Front cover - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
May 2017November 2013October 2015
Dear Undergraduate Graduate Student,
Welcome to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute! Fellow students, professors and staff at Rensselaer join in wishing you a pleasant and rewarding stay in the United States.
The International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) Office is here to help prepare you for your trip and life in the United States. This brochure provides important information regarding travel arrangements, immigration requirements and other helpful tips to ensure that you are prepared for your stay at RPI.
The dates and costs listed in this brochure are based on the best information available as of October 2015 May 2017 and may change. For updated information, please take time to visit the International Services for Students and Scholars tab on the Dean of Students Office website, which may be found at this web address:
Remember, you are legally REQUIRED for your F-1 and J-1 student to check in with our office upon arrival to campus during the specific check-in times. You are also legally REQUIRED as an F-1 or J-1 student to attend the International Student Orientation. Please see the enclosed orientation information pamphlet for more information, including dates and locations for check-in and orientation.
We look forward to meeting you and wish you a safe and pleasant journey to Troy!
Sincerely,
Welcome to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute! Fellow students, professors and staff at Rensselaer join in wishing you a pleasant and rewarding stay in the United States.
Through the International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) office, Rensselaer will help to prepare you for your trip and adjust to living in the United States. This brochure provides important information regarding travel arrangements, housing, finances, and family, health, and other personal matters.
The dates and costs listed in this brochure are based on the best information available as of November 2012 and may change. For updated information, please take time to visit the New Students section of the ISSS website, which may be found at this web address:
Remember, you are REQUIREDMUST check in with our office upon arrival onto campus during the specific check-in times. Everyone should check in by Thursday, January 16, 2014.. You are also REQUIRED to attend the International Student Orientation on 8/00/2015
We look forward to meeting you then and wish you a safe and pleasant journey to Troy.
Sincerely,
Heather MullerEmily Anderson
Administrative CoordinatorAssociate Dean
Dean of Students
International Services for Students and Scholars
Dean of Students Office
|International Services for Students and Scholars |Telephone: (518) 276-62664966 |
|Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |Fax: (518) 276-4839 |
|Academy Hall Suite 4226 |Email: ISSSOffice@rpi.edu |
|110 8th Street | |
|Troy, NY 12180-3590 | |
|International Services for Students and Scholars |Telephone: (518) 276-6266 |
|Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |Fax: (518) 276-4839 |
|Academy Hall Suite 4226 |Email: havisj@rpi.edu |
|110 8th Street | |
|Troy, NY 12180-3590 | |
Table of Contents
Pre-Arrival Checklist 4
SEVIS I-901 Fee 5
Applying for a Visa 6-7
Health ServicesArriving at Immigration Checkpoint 8
Housing & AccommodationTravel Arrangements 109
Pre-Departure PlanningChecking In with ISSS Staff & International Student Orientation 102
Arriving in the United StatesHealth Services Requirements 114
Getting to RensselaerHousing and Accommodations 1612
Check-In & OrientationFinancial Information 1813
Helpful Hints/Phone Numbers 1149
Important Numbers 20
Pre-Arrival Checklist
You must complete each of the following
prior to your arrival in the U.S. Be sure to allow yourself adequate time to complete each item:
← Pay your SEVIS I-901 fee (see page 55).
← Apply for your F-1 or J-1 Visa (see pages 66-7).
←
← Submit your immunization information to the Rensselaer Student Health Services officeCenter (see pages 8-911).
← Make arrangements for travel (see page 9).
← Submit your immunization information to the Rensselaer Student Health Center (see page 11).
Apply for student housing or arrange off-campus housing (see page 10).
← Arrange housing (see page 12).
Make arrangements for travel (see page 12).
← Submit your Arrival Itinerary Form (attached).
The following items are optional.
You do not have to complete these prior to your arrival at Rensselaer, although you may wish to do so:
← If Necessary, arrange to have your items shipped to the U.S. (see page 12).
If you are arriving at Rensselaer a day or more before Arrival and Orientation, it is strongly recommended that you contact the Office of Residential Education Office to make arrangements about arriving early
(see page 11).
If you are unable to make arrangements for arriving early, you may want to make hotel arrangements (see page 11)
SEVIS
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, is a database used by the United States government to collect and monitor information about all international students and scholars who are admitted to the country on F, M or J visas. The ISSS Office at RPI deals exclusively with students and scholars admitted on F and J visas.
All the information on your SEVIS account must be accurate and up to date in order for you to maintain your legal immigration status. SEVIS is the database on which your I-20 (F visa) or DS-2019 (J-visa) is created and maintained. You will need your I-20 or DS-2019 for your visa appointment.
SEVIS I-901 Fee
Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee is required. The fee is currently $200 for F-1 students and $180 for J-1 students. You must pay the SEVIS fee at least three business days before your appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. You must bring proof of payment of the SEVIS fee with you to your visa appointment.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the US but must pay the SEVIS fee and present proof of this payment to the immigration inspector upon entry into the US.
You may pay the SEVIS fee online:
More information on the SEVIS fee is available here:
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, is a database used by the United States government to collect and monitor information about all international and scholars students who are admitted to the country on F, M or J visas. The information collected by SEVIS is an important part of your visa application.
A fee will be charged in order for your SEVIS information to be processed once you have provided all the information required.
You must pay the SEVIS fee at least three business days before your appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. (Business days are Monday to Friday inclusive.) You must bring proof of payment of the SEVIS fee with you to your appointment or your application will not proceed.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp to enter the US but must pay the SEVIS fee and present proof of this payment to the immigration inspector.
More information is available on the ISSS website, which may be found at this web address:
You may pay the SEVIS fee online:
AApplying for a Visa
Introduction
All international foreign students must obtain a passport and visa* to enter the United States. Student visas are issued in two categories at RPI: F-1 and J-1. It is advised to
Aapply for your visa at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country.
For more information, please visit the website of your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy, which you can find at:
If you have been accepted by more than one school, do not apply for a visa until you have decided which school you will attend. You must attend the school which issued you the form I-20 or DS-2019 you used to enter the U.S.
*Canadian citizens
Although a passport is required, a visa is not required for Canadian citizens. to study in the United States. Upon entry, Canadians need only present their form I-20 or DS-2019, evidence of financial support, and proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment.
Transfer students
If you are currently at a U.S. institution in F-1/J-1 status and are accepted to a foreign student transferring directly to RPI,ensselaer you may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS record. from another educational institution (e.g. high school, 2 or 4 year college or university, etc…) in the United States please consult your international foreign student advisor at your current school for instructions on the transfer process. Transferring applies even if you are graduating from your current school and continuing your education at Rensselaer. Your SEVIS record will be transferred from your current school to RPI, and . If your SEVIS record is transferred, you will not have to pay another SEVIS fee..
Applying for a visa F-1 & J-1
First, please review all of the information on your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure that it is correct. The name on your I-20 or DS-2019 must match your name as it appears in your passport. If there is an error, please contact the ISSS Office at ISSSOffice@rpi.edu immediately.
For the visa interview, please bring the following documents with you, along with any other documents your consulate or embassy requests:
1.) Form I-20 (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 students)
2.)Acceptance letter from Rensselaer
3.)Valid Passport
4.)Proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee
5.)Complete visa application, form DS-160 for all non-applicants:
6.)Proof of financial support.
For more information for F-1:
For more information for J-1:
Applying for a visa
First, please review all of the information on your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure that it is correct. The name on your I-20 or DS-2019 must match your name as it appears in your passport. If there is an error, please contact the ISSS Office at ISSSOffice@rpi.edu immediately.
For the visa interview, please bring the following documents with you, along with any other documents your consulate or embassy requests:
1. Form I-20 (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 students)
2. Acceptance letter from Rensselaer
3. Valid Passport
Proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee
Proof of financial support for the entire course of study
Applying for a VISA continued
If your visa application is denied
□ You should request a written reason for the denial. You can re-apply if denied, but you should have new or updated evidence that convinces the officer that the first denial was wrong. If your visa is denied, please contact Rensselaer immediately.
IMPORTANT
□ Reminder: YYou must attend the school which issued you the form I-20 or DS-2019 you used to enter the U.S.
□ F-1 and J-1 students may enter the U.S. up to, but no more than, 30 days prior to the start date as noted on your form I-20 or DS-2019.
□ Applicants should be aware that certain disciplines are considered “sensitive” by the State Department. If your area of study or research is considered “sensitive,” you may be subject to additional procedures during the visa application process.
□
□ For more information, please visit:
□
□
All foreign students (except Canadians) must obtain a passport and visa stamp to enter the United States. Student visas are issued in two categories, F-1 and J-1.
AYou must apply for your visa stamp at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country. . For more information, please visit the website of your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy, which you can find at
If you have been accepted by more than one school, do not apply for a visa stamp until you have decided which school you will attend.
Canadian citizens
Although a passport is required, a visa stamp is not required for Canadian citizens to study in the U.S. Upon entry, Canadians need only present their form I-20 or DS-2019 to the immigration inspector, along with evidence of financial support and proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Applying for a visa
First, review the documents provided and ensure that all of the information is correct. The name on the form you have received must match your name as it appears in your passport. If there is an error, please contact Mrs. Jane Havis by email at havisj@rpi.edu immediately so that the information may be corrected and the form reissued if necessary.F-1 are i, and J-1 Students are issued a DS2019For the visa interview y and what other required documents the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is requesting. or Form DS-2019J-1 aJ
|If you have received form I-20: |If you have received form DS-2019: |
|You are eligible to apply for a F-1 visa. |You are eligible to apply for a J-1 visa. |
| |You must be sponsored by an authorized Exchange Visitor program. |
|To obtain your visa, you must present to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy the following: |
|Form I-20 |Form DS-2019 issued by your sponsor |
|Acceptance letter from Rensselaer |Acceptance letter from Rensselaer |
|Valid passport |Valid passport |
|Proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee |Proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee |
|Proof of sufficient financial support for the entire course of study|Proof of sufficient financial support |
Transfer students
If you are a foreign student transferring directly to Rensselaer from another educational institution in the U.S., consult your foreign student advisor at your current school for instructions on the transfer process. Transferring applies even if you are graduating from one school and continuing to another school.
If your I-20 or DS-2019 fails to arrive in time to secure a visa stamp
□ You should obtain a B-2 “Prospective Student” visa stamp (not a B-2 “Visitor” visa stamp) from the U.S. Consul in your country.
□ Be sure that the Consul writes “prospective student to attend Rensselaer” in your passport.
□ You must apply for a change when you arrive. If you have an assistantship, you will not be able to start it until you have obtained a change to F-1 or J-1 status.
If your visa stamp application is denied
□ You should request a written reason for the denial. You can re-apply if denied, but you should have new or updated evidence that convinces the officer the first denial was wrong.
IMPORTANT
□ You must attend the school whose form I-20 or DS-2019 you used to enter the U.S.
□ An F-1 visa requires full-time study. Spouses and dependents of F-1 students need an F-2 visa to enter the country. Each dependent must have their own Form I-20 to obtain a visa stamp.
□ A J-1 visa requires full-time study. Spouses and dependents of J-1 students need a J-2 visa to enter the country. Each dependent must have their own Form DS-2019 to obtain a visa stamp.
□ F-1 and J-1 students may enter the U.S. up to (but no more than) 30 days prior to the start date as noted on your form I-20 or DS-2019.
□ Applicants need to be aware that certain disciplines are considered “sensitive” by the State Department. If your area of study or research is considered “sensitive,” you may be subject to additional procedures during the visa application process.
Arrival at Immigration Checkpoint in U.S.
It is very important that you do not pack any of these items in your checked baggage:
□ The Immigration Officer will check your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, proof of financial support and proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee
□ The Immigration Officer will stamp your Form I-20 or DS-2019 with the date of your arrival, port of entry and your non-immigrant status
□ Review your documents (I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94) carefully at the immigration inspection station to ensure that the correct information was marked. If there are any errors ask them to be corrected there. This is your responsibility. Corrections might not be possible once you leave the immigration inspection station.
If you are stopped at the border or denied entry, please contact the ISSS Office for assistance. If it is during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm) we can be reached at #518-276-49666266. During nights or weekends, please call Rensselaer’s Public Safety Office (#518-276-6656) and they will help connect you to a representative from our office.
I-94
The I-94 is a form issued by the U.S. government which keeps track of your arrival and departure to the United States. The I-94 is an electronic form and can be accessed online at:
It is important to make sure that the information of your arrival is correct. This includes your “Class of Admission” (F1 or J1), your “Admit Until Date” (D/S, or Duration of Status), and other identifying information (Name, Passport Number, Country of Issuance, Date of Entry).
Travel Arrangements
Please be aware that you are responsible for making all of your travel arrangements. Please make these arrangements in advance to find the most affordable prices.
You may need to contact a travel agent or the travel company through which you are travelling. The following websites may also be helpful:
| | |
The nearest airport to RPI is the Albany International Airport (ALB), which is approximately 15 minutes from campus:
If you are arriving at La Guardia Airport in New York City, Premiere Express Shuttle Service offers a shuttle service from La Guardia to Albany International Airport. Advance reservations are required:
There are a number of coach bus services from New York City and Boston to Albany, including Greyhound, Megabus, Adirondack Trailways, and Peter Pan bus lines.
Amtrak is a national train service. The nearest station is the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, which is approximately 15 minutes from campus. Please be sure to review baggage regulations before travelling:
A taxi from the Albany International Airport or the Rensselaer Train Station to Rensselaer costs approximately $3455. Carry a few extra dollars to tip the driver for your baggage.
Always verify the total cost of your taxi before you go anywhere. If traveling in a group, make sure that you are not being overcharged for each additional person.
Checking In with ISSS Staff & International Student Orientation
Please review the Orientation Information booklet. You must check-in with the ISSS Office during one of the designated check-in times. Check in dates will be posted later. Checking in to ISSS with your immigration documents between January 19th and January 21st. This is required in order for you to maintain legal immigration status. In addition, you will not be able to register for classes until you have checked in with our office.
When checking in, please bring your passport, visa, I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), and a printed out copy of your I-94, which you can obtain here: To expedite the check in process it is encouraged to bring copies of your required check in documents, visa, passport information page, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 printout.
International Student Orientation
You are required to attend a mandatory orientation for all new international students on FAugust 30, 2017 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm in Darrin Communications Center 308. riday, January 22nd from 9:00am-12:30pm in the Darrin Communication Center (DCC) Room 337. Please see the attached Orientation Information booklet for more information. This orientation will feature vital information about your time at RPI, specifically your immigration status and your obligations as an international student in the United States.
All new international graduate students must also attend the graduate student orientation. Contact the Office of Graduate Education office for more information.
Health Services Requirements
|Students on a F-1 visa |Students on a J-1 visa |
|All F-1 international students must purchase Rensselaer’s health |All J-1 students must purchase Rensselaer’s health insurance unless you |
|insurance unless you can prove that comparable health insurance coverage |can prove insurance coverage from your home country is comparable to |
|from your home country matches Rensselaer’s insurance. If you have |Rensselaer’s insurance. Current U.S. regulations require all individuals|
|equivalent coverage, Rensselaer’s insurance fee may be waived, but you |in J status to carry health insurance meeting certain minimum levels. |
|will be required to pay the health service fee. |These include: |
| | |
| |Medical benefits: $100,000 per accident or illness |
| |Repatriation: $25,000 |
| |Medical Evacuation: $50,000 |
| |Deductibles: not to exceed $500 per accident or illness |
Health Insurance
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR DEPENDENTS WHILE IN THE U.S. WILL CAUSE YOUR PROGRAM TO BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.
Health Forms
1. You must submit your medical forms to the Student Health Center by registering for the Student Health Center Portal. Please follow the steps outlined below:
a. Go to:
b. Click on the “Student Health Center Portal” link in the main menu.
c. Register for the portal. After you register, you will be emailed a password to log into the portal directly.
Health insurance
|Students on a F-1 visa |Students on a J-1 visa |
|All F-1 international students must purchase Rensselaer’s health |All J-1 students must purchase Rensselaer’s health Insurance unless you |
|insurance unless you can prove that comparable health insurance coverage |can prove that comparable health insurance coverage from your home |
|from your home country matches Rensselaer’s insurance. If you have |country matches Rensselaer’s insurance. Current U.S. regulations require|
|equivalent coverage, Rensselaer’s insurance fee may be waived, but you |all individuals in J status to carry health insurance meeting certain |
|will be required to pay the health service fee. |minimum levels. These include: |
| | |
| |Medical benefits: $50,000 per accident or illness |
| |Repatriation: $7,500 |
| |Medical Evacuation: $10,000 |
| |Deductibles: not to exceed $500 per accident or illness |
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR DEPENDENTS WHILE IN THE U.S. WILL CAUSE YOUR PROGRAM TO BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.
Mandatory health service fee
All Rensselaer students pay a mandatory health service fee of approximately $265.00 per semester. The fee covers all visits to the Student Health Center, including the Counseling Center and health education, as well as lab tests performed on premises, such as throat cultures. However, there are additional charges for immunizations, splints, and copying medical records. All registered students are eligible to use the Student Health Center. The Health Service fee covers these visits.
Immunizations
New York State law requires all students to provide the Student Health Center with physician certified evidence of immunity to various diseases. Rensselaer is required by the provisions of this law to refuse to allow you to continue in attendance if you have not supplied this evidence. For information on required immunizations, call the Student Health Center at (518) 276-6287 or visit .
Students, please be sure to review the immunization form with your doctor and make sure that all your shots are current. If they are not current, you will have to pay for the shot in the U.S. and they are expensive.
Health Forms
Please take time to read this section carefully.
2. You must submit your medical forms to the Student Health Center by registering for the Student Health Center Portal. Please follow the steps outlined below:
a. Go to our website: .
b. Click on the “Student Health Center Portal” link in the main menu.
c. Register for the portal. After you register, you will be emailed a password to log into the portal directly.
3. Mail in the “Pre-entrance Immunization Form” signed by your family physician. If you are playing a sport, you will also need to have your family physician fill out the physical form and mail or fax the documentation before you will be cleared to participate. These forms can also be found on our website.
4.
a. Physical Form (English) [PDF 108KB]
b. Pre-entrance Immunization Form 2012-2013 (English) [PDF 108KB]
5. Complete all on-line forms in the pending forms section of the health Portal. Please feel free to contact the Student Health Center if you have any questions.
|Student Health Center at RPI |Telephone: (518) 276-6287 |
|110 8th Street |Fax: (518) 276-8573 |
|Academy Hall Suite 3200 |Email: healthrecords@rpi.edu |
|Troy, NY 12180-3590 | |
Housing and Accommodations
On-campus housing
On-campus housing is coordinated through the Residential Education Office at Rensselaer. You should have received information regarding on campus housing with your acceptance packet from the Office of Admissions. On-campus housing is assigned on a space-available basis and is not guaranteed, except to freshman students.
Rensselaer encourages international students to reside on campus for your first year to help you become accustomed to American culture and learn about the services that are available both on and off campus.
Benefits of living on campus include:
□ Convenient access to academic facilities.
□ All rooms are furnished.
□ Utilities are included (heat, electricity, water, internet service, television and phone).
□ Close proximity to athletic and recreational facilities.
□ There is no deposit required and room charges will be included in your Rensselaer student bill.
Should you decide to live in on-campus housing, once you sign our Rensselaer Housing Contract with Residential Education Office, you are committed to that living space for the entire academic year. You must honor your housing contract even if the space is different from what you expected or is more expensive.
Residence Halls are open for all students to move in on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 12:00 PM (NOON). If you plan on arriving before January 18, 2012, you will have to contact Residential Education Office to see if any arrangements can be made for you to move into your Residence Hall early. Otherwise, you will need to make a reservation at a local hotel until you can move in.
For more information regarding on-campus housing, see:
You should be prepared to pay a deposit and perhaps buy or rent furniture and household items. We strongly urge you not to sign any lease or contract for off-campus housing unless you fully understand the terms of the lease. Leases or contracts cannot be broken without financial loss to you.
The Student Union maintains listings of many current opportunities for off-campus accommodations. It is available online here:
City Station
Family housing is available off-campus for married students or guardians of children:
Applications for City Station South should be sent to this address:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Office of Graduate Education Attn: Dennis Gornic
1516 Peoples Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
Off-campus housing
If you intend to live off-campus, you should arrive by early January. The ISSS office will help as much as possible in finding off-campus accommodations but you may also need the help of friends or other students from your home country. You should also be prepared to pay a deposit and perhaps buy or rent furniture and household items. We strongly urge you not to sign any lease or contract for off-campus housing unless you fully understand the terms of the lease. Leases or contracts cannot be broken without financial loss to you. An RPI lawyer is available to review your lease free of charge. Please consult with the ISSS office before you commit to a lease so that we can tell you how to contact the lawyer.
The Students’ Union maintains listings of many current opportunities for off-campus accommodations. It is available online here:
City Station
Family housing – city Station South
Family housing is available off-campus for married students or guardians of children. The demand for space is quite high and there is a waiting list.
Applications for City Station South should be sent to this address:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Office of Graduate Education, Attn: Dennis Gornic
1516 Peoples Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
Temporary Accommodations
Students who do not have housing arrangements prior to their arrival can choose to stay in a local hotel while they look for permanent housing. The following hotels are the closest to the Rensselaer campus. Book early as August can be a busy time and hotels may be sold out. Be sure to ask for the RPI discount.
|Franklin Square Inn |Phone: (518) 274-8800 |
|1 4th Street |Fax: (518) 274-0427 |
|Troy, NY 12180 | |
|Hilton Garden Inn | |
|235 Hoosick Street |Phone: (518) 272-1700 |
|Troy, NY 12180 |Fax: (518) 272-1701 |
| | |
Financial Information
This form must be received at least two weeks prior to your arrival in the United States.
If you have any questions or concerns about completing this form, please contact the ISSS office at the above address.
Shipping items or belongings to the U.S.
If you must ship unaccompanied baggage, we strongly recommend that you contract with an agent who has a corresponding agent in the U.S. who will check the baggage through customs and ship it to Troy. Insure all your shipments for ‘all risk’ coverage. To ensure that your packages go through customs without unnecessary expense or delay, obtain a copy of United States Customs Hints for Visitors from a U.S. Consular Office.
The ISSS Office will accept your mail (letters only) until you establish a local address. Your mail should be addressed to:
[Your Name]
c/o International Services for Students and Scholars
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Academy Hall, Suite 4226
110 8th Street
Troy, New York 12180-3590
U.S.A.
Money
In the US, money is most commonly found in paper form and coin form. Coins are often referred to as cents and the paper bills are referred to as cash, dollars, or bills. Coins come in denominations of 1cent (Penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter). Paper bills come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 denominations.
Paying Bills
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has partnered with peerTransfer for international student payments. You can find more information on their website:
International Finance
Banks and credit card companies may deactivate your cards when they see suspicious charges. Make sure to inform them that you are planning to study outside of the country.
If you do not have a bank account with a bank that is international it is important to inquire about fees for withdrawing money in the United States. Be sure to find out what conversion fees, if any, are involved. Many credit card companies often charge “Foreign Transaction Fees” or “International Transaction Fees.” It is important to inquire about these fees prior to leaving to avoid charges for using a credit card.
As a precaution, we recommend you have easy access to enough money to last a month upon arrival. If you are being financed by your home country, or another source that is not personal funds, the deposit time can be lengthy.
Upon arrival, you will need to use cash for a variety of important things, such as taxi transportation. It is important that you have US currency available for these transactions. Money is often given in large units, such as $20 bills. When exchanging money, be sure to ask for some smaller bills, such as $5 and $10 bills.
Banking
Rensselaer has a bank on campus, SEFCU (). International students are welcome to open bank accounts in the United States.
Please note that SEFCU, as well as many other banks, charge fees for the transfer of funds. They are often based on how much money you are transferring and are usually charged each time you transfer money.Paying Bills
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has partnered with peerTransfer to save you money on your international student payments.
The benefits of paying through peerTransfer
• Eliminate hidden bank fees – ensure Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute receives the
• correct amount.
• Save on exchange rates – in most cases you can make a payment in your home
• currency.
• Peace of mind – payment tracking and 24×7 multilingual customer support.
•
To get started with this program go to: rpi.
International Finance
Often, banks and credit card companies deactivate your cards when they see suspicious charges. Make sure to inform them that you are planning to travel outside of the country and the length of your travel.
If you do not have a bank account with a bank that is international, it is important to inquire as to what the fees are for withdrawing money in the United States. Also, be sure to find out what conversion fees, if any, are involved. Many credit card companies often charge “Foreign Transaction Fees” or “International Transaction Fees.” It is important to inquire about these fees prior to leaving to avoid large charges for using a credit card.
As a precaution, we recommend you have easy access to enough money to last about a month. If you are being financed by your home country or another source that is not personal funds, the deposit time can be lengthy. You do not want to be without any funding in your first month here, because that is when you will most likely be spending the most money.
Upon arrival, you will need to use cash for a variety of important things such as taxi transportation. It is important that you have US currency available for these transactions. Having smaller bills (5 and 10 dollar bills) can also be helpful in such situations. Money is often given in large units, such as $20 bills. When exchanging money, be sure to ask for some smaller bills, such as $5 and $10 bills.
Banking
Rensselear has a bank on campus. This bank is called SEFCU (). There are also two ATMs around campus. International students are welcome to open bank accounts in the United States. In order to open a bank account, you must provide to the bank:
Proof of your local address
Phone Number
Your passport
Rensselear I.D. Card (You will receive it upon arrival)
Please note, SEFCU, as well as many other banks, charge fees for the transfer of funds. They are often based on how much money you are transferring and are usually charged each time you transfer money.
Before you travel...
□ Make sure you have not packed your I-20 or DS2019 documents in your checked baggage, as you will need them at U.S. Immigration.
□ You may also be asked for proof of financial support, so this should also be in your hand luggage.
I-94 Card PROVIDE website? For I-94 access.. (After you arrive can have access !!! LIST IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AFTER ARRIVAL…?
You will be issued a white card to fill out on the airplane before you land, or at a land border in the United States if coming by car or train. This is called an I-94 (Arrival and Departure Record) card and you will need to present this to the immigration officer upon arrival. After you meet the immigration officer, the I-94 card will be stapled into your passport. Do not remove this document: it must remain stapled in your passport
Do not lose the I-94 card. It is very important.
There is information about completing the I-94 card on the next page.
Arrival
Upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry, Immigration will ask you to present your I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019, and your passport. You may also be asked to show your proof of financial support. It is very important that you do not pack any of these items in your checked baggage.
□ The Immigration Officer will stamp your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and the I-94 card with the date of your arrival, port of entry and your non-immigrant status and return them to you. They should be marked with D/S. ‘D/S’ means ‘Duration of Status’. The I-94 card may be stapled to your passport. Again, do not lose the I-94 card. If the Immigration Officer does not staple your I-94 card to the passport, you should do so as soon as possible.
□
Review your documents (I-20 or DS-2019, AND I-94) carefully at the Immigration inspection station to make sure the correct information was marked. If there are any errors, ask them to be corrected there. This is your responsibility. Corrections might not be possible once you leave the immigration inspection station.
Completing form I-94 TAKE OUT!!! OLD
USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Use English. Use standard United States characters and print clearly. Letters like ñ, é, ü, ç are not recognized by U.S. data systems. (Instead, use n, e, u or c.)
Name (Blocks 1, 2, 14, and 15)
The Family name (Blocks 1 and 14) is also referred to as surname or last name.
If you have only one name, enter it in the Family Name block.
Spacing is as important as spelling and must be consistent. For instance, systems will not read Mc Millan and McMillan as the same name.
Hyphens must also be used consistently.
Print your name exactly as it appears on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Date of Birth (Blocks 3 and 16), Issued (Block 11)
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 or DS-2019. 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 (Block 3 and 16). The same date format is used in block 11 for Date Issued.
Country of Citizenship (Blocks 4 and 17)
Country of citizenship is the country that issued your passport. You can find the U.S. spelling in block 1 of the Form I-20 under the "Country of citizenship." It is on the second line of the Form DS-2019 under "Citizenship Country."
Be sure you complete all required blocks (Blocks1 to 17).
Upon being granted entry into the United States, the CBP Inspector will stamp the bottom section of the Form I-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.
Getting to Albany, New York
The easiest way to get to Rensselaer is to fly into Albany International Airport (airport code ALB). Direct flights are available to Albany from New York City, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, and Washington, DC. Easy connecting flights are available from every other U.S. gateway airport. The airport is approximately 20 minutes from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute by taxi. Taxis are readily available outside of the airport terminal.
Reserve all of your flights at the same time. It is less expensive to reserve all of your flights at once than to purchase tickets when you arrive in the U.S. Be sure to reconfirm all flights and reservations before leaving your home country.
Premiere Express Shuttle Service
There is a shuttle bus service that will bring you from La Guardia Airport in New York City to the Albany International Airport, from which you can take a taxi to campus. The company that operates this service is called Premiere Express Shuttle Service. Advance reservations are required. For more information on baggage requirements or to make a reservation, please contact Premiere at 1(800) 515-6123 or visit their website:
Megabus
Megabus () provides a low-cost bus services from New York City to the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station. It is a double-decker motorcoach bus that has free wi-fi and panoramic windows. Megabus is very popular and can book-up quickly, so we recommend that you purchase your ticket as soon as possible. The Megabus departures are located at 10th Ave between 40th and 41st St.
Be aware that Megabus has strict rules for baggage:
will accept up to ONE (1) piece of luggage per passenger. This must not exceed 62 inches when adding the total exterior dimensions of the piece (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Passengers can also take on board ONE (1) small carry-on bag that will fit in the overhead storage compartments or under the seat. Please be advised that passengers wishing to travel with more luggage than specified above will have items refused.
Amtrak
Amtrak is a national train service that leaves from Penn Station and will take you to the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station. The Amtrak website is here:
Please note the following rules about baggage:
□ Three-Piece Limit: Each ticketed passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. Up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $10.00 per piece.
□ 50-Pound Limit: Each checked bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs. We will not accept heavier pieces.
□ Size Limit: Each checked bag may not exceed 36 x 36 x 36 inches in size.
□ Check-In Time: Check all baggage at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Allow additional time at larger stations, during busy travel, if you have special items or also need to obtain tickets. Baggage checked less than 30 minutes prior to departure may be delayed.
To Rensselaer’s Campus
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation to the RPI campus. Once you arrive in Albany, we recommend you take a taxi to campus. A taxi from the Albany International Airport or the Rensselaer Train Station to Rensselaer costs about $35. Carry a few extra dollars to tip the driver for your baggage.
Always verify the total cost of your taxi before you go anywhere. If traveling in a group, make sure that you are not being overcharged for each additional person. We have had students in the past who have been overcharged by certain transportation services. Do not let this happen to you!
Have the taxi take you to the Public Safety Office on 15th Street. You may leave your luggage there while you check in with ISSS Office or Residential Education Office. If you arrive after office hours, it is advisable to have your taxi take you to any of the nearby hotels for the night.
Checking-In with ISSS Staff
Checking-in with ISSS staff begins on Monday, January 14, 2013 and ends on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Please bring your passport with valid visa stamp, I-20 or DS-2010, and your I-94 card. You must check in during one of the following times:
Location: Academy Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 4226.
Monday, 1/14/2013- 9:00am-3:00pm
Tuesday, 1/15/2013 – Wednesday, 1/16/2013 – 9:00am-11:00am
Thursday, 1/17/2013 – 9:00am-3:00pm
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Please bring your passport with valid visa stamp, I-20 or DS-2010 and your I-94 card.
Orientation
All new international freshman and transfer students must attend either Freshman or Transfer Orientation. You will receive information from the Office of First Year Experience (FYE) regarding your specific orientation.
When you check in with the ISSS office, you will also receive a packet of information regarding a separate ISSS Immigration Orientation.
Helpful Hints
Do...
□ Ensure that you have access to at least one month’s worth of money for initial expenses. You should also bring some smaller US currency for food and taxi services upon arrival.
□ Seek advice from others who have visited the U.S. recently, or contact international students currently studying at Rensselaer, many of whom express their desire to help you as much as possible.
□ Bring pictures of your home and family.
□ Check in with the ISSS Office upon arrival.
□ Mark all your bags with your name and Rensselaer’s address.
□
Do not...
□ Bring electrical appliances. U.S. domestic voltage levels and outlets may not be compatible with those at home.
□ Bring food. Most foreign foods are available in specialty stores in this area or in New York City. Some foods cannot be brought into the U.S. legally.
□ Bring household items or bed linens, which are easily and inexpensively available in the U.S.
□
We wish you a safe journey to Rensselaer
and we look forward to meeting you!
Important Phone Numbers
International Services for Students and Scholars (518) 276-49666266
Undergraduate Admissions (518) 276-6216
First Year Experience (518) 276-6864
Residential Life Office & Dining (518) 276-6284
Bursar’s Office (518) 276-6610
Student Health Services (518) 276-6287
Rensselaer Public Safety (non-emergency) (518) 276-6656
Rensselaer Public Safety (emergency) (518) 276-6611
International Services for Students and Scholars
(518) 276-6266 fax (518) 276-4839
Undergraduate Admissions
(518) 276-6216 fax (518) 276-4072
First Year Experience
(518) 276-6864 fax (518) 276-4839
Residential Education Office & Dining
(518) 276-6284 fax (518) 276-6223
Bursar’s Office
(518) 276-6231 fax (518) 276-6180
Student Health Services
(518) 276-6287 fax (518) 276-4049
Rensselaer Public Safety
(518) 276-6611
CHECK NUMBERS
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Undergraduate Students
Pre-Arrival Information
and Travel Checklist
Graduate Students
| |
| |
International Services
for Students and Scholars | |
2012–2013Fall Spring 20167 | |
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( |Applying for a Visa |( | |
( |Pre- Arrival Checklist |( | |
( |Pre- Arrival Checklist |( | |
( |SEVIS |( | |
( |Applying for a Visa |( | |
( |Applying for a VisaSEVIS |( | |
( |Health Services |( | |
( |Health Services |( | |
( |Pre-Departure Planning |( | |
( |Pre-Departure Planning |( | |
( |Arriving in the United States |( | |
( |Arriving in the United States |( | |
( |Getting to RensselaerTRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS |( | |
( |Getting to RensselaerARRIVING AT IMMIGRATION CHECKPOINT IN U.S. |( | |
( |Check-In & Orientation |( | |
( |Helpful Hints |( | |
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