J1 Visa

Celebrating Christmas as an Exchange Student in the USA

December 12, 2018 by Chiranth Nataraj

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year. For many, it is a time to spend with family and friends, eat great food, and exchange gifts. However, for an international student studying in the United States, Christmas can be difficult. Plane ticket prices are high, so many students opt to spend their holiday away from their respective countries. However, there are ways to brighten the holiday up if you are an international student.

christmas

Find Out How Americans Celebrate Christmas

As you discover how Americans celebrate Christmas, it may surprise you to find out that many of the Christmas traditions in the U.S. are not much different from those in your native country. You will notice that Americans enjoy preparing food and gathering with family and friends for their Christmas dinner. Some attend church on Christmas Eve while others prefer to stay home. Decorations for Christmas trees and homes are a tradition as is baking cookies.

Staying on Campus

Although many international students go home for Christmas, there are students just like you who remain on campus for Christmas. Perhaps it is time to get together with some fellow students on campus and enjoy this time together? Chances are they are as confused as you are regarding the holiday so why not reach out to them and plan a fun time. Many universities plan Christmas events for students remaining on campus for Christmas so check to see if your school has anything planned. Take the initiative and schedule a Christmas dinner or party for other students staying on campus. Each person can prepare a dish or share a Christmas tradition. Enjoying each other’s company will help in easing the loneliness felt by being away from home.

Take a Christmas Trip

This Christmas could be the perfect time to visit a place you have always wanted to go. A fun trip is an ideal way to spend a memorable Christmas while staying too busy to be homesick. A snowy ski resort, shopping in a major city like New York, or even lying on a beach are all great ways to spend your Christmas away from home. No matter which destination you choose, chances are you will find festive celebrations and good times all over the country.

Go Home With a Friend

As you attend a university, remember that it is the ideal time to make friends with other international and native students. There may be an invitation to spend Christmas with a friend’s family. This invitation is an opportunity to experience new cultural traditions. Not to mention an incredible experience for an international student who has never celebrated Christmas.

Help Someone in Need

Spending Christmas away from home is lonely, and so is spending Christmas on the streets. Life is challenging for the homeless in America and this time of the year only magnifies feelings of isolation and despair. Volunteering this Christmas by helping those who are less fortunate is a fantastic way to spread the spirit of Christmas to all. Food and a place to sleep is something many of us take for granted, but for the homeless, it is the best gift they can receive. Just a few hours of your time could make a person’s entire year. Check in with your local community shelters for information about ways to help the less fortunate this Christmas.

Take Care of Yourself

As an international exchange student, you may find yourself in need of help. The last thing you want to do for your first Christmas abroad is to get sick. Not only will an illness put a stop to your fun time, but it may also cause financial strain. However, if you do become ill, exchange scholar health insurance can help you. J visa insurance provides illness and accident expense protection, can help you locate a doctor, and can pay for the treatment. Check out and be aware of what your health insurance policy covers.

Christmas is coming, and hopefully, your Christmas away from home will be unique. Whether you choose to stay on campus celebrating with friends, take that dream trip, or help those who desperately need help, make this holiday a memorable one. Merry Christmas!

Social Security Numbers for J-1 Visa holders

November 21, 2018 by Chiranth Nataraj

Visas are legal documents that serve to indicate that a person is authorized to enter the issuing country. This fundamental document allows people to travel to a specified area for a specified amount of time. The J-1 is a non-immigrant visa that U.S. immigration uses to allow exchange visitors to participate in science, art, and educational exchange programs. According to the rules of the program, applicants must fulfil eligibility criteria and obtain sponsorship from either a government program or any private sector organization. For those who will receive compensation from their U.S. host organization, a Social Security Number (SSN) is a requirement.

The Need For A Social Security Number
If you plan on receiving compensation by your U.S. host organization, you will need an SSN. The reason is that you will pay taxes on all of the income you earn in the U.S. as a J-1 trainee or intern. The card serves many purposes including employment eligibility. Your employment eligibility verification takes place when your host organization enrolls you into their payroll system. Even if the program is unpaid, an SSN is excellent to have because the SSN may be a requirement to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or to make a large purchase. Be sure to speak with your host organization in advance to determine if they require an SSN.

Applying For Your Card
There are instructions for applying for your SSN on the Social Security Administration website. You must go to a local Social Security office and apply in person for your Social Security number. The process is straightforward, and the office can assist you with any questions that you may ask of them. Although it is a simple process, it can take two weeks so plan accordingly. The following steps are required to obtain an SSN:

1. Validation of a visa is a requirement for getting an SSN. Upon arrival to the U.S., participants must submit a U.S. residential address.
2. Go to a local Social Security office with the required documentation to apply. The following are required documents:
• Form SS-5. The SSN application form is available here.
• Form DS-2019
• Letter of sponsorship
• I-94 Record
• Passport with J-1 visa
• Form DS-7002
• Offer letter from the host company
3. Wait for SSN processing which may take up to two weeks. The agency will mail the card to the residential address provided. Your host organization can add you to their payroll without an SSN. A participant can show a receipt of having applied for a card, or the host organization can provide a temporary number for the payroll until the number arrives. An individual must submit their SSN to their host organization as soon as it comes.

Social Security Card Type
Social Security offers three types of cards. You will receive the number two card that is valid for work only with DHS authorization. This particular card is for people with temporary admittance to the U.S. for employment. If you feel that the card you receive is incorrect, contact your visa sponsor and go to a local Social Security office to correct the problem. If you have an SSN from prior work experience, know that it is a lifelong number and you do not need to apply for a new SSN.

J Visa Medical Insurance
As you prepare for your work experience, remember that you are required to purchase medical insurance for your visit. J visa insurance plans meet the requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of State. You can buy exchange visitors insurance for five days up to one year at a time. This insurance will keep you compliant with J-1 visa requirements and may cover:
• Emergency medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Prescription drugs
• Return of mortal remains

Protect Your Identity
It is vital to keep your number safe. Remember there is a connection between your number and your tax information, payroll information, bank account, driver’s license, and other sensitive information. Identity theft is common, and people steal numbers to use identities to engage in criminal activity. The American Immigration Council will not need to know your information for any reason, and neither do most people. Protecting your information is your responsibility.

Know the Difference Between Travel Insurance Types Before Traveling Abroad

June 29, 2017 by Chiranth Nataraj

Having the right type of insurance when heading on a trip abroad can mean the difference between traveling with confidence and worrying about potential costly expenses. But there are many types of policies available, so how can you know how each type differs and which is right for your needs? It is important to understand the differences between trip insurance, travel insurance, and global medical insurance before planning your next international trip.

Travel Insurance Types

Trip Insurance: Trip insurance helps cover the expenses related to a trip in the event that something unexpected happens. For instance, let’s say you miss a connecting flight to your end destination because your original flight was delayed. After all, less than 80% of flights in 2017 depart on time. Then because you miss your flights, you wind up missing a night or more of hotel expenses that you have already paid for. Trip insurance can help recoup that.

Or imagine that you have a cruise planned, but the cruise is cancelled due to a hurricane. Again, trip insurance can save the day by allowing you to recover the costs of the cruise tickets and related expenses. Considering that the average cost of a cruise starts at $50 per person per day, that is a significant amount to save.

Travel Medical Insurance: Like a trip insurance plan, a travel medical insurance plan is designed to save you from potentially exorbitant costs during a trip. But rather than focusing on the cost of travel itself, a travel medical insurance plan focuses on the cost of healthcare should medical needs arise on a trip.

While you may have a comprehensive medical insurance plan in your country, there is no guarantee that the plan will be honored in other countries. In fact there is a very good chance that it will not. And if it is not, then you could be faced with hundreds of dollars in medical expenses on the low end, and thousands on the high end. If your medical treatment requires you being sent back to the United States, the cost of medical evacuation could be $50,000.

If that is a risk you are not comfortable taking, then travel medical insurance is an investment you will likely want to make.

Global Medical Insurance: How then does a global medical insurance plan differ from a travel medical insurance program? After all, both are created to help cover medical costs while you are overseas. The big difference though is that while a travel medical insurance policy is designed to protect you while you are temporarily traveling (perhaps for work or business) the global medical insurance policy was designed with the expatriate in mind.
So if you are living abroad or staying abroad for a long period of time, this is the type of insurance policy you will want to look into. This means that not only will you be able to obtain affordable medical care in the event of an emergency while living abroad, you will also be able to enjoy in your home country as well.

Preventative care like periodic checkups are covered under this type of plan. Dental care, prescription medication, and maternity-related care are other examples of non-emergency needs covered by a global medical insurance plan.
This plan type will help ensure that you can maintain good health while living abroad.

Even though these three types of coverage have very similar names, the truth is they are very different in regards to what types of coverage they provide. In order to understand which one is the best fit for your unique needs as a traveler, you will need to ask yourself questions such as:

How long am I traveling abroad for – short or long term?
Do I have an insurance policy that already covers me in the country I am visiting?
Am I seeking a policy that covers me for medical emergencies only, or I am looking to secure a plan that offers coverage for preventative procedures, regular office visits, prescriptions, and more.

These are just a few of the considerations to keep in mind. If you begin thinking about which type of insurance policy you need by answering these simple questions, you will find it easier to reach your decision. Remember, making an educated purchase of the right type of travel insurance will save you money in the long run!

US Taxes: What J1 Visa Holders Need to Know

May 17, 2017 by Chiranth Nataraj

J1 visa holders – it’s tax time. If you are on a J1 visa in the US you need to know a few things about US taxes. Many people are unaware that there are tax obligations associated with the J1 visa. Find out more about the tax process and what you need to file so you don’t get caught out.

Do I Need to File for Taxes as a J1 Visa Holder?

The short answer is yes. As a J1 visa holder you are classed as a non-resident alien. This is for tax purposes, and doesn’t relate in this case to your immigration status. Non-resident aliens in the US must pay the right federal, state, and local taxes.

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In order to pay tax you need to file an income tax report once a year, when it is due, with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is the agency in the US that collects and monitors tax. If you need more information relating to the tax you pay as a non-resident alien, or whether you are entitled to any exemptions, the IRS should be your first visit. There is a comprehensive IRS website that aims to answer any questions you have.
Forms You Need as a J1 Visa Holder

There are many IRS forms for many different purposes. The problem is knowing which forms to use at which time. If you have a doubt, contact the IRS but the forms that you will need to complete will usually be the 1040NR or the 1040NR-EZ (US Non-Resident Alien Income Tax Return). The EZ form is the short version of the longer form, and you should find out which version you need to fill out.

What About Other Forms?

In order to file your tax return you will need to see your W-2 form. This is a list of the income you have earned in the US for the current year. The organization organizing your J1 visa should automatically provide you with this form. If you don’t receive it, ask for it. In other cases you will need the form 1042-S, too.

If you are from a country that participates in a Tax Treaty with the United States you may need to include this information on the form when you file your taxes. This is because the tax rate may be different if you are from one of these countries.

In addition, you will need to file a State Income Tax return. The form you need for this will obviously depend on the state you live in.

Do I Need to File Taxes When I Did Not Earn Anything?

In many cases, people in the US as exchange visitors do not participate in paid employment and as such do not earn any income in the US. If this is the case, you still need to file for taxes. It is not permitted to not file, even when you earn nothing. You will need to file Form 8843, which is the Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals With a Medical Condition.

Filing Taxes for J2 Dependents

The J2 visa holder must also file a return. This is the case even if the J2 visa holder has not earned any income. The same forms apply for the J2 visa holder as apply for J1.
Making Payments to the IRS, and Getting Refunds

You pay the taxes due to the IRS at the time stated. If you miss this deadline, or you have underpaid the total amount of taxes then you will need to pay extra money to the IRS. This can be completed online with a card.
Sometimes you will have paid too much money to the IRS. In this case, you are entitled to a tax refund. When you file your taxes online it is simple to check the status of the tax refund and find out when it is due to be paid, and how much it is.

Problems Filing a Tax Return?

If you are outside of the US or you cannot make the deadline for filing your tax return you can apply for an extension, although you are not automatically granted an extension. You must file a tax return every year you have non-resident status. If the IRS gets your W-2 form but cannot find the tax return to go with it, they will assume you are failing to report taxes. You will be issued with penalties on any unpaid tax.
If you are having any issues with filing your taxes or with understanding which forms you need to fill out, consult a local tax professional who has experience dealing with J1 and J2 visa issues.

Working in the U.S. while on J1 Visa

January 4, 2016 by Chiranth Nataraj

If you want to work in the United States, but live in another country, you will need a special Visa. There are many Visas available for working in the U.S. One of them is the Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa. This visa is only for people who are seeking to not only work in America, but also study in the country.

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More about the J1 Visa
Working and studying in the U.S. under a J1 Visa means that you are part of an academic program. This program provides education and training that is not offered in the country where you reside. For example, if you want to learn how to fly a plane, but your country does not provide that training, you can come to the U.S. for that instruction under a J1 Visa.

While in the U.S., students can work to develop their new skills. After the completion of the program, students must return to their home country. They must stay there for at least two years before they can apply for permanent residence in the U.S.

Qualifying for the J1 Visa
The J1 Visa is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). There are specific requirements of the INA to be able to get the J1 Visa. Only the consulate will be able to determine if someone is qualified for the visa. Usually, they have to fall into these criterion:

Plan to be in the U.S. temporarily
Able to afford expenses in the country
Ties to the home country to ensure they will return to it after they complete the program

Documents will need to be provided to ensure those interested meet all of the criteria. Usually, the consular officer at the U.S. embassy in the country of origin will be able to help with the verification process. He will be able to tell you exactly what you need and how to get what you need. The most important thing is to enter into a program that is supported by the U.S. If it is not, you will not be able to enter into the country or get a J1 Visa.

To get the J1 Visa, you have to be part of the Exchange Visitor Program. This program is part of the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, which is the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs part of the government. You can learn more about them on their website.

Organizations Sponsoring a J1 Visa
Many organizations in the United States are sponsoring exchange programs for those interested in training. Some of these are:

North Carolina State University
Mastercard
Tesla Motors Inc.
The Humane League

There are thousands more you can work with depending on the job you would like to train for and work. There is a J1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website that allows you to choose from many different jobs, such as:

Au Pair
Camp Counselor
College and University Student
Government Visitor
Intern
International Visitor
Physician
Professor and Research Scholar
Secondary School Student
Short-Term Scholar
Specialist
Summer Work Travel
Teacher
Trainee

After choosing one of these roles, you can see a list of organizations/programs offering them. The next step is to contact them to see how to get started with enrolling in the program.

Final Words of Encouragement

As you are going through the process of getting your J1 Visa, remember to have patience. It’s usually not a quick and easy process. The U.S. has to make sure the program is included, and that you are who you say you are, so the country doesn’t put itself at risk. While no one is saying you are trying to harm Americans, others have done this in the past, and that has become a concern when allowing people into the country.

The good news is that you do have this opportunity. Just because you live in a country that doesn’t provide you the possibilities you want and need, it doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your dreams. The U.S. is the land of opportunity, and while you may need to take some extra steps to take advantage of them, it’s worth it. It’s a great way to get the knowledge and skills you need to not only set you up with a good future for yourself, but for your country as well. In addition, if you find that you enjoy America, you can become a permanent resident after two years of working in your country.

Consider the J1 Visa and then see about getting the training you need in the U.S. It may just be the best decision for your life.