Welcome to the United States

Pre-arrival Information

• Essentials to Bring
• Temporary Accommodations

Once in the USA 

• Permanent Accommodations
• Health and Medical Insurance

Getting to Know Charlotte 

• School Information
• Automobiles

Pre-arrival Information

 Visa

The visa is issued and stamped in your passport by a U.S. consul outside the United States (http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html).  The visa is required for entry to the United States, and indicates your designated visa category and states status, e.g., H-1B or J-1. The visa has an expiration date and may be valid for one, two, or an unlimited number of (“multiple”) of entries.

 Items for Visa Application

You will need to present the following items to the nearest U.S consulate or embassy to your home country to obtain a visa to enter the United States. For more information on how to apply for a U.S visa and travel to the U.S, visit these links:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html

http://travel.state.gov

• UNCC Admissions Letter

• SEVIS generated I-20. Please sign your I-20 at the bottom of the page before presenting it for the interview.

• You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, DS-2019, which was provided to you by your program sponsor. (not sure if this is the document needed for I-20 or not, so this part may be redundant)

• A Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002. (not sure about this one either)

• Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment. You need to pay the SEVIS fee before you can be granted a visa interview.

• Documentation evidencing financial ability to meet expenses while in the U.S

• Passport valid at least six months into the future

• One (1) 2x2 photograph

• Form DS-156, “Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form” (Consular office may provide)

• Visa fee-currently $131 (Consular will advise of actual cost/fee)

• Any other documents required by the consular office

SEVIS Fee Form

SEVIS database receives, stores, and processes data submitted by schools for exchange visitors and dependents (J-1 and J-2). New fees for exchange visitors and schools went into effect on October 27, 2008. The new fees, which will fund the much anticipated program enhancements, are as follows:

Foreign citizens applying to become J exchange visitors pay the following SEVIS I-901 fee amounts:

I-901 F-1/M-1 visa applicants (full payment) $200 

I-901 Government visitor (no payment) $0

Who Must Pay the Fee?

Any J1 scholar and exchange student with Form DS-2019 issued for “Begin New Program”

F-2 and J-2 dependents are NOT required to pay the SEVIS fee.

How to Pay the SEVIS Fee and What are the Payment Options?

You must fill a Form I – 901 to make the payment. You may pay online at www.fmjfee.com with Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards or Debit cards (also known as check cards) that have the Visa or MasterCard logo; or

You may pay by mail with check or money order. Download the Form I – 901 from www.ice.gov/sevis/i901 and follow the instructions on the form to mail the payment to the right address.

Entry Into The United States: 30 Day Grace Period

The Department of Homeland Security regulation requires that all J exchange visitors, and J-2 spouse and dependents enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the applicant's program start date as shown on the Form DS-2019. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S. Immigration officers may deny you entry into the United States at your expense if you attempt to enter more that 30 days before your program start date. The 30-day limitation does not apply to current exchange participants who are returning to continue with their exchange program.

If you want an earlier entry in the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), you must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa, as explained below; however, this is strongly discouraged.

Essentials to Bring

 Documents

• Contact Information for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

• Contact Information of an individual at UNCC to contact in case of a travel delay or an emergency.

• Contact information of an emergency contact person in your home country.

• Contact information of your consulate in the United States

• Carry all essential identification papers and documents on your person or in your hand baggage. Do not place important documents in bags that you will check on the plane.

Money and Personal Effects

• Please bring some cash with you.

• Towels and toothbrush

• A set of clothing in case your checked luggage gets lost and does not arrive!

• Medication prescription-translated into English

Bring Memories of Home

• Remember to bring photos of family and friends with you!

Temporary Accommodations

If you arrive before on-campus housing is available or you plan on living off-campus and have not yet found a place, make sure you have some temporary housing. Here is a list of hotels in the Area:

Holiday Inn Charlotte University

Sleep Inn University Place

Candlewood Suites Charlotte University

Hampton Inn University 

Once in the USA

Orientation Information

Upon arrival to UNC Charlotte, you are asked to meet with staff in the International Student/Scholar Office who will provide you with orientation information based upon your specific needs and circumstances. 

PERMANENT ACCOMMODATIONS

On-Campus Housing

The University has temporary and short term apartments available on campus for visiting international faculty and researchers.  Arrangements for living in these apartments are made through your sponsoring academic department.

Costs of Off-Campus Housing

Apartment costs vary greatly.  A one bedroom apartment could cost anywhere from $500 - $1000 per month, depending on the location and level of luxury; a two or three bedroom apartment could range from $700 - $1200 a month.  Some rentals do not include utility costs (gas, heat and electricity).  This can run an additional $30 - $110 per month, depending on apartment size and your usage of energy.  Unless otherwise specified, most apartments are also unfurnished.

Locating Your Apartment

If you do not own a car, your transportation options  may include car-pooling, living near a Charlotte bus route, or living within walking distance of the university.   

The Best Apartment Finding Resources

• The ISSO has a list of off-campus apartment complexes near UNC Charlotte
• The Campus News or the University Times listing
• The Charlotte Observer, the local daily newspaper and bulletin boards on campus

  When determining the best place for your needs, keep in mind the following:

• Is it in a safe area?
• What are the conditions of the lease?
• If there is no lease, what are the conditions of tenancy?
• How much is the security deposit?  How and when is it returned?
• How do you arrange for repairs?
• How is the building secured?  Are the locks and doors secure?
• What provisions are made for fire safety?
• Is the apartment insured?
• What kind of heat is provided?  Is it included in the rent?  If not, how much will the monthly cost be on average?
• What utilities are included in the rent?
• Where are the nearest laundry facilities?  Stores?  Restaurants?
• Is it located near the school (s) you want your children to attend?

Health and Medical Insurance

In the US, each individual is responsible for paying the costs of his/her own medical care.  The cost of medical care is the fastest rising expense in the US today.  Medical insurance is an absolute necessity in the U.S.

There is a broad range of health care services in the local community.   Depending on your needs and your employee status at UNC Charlotte, some of these services might be provided by the university at no extra cost to you.  For other services, you may be required to pay a partial or full amount.  Do not wait until you become ill to learn about these services; learn where and how to get care before you are in a situation which requires medical attention. 

You and members of your family should have adequate health insurance coverage at all times.  Medical care is extremely expensive; do not take risks which could leave you permanently in debt to a hospital or physician.  Those health insurance plans which do not cover routine “check-ups”, eye glasses, or dental work will nonetheless cover partial payment for certain specific health problems. 

Health Insurance 

University

Health insurance through University Benefits Office: Those on J-1 and H-1B visa status with a faculty appointment for one academic year or more will generally receive health benefits provided by UNC Charlotte.   The benefits become effective on the first day of appointment for academic-year appointments.  An orientation conducted by Human Resources will explain health benefits in detail.

Those in J-1 and H-1B status who have appointments for less than one year or are being funded from a non-UNC Charlotte source, e.g., home government, are not eligible for university-sponsored health benefits, but they are required to have some sort of health coverage through an approved health insurance company.

International Underwriters

This provides short-term health insurance with a company whose plans are designated for participants in international education activities.  Forms are available in the ISSO.  Be sure to read them thoroughly before selecting an insurance plan appropriate for your needs. 

Independent Agents

Finally, you may purchase health insurance through an independent insurance agent.  Information can be found in the Yellow Pages under “Insurance”.  You should obtain a written description of the policy before purchasing.

Please refer to the International Faculty and Scholar Handbook for a complete list of healthcare providers and facilities.

Travel

If you travel outside the United States, be sure your documents are in order.  You must have a valid passport, valid visa and, depending on your visa type, the following additional documents for re-entry:

You may generally travel to and return from Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands on an expired visa if the travel is for less than 30 days.  Return travel from any other country requires a valid visa.

Note: In the case of some countries, Mexico will not issue a visa if your U.S. visa has expired.  We urge you not to attempt any travel outside the United States without checking with the ISSO to ensure that all necessary arrangements have been made.

Visits to Canada of Less than 30 Days’ Duration

Citizens of certain countries may visit Canada from the U.S. for less than 30 days without first obtaining a Canadian entry visa; this is, of course, conditional upon possession of proper U.S. immigration documents for reentry to this country.  The list of those countries whose citizens do not need visas for brief travel to Canada changes frequently.  Before making plans to travel to Canada, it is best to call the Canadian consulate in New York (212-586-2400) to check if you need a visa or access the Canadian consul on-line.  The address of the Canadian consulate in New York is: 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020.

When applying for an entry visa to Canada you must take or mail to the Canadian consulate your passport, I-94 and the following document or documents, as appropriate to your immigration status:  letter from department confirming current employment (for H-1B); I-20 (for F-1s);

DS-2019 form (J-1s).  You will also need to bring these documents with you when you travel to and from Canada.

Unless you fall into one of the “exception” categories below, you do not need a valid U.S. visa to return to the United States in a status previously authorized by DHS/USCIS, nor will you surrender your I-94 when you cross into Canada.

Exceptions:

• Individuals with the designation 212 (d)(3)(A)(28) on the visa need to see the international advisor at least 30 days before the intended trip for instructions on notifying to U.S. Department of State of the approximate date you intend to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate in Canada.

• Citizens of certain countries with whom the U.S. does not have friendly relations may be required to obtain a new visa before reentering from Canada.  In such cases, it may be risky to travel to Canada; you should speak with the staff of the ISSO before making travel plans.

Visits to Mexico and “Contiguous Islands”

Similar procedures apply when traveling to Mexico and “Contiguous Islands” as are outlined for travel to Canada.  Contact the ISSO for more information and addresses.

Departure Requirements at End of Stay

When you plan to leave the University at the end of your stay, other than, not for brief visits overseas, you must notify the ISSO of your forwarding address and date and method of departure.  If you are leaving the United States, you must also obtain a “sailing permit” from the Internal Revenue Service (see “Taxes” in the “Money Matters” section of this handbook.) 

J-2 Dependents

The J-2 dependent is subject to any limitations of the J-1 primary.  Therefore, if the J-1 principle is subject to the two-year home residency requirement, his or her dependents are also.  J-2s are eligible to apply to the USCIS for employment authorization.  If it can be demonstrated that the J-2 income will not go to help support the J-1 primary at all, but that there is a true economic necessity for additional money to pay for J-2 expenses, the application is likely to be approved.  Applications are available at the ISSO.

Getting to Know Charlotte

Charlotte offers many options in entertainment:  Sports, theater, music, recreation, restaurants, festivals, and shopping.  But first, let us tell you a little bit about our history, our people, our climate, and where we are located on the map.

History

About 250 years ago our Scots-Irish ancestors, traveling the Great Wagon Road from Philadelphia, stopped at the crossroads of two old Native American trading paths east of the Catawba River and there they built a settlement.  As their friends and neighbors joined them, the community grew to several hundred residents.  In 1768, the town was incorporated and named in honor of the wife of King George III, the reigning English monarch.  Local citizens honored Queen Charlotte again when they named their new county Mecklenburg after her German homeland.  The discovery of a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799 set in motion a proliferation of mines and an influx of prospectors, followed by the establishment of a branch of the U. S. Mint in 1837. The boom was short-lived, however, as "strike-it-richers" and other opportunists followed the call to California a few years later.  After gold's boom and bust, the cotton industry brought prosperity to the region, and with it came the railroads, later supplanted by the interstate highway system and our modern-day airport.

Population

As the center of the nation's fifth largest urban region, we are considered one of the South's and one of the Nation's premier cities.  Approximately 800,000 people reside within our borders.

Location

Our location in the sunny, moderate Central region of the "Tar Heel" state gives you unlimited accessibility.  Interstates 77 and 85 intersect in Charlotte and link the city with the Great Lakes region, New England, and Florida.  Interstate 40 runs coast-to-coast across the United States and is only an hour north of Charlotte.  A two-hour journey to the west takes you to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains; a three-and-a-half trip to the east, to Atlantic beaches.  And within an hour's drive east of the city are some of the world's best golf courses.

Charlotte "Fast" Facts - Charlotte has:   

• 28th largest school system

• Nation's number one pro-business attitude (Fortune Magazine)

• 500 Airline flights daily

• 23rd most active airport in the country

• $10.9 billion in retail sales

• Nation's 2nd largest banking center

• The Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Race (3rd largest attended sporting event in the U. S.)

• Charlotte Bobcats NBA Team (basketball)

• Carolina Panthers NFL Team (football)

• 6th largest trading area in the U. S.

• 6th largest wholesale center in the U. S.

• 5th largest urban region

• 26th largest city

• 8th largest economic growth by year 2000

Restaurants     

Charlotte has hundreds of restaurants which range from inexpensive to very expensive, American food to Vietnamese.  It would be difficult to list even a few of the most popular in town because for everyone this list is somewhat different.  However, a good resource guide for restaurants and other events in Charlotte is our weekly alternative paper, Creative Loafing.  The CL has a section called "good eats" which lists over one hundred restaurants in town by area of the city and gives a description of the type of cuisine they serve and approximate price guide.  A growing number of ethnic restaurants such as Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Spanish, Lebanese, Greek, Thai, Italian, German, and Korean have come to Charlotte to entice the palette.

Cinemas 

Charlotte has over a dozen cinemas where new releases play year round.  You can also check the Charlotte Observer each day for a complete listing of theaters, movies, and show times. Within a mile of the university is Eastern Federal Starlight Stadium 14, 11240 US 29 Highway, 704-503-0070.

Charlotte's Manor Theater is the only local cinema which shows foreign films and art house films regularly.  It is located near Uptown Charlotte.  Manor Theater, 609 Providence Road, 704-334-2727.

Theater Companies

These companies put on excellent quality performances throughout the year in a variety of venues.  Some of which are: Spirit Square, Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts, Central Piedmont Community College, and Ovens Auditorium.  Costs of these performances are generally inexpensive.

• Charlotte Repertory Theater                     704-333-8587

• Theater Charlotte                                      704-376-3777

• Children's Theater                                     704-333-8983

Parks

Charlotte and surrounding towns have many parks where you can have picnics, play sports, paddle boats, or take walks.  Some of the nearest are:

• Reedy Creek Park, Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC

• Frank Liske Park, Sough Road, Concord, NC

• McAlpine Greenway Park, 8711 Old Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC

• Freedom Park, East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC

• Latta Plantation Park, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC

Annual Festivals

Charlotte plays host to a number of annual events that attract visitors from all over the region. Some of the major ones are listed below:

• UNCC International Festival is an outdoor cultural festival with food, music, dance and more.  It takes place here on the UNC Charlotte campus in the fall of each year.

• Southern Christmas Show is an annual event held at the Merchandise Mart which showcases Christmas – theme inspired cooking, crafts, decorating and gift ideas.  It is usually held in the middle of November.

• Festival in the Park is an annual outdoor festival held in Freedom Park designed to promote and stimulate interest in the arts.  It is usually held in late September.

School Information for Children

Public Schools

Every city in the US is required to provide free public education through grade 12 to its resident children.  If you wish to enroll your children in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System follow the steps below:

1. Call the C/M Board of Education International Center at (980) 343-3784 and set up an appointment to enroll your child.

2. Bring the following documents with you:  proof of birth (birth certificate or passport); immunization record; transcript or official school record from your home country (official transcript is required for high school students, 15-18 years of age); results of any language proficiency tests if taken in the last six months; and proof of your US address (lease or utility bill). 

3. At the Center you will complete a registration form and your children will take a language proficiency test if they have not done so already.

Private Schools

Private schools vary according to affiliation (e.g., religious), location, cost, level (primary, secondary or high school).  You can find a listing of these in the yellow pages under “Schools”.  Enrollment procedures vary with each school so be sure to inquire about these when choosing which school would be best for your child.

Child Care Resources      

Daycare centers and private nursery schools (for preschool children) can be expensive.  Plan ahead and be certain to compare costs by calling several places; it is also advisable to consult with colleagues and neighbors to gain general knowledge about pre-school programs in your area.

There are basically six different kinds of child care:

1. Day care:  Full/part-time care for suitable for parents who work.  They are licensed by the State and, while unlicensed day care centers may not necessarily be of poor quality, you should check to see if the center is licensed.

2. Nursery schools are also licensed, but may meet different needs.  Some may offer flexible schedules or some may offer child care on a limited hour basis only.

3. Family day care is child care provided in a home other than the child’s own home.  Usually there is one adult caring for up to six children.

4. Playgroups are informal arrangements made by a group of families.  They usually operate in the families’ homes, with parents taking turns caring for the children, or hiring a teacher and sharing costs

5. Babysitting offers the advantage of taking place in the home, but can be costly.  Legal minimum wage requirements stipulate that if you plan to employ a sitter for more than 20 hours per week, you must pay at least $5.25 an hour, as well as FICA & Social Security.

6. After-school (or extended day) programs are provided by some public schools and day care centers.  These are offered to provide child care during late afternoons when parents are still at work.

• You may look up child care resources in the Yellow Pages under “Child Care Centers”.

Transportation

Charlotte Transit – Charmeck.org/departments/CATS – There is a regular bus service Monday through Sunday from UNC Charlotte to various destinations in Charlotte.  Bus schedules are available in ISSO. 

Automobiles

Purchasing a Car – When buying an automobile, you must receive the Certificate of Title and Bill of Sale.  You cannot register a car without these papers.  When selling an automobile these papers will be given to the buyer by you.

Vehicle Registration – The State of North Carolina requires all automobiles, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles be registered and insured at the time of purchase or transfer of title.  Written proof of ownership is required to obtain the license plate. To register your car you will need to present the following to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registration office:  title, registration card, and proof of insurance.  Registration and license plates are available at 4612 Hwy 49 in Harrisburg, telephone number 704-455-9517.

Driver's License – http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/drivingpublic/applying.html

The operation of an automobile without a valid driver's license is illegal and punishable by a fine and / or jail sentence.  An international driver's license (which is valid for 30 days) and a valid license from your home country are acceptable.  However, it is recommended that you obtain a North Carolina driver's license. 

To obtain a driver's license in North Carolina you must:

1. Present the following personal identification documents having the exact same spelling of your last name: passport, official letter from the university which provides the necessary information, and proof of residence.

2. Pass a written test

3. Pass a road (driving) test and a vision test

4. Provide proof of car insurance.  If you do not intend to have your own car, ask to sign the waiver form freeing you of the insurance obligation

5. Pay a fee of $4/year (duration is usually 5 or 8 years)

Driver's License Office Location

• Highway 29 near University Place, Charlotte            704-547-5786

• 2192 Kannapolis Highway, Concord                       704-782-7214

• 6016 Brookshire Blvd.  Charlotte                            704-392-3266

Automobile Insurance

An operator of an automobile in an accident may be responsible to pay for any injuries and damage.  If you own an automobile, it is required that you obtain liability insurance.  For a listing of insurance companies, see the yellow pages in the telephone directory.

Vehicle Safety / Accidents

All drivers and passengers in motor vehicles are required by law to wear seat belts at all times.  If stopped by a police officer while not wearing a seat belt you are subject to a $100.00 fine for the first offense.

In addition, all young children must be properly restrained using a special car seat or booster seat placed in the back seat of the automobile.  The required seats needed are determined by the child's age, height and weight.

It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the car.

An operator involved in any accident should seek skilled advice at once.  At the time of the accident, someone should be asked to telephone for police assistance.  The police will arrange for tow trucks and ambulances if needed.  At the very least, the police will require you to fill out a written report within five days following the accident.  Do not leave the scene of an accident until allowed to do so by the police officer.  Notify your insurance company immediately.