Passport to Scholars 2021

ROLLINS

PASSPORT ROLLINS COLLEGE An International Scholar’s Go-To Guide

PASSPORT PASSEPORT PASAPORTE

Rollins College Type

FOX

Location

Year Founded

Winter Park, FL

1885

Surname

Rollins Fox Location

Hiding Around Campus Date of birth

November 4, 1885 Date of issue

2021

Date of expiration

2027

Mission Statement Rollins College educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers. We are committed to the liberal arts ethos and guided by its values and ideals. Our guiding principles are excellence, innovation, and community.

Rollins is a comprehensive liberal arts college. Rollins is nationally recognized for its distinctive undergraduate and selected graduate programs. We provide opportunities to explore diverse intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic traditions. We are dedicated to scholarship, academic achievement, creative accomplishment, cultural enrichment, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. We value excellence in teaching and rigorous, transformative education in a healthy, responsive, and inclusive environment.

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Table of Contents Obtaining Your Visa Review your Form DS-2019 Pay SEVIS fee Schedule appointment at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Planning Your Arrival Two-Year Home Residency Requirement What to bring Choosing your arrival date Hotel information if arriving without local housing arranged Financial Arrangement Estimated expenses Housing Health insurance Entering the United States Immigration & Customs Transportation from airport to campus

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Orientation 14 Arranging orientation date and time Topics to be covered What to bring to orientation Arrival Checklist

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DEAR SCHOLAR Welcome to our international student & scholar community. The Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISSS) is available to assist you during your initial transition and in the months to come.

The office acts as a resource center for students, faculty and administrators by encouraging and supporting the enrollment of international students and scholars. The college is committed to international education and to working with the community to achieve the goal of internationalizing Rollins.

Enclosed is your Form DS-2019, needed to acquire a scholar visa which will permit you to enter the United States as a Rollins scholar in the category specified on your form. Please read the form carefully and notify the office immediately if anything is inaccurate.

This Passport to Rollins has been prepared to assist you in planning your arrival. Please be sure to read the following pages for important information related to obtaining your scholar visa and preparing for life in Orlando and at Rollins.

You are required to complete a Scholar Orientation with our office. Once your arrival date has been arranged, we will set your orientation date.

We look forward to welcoming you to the U.S. and assisting as you learn your way around the college and the Orlando area. If you have any concerns, please contact us by telephone at 407-691-1158; or email oisss@rollins.edu.

Congratulations! See you soon!

Exchange Visitor Program You have been sponsored for your scholar visa under the Exchange Visitor Program. The U.S. Department of State administers the Exchange Visitor Program under the provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended. The Act promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange. The Exchange Visitor Program provides foreign nationals opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the United States with the expectation that on completion of their exchange program, they will return home to share their experiences.

Exchange Visitor Program U.S. Department of State, Office of Designation Academic and Government Programs Division ECA/EC/D, SA-44 301 4th Street SW, Room 668 Washington, DC 20547-4406 Tel: 202-632-6445 Fax: 202-632-270X eca.state.gov Email:jvisas@state.gov

What You Need to Know!

Do NOT enter the U.S. on a visitor’s visa or under the Visa Waiver Program.

Use only the DS-2019 issued by the school where you plan to attend!

The DS-2019 is very important–Do NOT lose it!

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Obtaining Your Visa 1

Review your Form DS-2019 •

Make sure all information printed is correct.

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Read printed instructions on the back of form and sign.

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Note that you have been given a reporting date, that is based on your program start date. This is the date by which you should enter the U.S. with your DS-2019.

•

You are allowed to enter up to 30 days prior to this date.

If you discover an error on the form, contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Services by phone or email.

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Pay your SEVIS fee (Form I-901)

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Schedule Visa appointment

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5

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Instruction packet will be emailed with your Form DS-2019.

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It is best to apply for a U.S. visa in your country of citizenship or residence.

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Contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for scheduling procedures and processing times.

Gather required documents for the visa application: •

Valid passport

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Form DS-2019

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SEVIS fee payment receipt

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Rollins invitation letter

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Financial documentation

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You may apply for a J-1 non-immigrant visa here.

Remember: •

If you have a Form DS-2019, you will apply for a J-1 visa.

•

If you have a spouse and/or children, they may apply for the J-2 dependent visa.

Planning Your Arrival Two-year home residency requirement: Pursuant to the Immigration and Naturalization Act, § 212(e); 22 CFR, exchange visitors may be subject to a two-year home country residence requirement in which they must “reside and be physically present” in their “home” country for an aggregate of two years before being eligible for certain immigration benefits. While they are subject to 212(e), aliens are ineligible for the following benefits: INA § 212(e); 22 C.F.R. 1.

An immigrant visa or adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (immigrant/green card) status;

2.

An H visa (temporary workers and dependents), an L visa (intracompany transferees and dependents), or a K visa (fiancé and dependents);

3.

To change their non-immigrant status within the United States from J to any other non-immigrant category except A (diplomatic), G (international organization), or U (victims of qualifying criminal activity) statuses.

Which exchange visitors are subject to 212(e)?

Not all exchange visitors are subject to the two-year home residence requirement. There are three grounds on which an exchange visitor can become subject: •

If the exchange visitor’s participation in an exchange program was financed, directly or indirectly, by the United States government or a foreign government for the purpose of exchange;

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If the skills that the exchange visitor is coming to develop or exercise are in a field which the exchange visitor’s “home” government requested be included on the State Department Exchange Visitor skills list;

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The exchange visitor comes to the United States to receive “graduate medical education or training.”

An exchange visitor who falls into one of these groups will continue to be subject, even if funding or field of study changes. If the principal J-1 exchange visitor is subject to the two-year residence requirement, all dependents who enter the United States in J-2 status are subject to it as well.

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What to Bring: •

Clothes for layering, as it is very hot in summer and chilly in winter

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Raincoats, umbrellas, rain boots

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Bed linens and bath/beach towels

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U.S. currency-small bills and coins are recommended

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Extra contact lenses, eyeglasses, items that remind you of home

While the list available here is focused on student life, you may wish to visit Residential Life & Explorations website.

Please note: •

Rollins College is located within a quick taxi ride to a few shopping malls.

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Mobile device purchases can be made upon arrival.

Choosing Your Arrival Date

The program start date on your Form DS-2109 was based on your Form DS-2019 Request Form completed by the sponsoring department. You are required to enter the U.S. by the program start date. However, you may enter as early as 30 days prior to the date.

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Please notify us by email of your planned arrival date and time.

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If you arriving before you have arrived local housing, you will need to make hotel arrangements.

For hotels, visit: bit.ly/RC-local-lodging

Financial Arrangements Financial Arrangements

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Please be sure to have reviewed your invitation letter issued by your sponsoring department. You should be clear about whether or not you have been offered any financial support (salary, stipend, in-kind support such as housing, insurance, etc.) from Rollins College. If you will receive some financial support, please be certain about what the support covers and includes.

If you are being sponsored by yourself or another organization, please be sure to have access to funds as soon as possible so that you can support yourself upon arrival. You should expect that the cost of living in Orlando may differ from your home country. It is required that you have finances to support a minimum of $2260/month for yourself. Scholars should use the Living Wage Calculator to calculate the estimate of expenses for a spouse or dependent children.

Scholars are advised to bring at least $1,500-$2000 in Travelers Checks or have access to a bank account from home, to cover miscellaneous settling in costs.

Do not bring large sums of cash with you and do not send cash through the mail.

Housing Scholars are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of their program. Some scholars may have access to college housing, depending on availability. Scholars should work with their sponsoring department to arrange college housing, if available. If college housing is not available, it is recommended that scholars consider a temporary housing arrangement for their immediate needs while they explore the community and available housing options upon arrival. Housing costs can vary greatly depending on the size of the accommodations. A room can be rented for as low as $800/month.

This would be a room in a shared house, not an apartment. The average onebedroom apartment rate is $1200-1400/month. The estimated $2260/month financing required should accommodate these living expenses, plus food, transportation, and personal expenses on a conservative budget.

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Health Insurance

Please note that ALL international scholars and their dependents are required to show proof of health insurance throughout their entire program. Depending on your sponsorship offer by your sponsoring department, you may or may not be offered health insurance as part of your compensation package. If you will have insurance protection offered by Rollins College, please be sure that you confirm this with Human Resources. If you have not been offered insurance protection as part of your sponsorship, you will need to purchase your own policy that meets the following requirements as determined by the U.S. Department of State: A. Minimum Insurance Coverage Insurance shall cover: (1) medical benefits of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness; (2) repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000; and (3) expenses associated with medical evaluation in the amount of $50,000.

B. Additional Terms A policy secured to fulfill the insurance requirements shall not have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness, and must meet other standards specified in the regulations.

C. Maintenance of Insurance Willful failure on your part to maintain the required insurance throughout your stay in the United States will result in the termination of your exchange program.

We advise all scholars to get medical, dental, and vision checkups before departing for the U.S.

A list of insurance companies that can provide an insurance policy that meets the above requirements will be sent with your Form DS-2019. The premiums will vary by provider.

Entering the U.S. Immigration & Customs What to carry with you when traveling to the U.S •

Passport

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Rollins invitation letter

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Rollins contact phone numbers OISSS: 407-691-1158 Campus Safety: 407-646-2999

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Form DS-2019

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Proof of SEVIS fee payment

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Copies of your financial support documentation

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This Passport to Rollins document with important travel information

What to expect?

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Your passport, DS-2019, and luggage will be inspected. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will stamp your passport and return it to you.

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You will receive a notice advising you of how you can print your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which will be required for submission to various other government agencies.

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Please visit cbp.gov/i94 to verify that your entry was entered correctly with a classification of J-1 and an expiration of D/S.

Your passport will be stamped with your date of entry and entry classification of J-1 and D/S meaning duration of status. Make sure that the passport is stamped correctly before leaving the officer’s desk.

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After clearing Customs

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Transportation from Airport to Campus •

After your luggage has been inspected at Customs, you can proceed to ground transportation.

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It is recommended that you hire a taxi or car service.

Below are some taxi and car service companies that can provide service:

Taxi Service Phone Number Est. Price to Rollins Yellow/City Cab 407-422-2222 $44-48 Car Service Phone Number Standard Transportation 407-721-8013 Incorporated

Est. Price to Rollins $55

Contact a car service in advance to make a reservation and provide flight arrival information.

Orientation Rollins College hosts a mandatory International Scholar Orientation for all new scholars.

As a new international scholar at Rollins, you represent a unique and treasured new addition to our community. In order to provide you with the tools and information necessary for a successful transition to the U.S., Florida, and Rollins, we provide this special orientation which focuses on the issues that are particular to international scholars.

International Scholar Orientation date: Once you have determined your arrival date, please arrange your orientation with the office. Orientation will take about 2-3 hours.

Topics to be covered: •

Understanding your immigration status and responsibilities

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Getting started in the U.S. (social security numbers, driver’s licenses, bank accounts)

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Health insurance and health care

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Understanding your employment eligibility in the U.S.

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Campus Safety and legal rights & responsibilities

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Life at Rollins and beyond

What to bring to Orientation for your check-in process: •

Passport

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Form DS-2019

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Notepad and pen

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Further information on the topics that will be covered can be reviewed in advance at our website: rollins. edu/int-students Cultural Programming

The Office of International Student & Scholar Services provides a variety of social and cultural programs during the academic year. These programs are meant to introduce the international student and scholar community to the history, culture, and experiences of central Florida. In addition, the programs may provide the opportunity to share your country, culture, and worldview with your host community. Scholars and their families are welcome to join all events.

The programs will be advertised via our website and social media.

Arrival Checklist Prior to Your Arrival at Rollins: Check passport expiration date. It should be valid for at least six months after entering the U.S. Obtain Form DS-2019 and apply for J-1 visa.

Email the office (oisss@rollins.edu) with date and time of arrival in Orlando.

Have directions from the airport to Rollins with you.

Directions are available at rollins.edu/map Make and confirm housing arrangements.

Know your financial arrangements-DO NOT CARRY a lot of cash; bring $300-500 in U.S. dollars for immediate use before opening a bank account. You may wish to have lower denomination bills and coins for taxi or phone use.

Make copies of immigration documents; leave one set of copies with your family and pack a set of copies in your luggage.

Pack your passport, original DS-2019, and a set of financial documents in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked luggage.

Buy necessities for your apartment.

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Upon Arrival at Rollins:

Open bank account with a local bank. Information on this procedure will be provided at Orientation.

Visit the Office of Human Resources for hiring paperwork to be completed, if applicable.

Confirm your arrangements with OISSS for your orientation.

NOTES:

Office of International Student & Scholar Services 1000 Holt Ave. – 2759, Winter Park FL 32789 rollins.edu