your total expenses. The value of room and board is $11,400 for the academic year.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS
This document will chart the amount and source for your entire academic program. This amount must equal or exceed your estimated expenses as indicated on Estimated Expenses page. The amount for the first year must be shown in a bank account or other liquid assets. Source and Amount of Funds_____________________________________________________ Example: Estimated expenses for 2012/2013 are $40,980. Estimated increase is 6% for the second year. F-‐1s only___________________ _ _First Year Second Year 1. Students Personal Funds $ ______ $ _______ 2. Family or Individual Sponsor $ ______ $ _____ ______ 3. Organization Sponsorship $ $ 4. PrattMWP Scholarship $ $ Total $ 40,980 $ 43,440* *Amount is subject to change Name of Student Family Name First Middle I certify that the information given is an accurate and true statement of my arrangements for financing my studies at PrattMWP. I also acknowledge that PrattMWP requires all F-‐1 students to subscribe to mandatory health insurance. Student Signature
Date
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Family/Sponsor Certification
Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
AFFADAVIT OF SUPPORT
Sponsor’s Name (Print)______________________________________Relations to Applicant_______________ Sponsor’s Address___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________Phone____________________________ Email_______________________________________________________Fax____________________________ I,________________________________________(your name), hereby certify that I am able and willing and do promise to support________________________________________ (students name) for a minimum of $40,980 United States dollars for tuition, fees and living expenses for each year of study at PrattMWP. Evidence of my current financial resources is attached to this affidavit of support. I hereby affirm that I understand the contents of this affidavit and that the statements are accurate. Sponsor’s Name (print)________________________________________ Date______________________________ Sponsor’s Signature_____________________________________________________________________________
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Proof of Funds_______________________________ You will need to submit proof that you or your sponsor has sufficient funds in order to support your education at PrattMWP. We will need the following documents from you: 1. Bank Letter 2. Bank Statement 3. Proof of Income IMPORTANT: You will need two original copies of ALL your financial documents. One copy is to be sent to PrattMWP. The other copy is for you to bring with you for your interview with the U.S. Consulate. Requirements for the Bank Statements 1. Must be in English 2. Date NOT older than 3 months 3. Currency should be in U.S. dollars EXAMPLE: Bank Statement Balance in Bank $XX,XXX.XX Account Date: No older than 3 months
Requirements for a Bank Statements 1. Must be in English 2. Must have Bank Letterhead 3. Must have Bank Seal or Bank Stamp 4. Dated NOT older than 3 months
EXAMPLE Bank Letterhead
Date: (No older than 3 months) To Whom It May Concern: This letter that (enter Sponsor’s name) has (enter is to confirm dollar amount) U.S. dollars in account #_________. These funds are readily accessible for financing the education of (enter Student’s name). This certificate is issued at the request of the customer without any responsibility or guarantee on the part of the bank or any of its officers. Sincerely,
(Enter Bank Manager’s name) Account Manager Bank Name Branch Address City, Country Postal Code Fax Website
Bank Stamp/ Bank Seal
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
F-‐1 TRANSFER CERTIFICATION
Please submit ONLY if you are currently in F-‐1 student status. If you have never studied at a U.S. institution before, please DO NOT submit this form. Part 1: To be completed by transferring student Did student attend another U.S. institution before yours? Yes No I intend to transfer to PrattMWP. I grant permission If y es, p lease c omment:_______________________ for the information requested below to be ___________________________________________ forwarded to my International Student Advisor at Did the student maintain F-‐1 status while at your PrattMWP. institution? Yes No Name______________________________________ If no, please comment:________________________ Date of Birth (month/date/year) ________________ ___________________________________________ Level of study at your institution: Major______________________________________ High School Undergraduate Signature of Student__________________________ Language T raining Other Today’s Date________________________________ Dates student attended your institution: Telephone__________________________________ From_________________To____________________ Email______________________________________ Studies completed? Yes No, Part ll: To be completed by International Student If no, please comment:________________________ ___________________________________________ Advisor at previous institution._______________ Dear International Student Advisor: Has student been granted work authorization? The named student intends to transfer to PrattMWP. No Yes, type of work authorization Please complete this form on the student’s status Optional Practical Training while at your institution. Please fax this document to Curricular Practical Training the following number: Fax: (315) 797-‐9349. Other, please comment________________ ___________________________________________ From___________________To__________________ PrattMWP Expected completion date on I-‐20 from your Admissions Office institution.__________________________________ 310 Genesee Street Please share any info you feel is relevant or Utica, N.Y. 13502 appropriate:________________________________ Student’s name per your files (last, first) Name of International Student Advisor: ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ Has student been pursuing a full course of study? Institution Address:__________________________ Yes No ___________________________________________ If no, please comment:________________________ Title:_______________________________________ ___________________________________________ Institution:__________________________________ SEVIS ID number:____________________________ School Code:________________________________ SEVIS Release date:___________________________ Phone:_____________________________________ *Please attach a copy of the transfer authorization. Signature of International Student Advisor Did DHS authorize student to attend your __________________________________________ institution? Yes No Email:______________________________________ If no, please comment:________________________
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
EXPRESS MAIL SHIPMENT
ESHIPGLOBAL
All students who wish to receive their Form I-‐20 from PrattMWP must complete the following information regarding shipment. The Admissions Office uses an express mail service, eShipGlobal, which will allow you to receive your I-‐20 document through DHL or FedEx within 3-‐5 days. Requesting your international documents be sent is at your expense and your credit card will be charged upon requesting the service. To request shipment of your Form I-‐20 document visit:
https://study.eshipglobal.com You must use the website provided above-‐-‐ do not go through the DHL or FedEx website directly. You do not need to notify us when you have made your shipment order. All communication will go through the eShipGlobal service, who will notify us that you are requesting your I-‐20 to be sent. Once you sign onto eShipGlobal, you will be required to create your own user name and password in order to create an account. To request shipment, you will need your PrattMWP Student ID number (found on your acceptance letter), mailing address, e-‐mail address, phone number and credit card information. Please pay close attention to the information submitted, as errors in the credit card information or submitting incorrect or incomplete address information will result in a delay in the mailing of your I-‐20. If you experience any difficulty in registering and processing the shipment, please use the “Help” link in the site for step by step instructions. If you have additional questions about how to use this service, please e-‐mail support@eshipglobal.com. This is a mandatory step all students who wish to receive their Form I-‐20 must complete. We will not create your Form I-‐20 until we receive the shipment information.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
VISA INTERVIEW What to Bring/ Compelling Ties
What to bring to your Visa Appointment____________________________________________________________ After you receive your I-‐20 from us, you must then visit the U.S. Consulate nearest you to get a visa. The consulate decides if you can come to the United States, therefore you should prepare for this interview. Some consulates require that you make an appointment ahead of time. You can visit: http://www.usembassy.gov to find the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Many consulates also have their own website for further information. At the interview you must convince the consulate of two things; one: that you have enough money from your home country to pay for your studies and two: that you plan to return to your country when school is over. All documents must be in English. See the check list below for what to bring to the embassy or consulate for your interview and double check with the consulate list. Interview Checklist 1. Visa application form DS-‐160, which costs $140. http://usvisa-‐info.org 2. Receipt of proof of payment of the mandatory $200 SEVIS Fee. www.fmjfee.com 3. Acceptance letter from PrattMWP. 4. Photograph, taken as per the U.S. Consulate regulations. 5. I-‐20 Form. 6. TOEFL Score. 7. High School transcripts. 8. All financial documents that you sent to PrattMWP for your I-‐20. a. Bank Statement. b. Affidavit of support from sponsor. c. Proof of income from sponsor. 9. Your Passport, that should be valid for 6 months beyond the time of your entry into the U.S. *All documents should be originals with appropriate signatures and stamps. Providing strong ties to your home country__________________________________________________________ Be prepared to show strong times to you home country with official documents. Ties to your home country are ties that will compel you to leave the USA after you finish you studies and return to your home country. • • • • • •
If you family owns a business, take a letter from the bank describing the business or documentation showing that the business is registered and truly owned by your family If you family owns property, take the deed or papers showing ownership If you have a sister or brother who already studies in the USA and returned home, take a copy of his/her diploma and a statement from his/her current employer. If you or your family have had numerous past visits to the USA and returned to your home country. If you have membership in an organization in you home country, bring proof of the membership. If you have the prospect of a job offer, get a letter from the company saying that you will be considered for a job upon your return, or that people with the kind of education you are seeking are needed.
Your goral is to document intent and good reason for you to return to your home country after completing you studies in the United States.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
TIPS FOR VISA INTERVIEW
The checklist below, printed from an article in The Economic Times, uses an example from India, however the information pertains to any country. Printed from: Student visa for the U.S.: A checklist 1 Oct, 2008, 0042 hrs IST, It is a myth that if the admission in a recognized University of U.S. is procured, visas are automatically granted. An applicant of nonimmigrant categories student visa is obligated to satisfy the consular officer that he has non-‐ immigrant intention which is easy to say but difficult to show. The following checklist of particulars and documents, which a student should carry in original at the visa interview, will assist in obtaining a student visa. 1. Visa Application Form DS-‐156, DS-‐157 and DS-‐158 2. Passport-‐Validity of the passport should be 6 months beyond the time during which the student would be completing his studies. 3. Photograph, taken as per U.S. Consulate regulations. 4. I-‐20 Form. It should be computer generated SEVIS mode. 5. TOEFL and other examinations marks/score sheets. 6. Degree/Diploma Certificates with mark sheets. 7. Copy of statement of purpose or essay which the student may have submitted to the University for obtaining admission. 8. Name of the person who would be providing the financial support. His/ Her relationship with the student. The financial supporter could be student’s father/mother/brother/sister/relative/firm company or all. 9. A statement showing the total assets of the financial supporter, by separately showing the average annual income, investments, gold and other ornaments, shared securities, debentures, PPF Account, owner-‐ship of motor cars and other vehicles, investments in properties such as flats/land/agricultural land, etc. 10. Financial documents of the person who is to provide financial support to the student, which may include: a. Last three years income tax return b. Bank passbook/bank statements for at least last 6 months 11. If the student has obtained loan from a bank/trust/charitable organization/financial Institution, etc., then all papers concerning the same. 12. Proof of the student having a permanent residential house in India. 13. If the student and/or his parents are enjoying a social status in India such as Chairman or President of an Organization, Association or Club documents in support of the same. 14. Proof of Membership of the student and/or his parents of a club or an institution or a trade association, if any.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013 of merits, awards, or medals in the field of the education or any If the student has received certification such extracurricular activities in school or college, produce the same. If the student has been offered a job in India by any company, after completion of his studies in U.S., a letter from that company in that behalf. Letters of recommendations from the student’s professors, teachers and well wishers. Letters from the experts in the field in which the student is intending to graduate stating that the person qualifying in that field in U.S. is required in India. Particulars about the student’s family. It may also be wise to carry long form birth certificate and if the student is married and is intending to take her/her spouse with his/her, the marriage certificate and the photographs of the marriage. Affidavit of support by a close relative or friend in U.S. made in Form I-‐134 may prove to be useful. Important documents to be submitted in support of the visa application, if they are in language other than English, it would be advisable to have English translation of the same made and kept ready.
15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
TIPS FOR VISA INTERVIEW CONTINUED
(Sudhir Shah & Associates)
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
BASIC TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
You will need to carry the following documents any time you enter the United States. Make additional photocopies of all your travel documents and keep them in a safe place. When you arrive at your U.S. port of entry, the immigration inspector will examine the following travel documents and determine whether you can be admitted into the U.S.: • Valid passport • Valid I-‐20 Form • Valid US entry visa • Proof of financial support NOTE: After you start your studies at PrattMWP and exit and re-‐enter the U.S., the I-‐20 will need to be signed by the International Student Advisor and you must have the I-‐94 card (white card) in your passport when exiting the U.S. Passport____________________________________ You should keep your passport valid for a minimum of six months into the future after your entrance date into the United States. You may consult your country’s consulate or embassy in the U.S to renew your passport when necessary. Consulate officials will tell you what forms and fee, if any, are required for renewal. If you are required to supply a letter affirming that you are matriculated at PrattMWP as a full-‐time student, you can request such a letter from the Registrar’s Office.
Certificate of Eligibility (I-‐20 Form _ These basic travel documents are issued by PrattMWP. The I-‐20 Form describes your degree program and field of study, your expected date of completion and the means by which you will finance your U.S. study. This document also establishes your eligibility for such things as student employment benefits and re-‐entry permission after traveling abroad. Keep your I-‐20 Form in a safe place with your passport and I-‐94 card. If you travel outside the U.S., your International Student Advisor must sign the back of your I-‐20 Form before you leave the country. This is to certify that you are enrolled and otherwise eligible for re-‐entry in the same status. Be sure to take you I-‐20 with you when you leave your country for the first time. Then take it with you when you travel outside the U.S. again. Visa_______________________________________ A visa stamp placed inside your passport by the U.S. Consul abroad is needed to enter the U.S. Your visa shows the latest date on which you can apply to enter this country (the expiration date) and indicates the kind of visa you have. Should you need to renew your visa in order to re-‐ enter the U.S. you will need to visit the U.S. Consulate in your home country or another country. (Note: As long as you maintain student status, have a valid passport and have an I-‐94 stamped D/S, you may remain in the U.S. with an expired visa). Visit your International Student Advisor well before you leave the US to make certain your travel documents are in order.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013 CONTINUTED Proof of Financial Support_____________________ I-‐94 Card__________________________________ 1. A letter from a bank indicating the current balance in your bank account The I-‐94 card is issued to you upon arrival into the or that of your sponsor, as well as the U.S. It shows that you have been lawfully admitted average balance in the account during to the U.S. and is usually stapled onto the U.S. visa the previous year. page of your passport. It contains an eleven-‐digit 2. A completed affidavit of support from identification number, called your ADMISSION your sponsor, including a copy of number, used by the DHS to keep track of your his/her most recent federal income tax arrival and departure from the U.S. The I-‐94 card is return, or usually collected each time you depart from the U.S. 3. A letter from a sponsoring agency and a new one is issued upon reentry, except in outlining details of their financial award cases of trips of thirty days or fewer to Canada, to you. If you are receiving any funding Mexico or the Caribbean. from PrattMWP you should carry a letter outlining this support. I-‐94 cards issued to F-‐1 visa holders usually do not indicate an expiration date. Rather, student I-‐94 cards simply indicate that the bearer may remain in the U.S. for the Duration of Status (D/S). This means Receipt of proof of payment of the mandatory $200 that a student is authorized to remain in the U.S. SEVIS fee___________________________________ while pursuing the program of study described on As of September 1, 2004 the Department of his or her current I-‐20 Form. If you have an I-‐94 card Homeland Security (DHS) collects the mandated with a specific expiration date, you must either leave SEVIS fee of $200 U.S. dollars. Applicants who the U.S. before the expiration date or apply to the require an F-‐1 visa to enter the United States must Department of Homeland Security for an extension complete the SEVIS Form I-‐901 and pay the required of stay before the card expires. Procedures for fee before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate extending your stay vary according to visa type. for their visa interview. For further details regarding Consult the Director of Admissions for specific the Form I-‐901 and how to pay the fee go to instructions. www.fmjfee.com. We suggest that you complete the I-‐901 form and pay the SEVIS fee online at least 3 days before your interview. On November 1, 2004, nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in more than 130 countries are able to pay the I-‐901 SEVIS fee locally using the Western Union Quick PayTM service with your own currency. For details on how to use this option go to: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/wu-‐ instr.htm.
BASIC TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
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Completing the Form I-‐94 Use all CAPITAL letters. Write in English. Use standard United States characters and print clearly. Letters like ñ ç è ü are not recognized by U.S. data systems. (Instead, use n, e, u, or c.) Names The family name is also referred to as surname or last name. If you only have one name, enter it in the Family Name block. Use the letters FNU in the First Name field. Spacing is an important as spelling and must be consistent. For example: some data systems will not read Mc Millan and McMillan as the same name. Hyphens must not be used. Print you name exactly as it appears on your Form I-20. Date of Birth Your date of birth must be given in Day/Month/Year order. This is not the same order that appears on your Form I-20. For example: if you were born on the 9th day of January in the year 1986, you should write 090186 in the Birth date block. The same date format is used in the Date Issued block. Country of Citizenship In the Country of Citizenship block enter the country that issued your passport. You can find the U.S. spelling on the Form I-20 under the “Country of Citizenship.” Complete all the Blocks Upon being granted entry into the Untied States, the Customs and Border Protection Inspector will stamp the bottom section of the Form 1-94 (the Departure Record) with your class of admission and the length of time that you can stay in the United States. This section is generally stapled into your passport. This is a critical document. Make a copy and put it in a safe place. Safeguard the original.
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013 WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
Things to Remember Before Leaving________________________________________________ • • • • • • • • • • • •
Do you have a valid passport with a U.S. Visa (F-‐1)? Do you have the I-‐20 form with you? Have you made housing reservations with PrattMWP? Have you had a medical and dental check-‐up recently and located proof of MMR immunizations? Have you completed and sent the Health Examination Form and Immunization Record? If you are staying in a residence hall, have you packed sheets, blankets and pillows? Do not bring any alcoholic beverages; do not bring any uncooked food, plants or fruit with you. They will be taken away at the airport by U.S. Customs If you have a valid driver’s license, bring it with an official English translation. If you are taking medication, have you packed it? Have you labeled you luggage with strong luggage tags? Hand -‐carry all important documents (example: passport, I-‐20, financial documents). Do not check them in you luggage. Have you made arrangements to pay your tuition bill?
Weather_______________________________________________________________________ The Northeastern coast of the US has a varied climate. On average: • July and August: 75-‐90 degree Fahrenheit • December through mid-‐March: 20-‐43 degrees Fahrenheit • Autumn and Spring: 40-‐70 degrees Fahrenheit • Snow falls in winter • Rain in any season
Basic New York Clothing__________________________________________________________ • • • • • • • • •
Warm winter coat Gloves, Hat, Scarf Winter boots Sweaters Long Sleeved Shirts Umbrella Light-‐weight/wind-‐proof jacket Waterproof boots Light-‐weight, light colored cloths
•
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
CONTINUED Other recommended items ____________________________________________________
Things to bring with you, ship from home or purchase them after arrival: • Bedding: mattress pad, pillow, blanket, extra long twin sheets for residence hall bed (80”x36”x6”) • Towels and washcloths • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, hairbrush, hair dryer, razor, small drinking cup) • Alarm clock • Umbrella • Backpack for Books/Supplies • Lamps, light bulbs, flashlight and batteries • Laundry supplies (laundry bags/basket, detergent) • Prescription medication as assigned by your physician • Cleaning supplies
Optional Items__________________________________________________________________ Can be purchased after you arrive in the US • Cellular Phone • Television, radio and stereo equipment • Computer (if you do not already have one, not required) • Bulletin board, tacks • Cleaning supplies • Iron and ironing board • Personal mirror • School supplies (pen, pencil, paper, notebooks, markers, highlighters, scotch tape, stapler, dictionary, thesaurus etc.) • Posters and other wall decorations • Shower mat, shower curtain • Dishes and silverware
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Fall 2012-‐ Spring 2013
IEP REQUIREMENTS Intensive English Program
All International students who come from a country where English is NOT the primary language and have a TOEFL score below 600 are required to take an English Proficiency Exam. According to the results, students will either be placed in an IEP (Intensive English Program) class or will be considered “exempt”. Those students who are not exempt from the Intensive English Program may be placed for up to one year in IEP. These students are unable to take any liberals arts classes (i.e. Art History or English) until they have met the English level requirement. Once they meet the English level requirement student may complete the liberal arts classes. These classes may be made up in the summer or in their junior and senior year at Pratt Institute. This exam is taken during Orientation week on the PrattMWP campus. The exam last about 3 hours and will test the students English reading level, English writing level and English speaking level. Students may use a text dictionary for the writing portion of the exam (not an electronic dictionary). The purpose for IEP is to prepare students for university level work in English. The course aims to develop reading and writing skills in particular. Students read authentic materials such as essays, novels, magazines and newspaper articles. They work on improving their composition and research skills while developing their speaking skills by giving formal presentations and listening to lectures. If you have questions regarding the English Placement Exam please contact PrattMWP Admissions.
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