prattmwp international i-20 guide booklet 2011-2012

International Student Guide

Booklet

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What international students need to do to study in the U.S. at PrattMWP *Please read all instructions carefully before beginning this process.

Step 1. You must first apply and get accepted to PrattMWP. You will get an accept letter by postal mail and by e-mail.

Step 2. You will need to pay the $200 tuition deposit to PrattMWP, if you have not already done so. You can do this over the phone by calling (315) 797-0000, extension 2285, using VISA, MasterCard or American Express.

Step 3. You will need to send PrattMWP documents (see following page for checklist of documents) in order for us to issue you an I-20 Form.

Step 4. You will need two original copies of all financial documents. One copy to send to PrattMWP in order to receive your I-20 Form. You will need the second copy to bring with you for your interview with the U.S. Consulate (see step 6).

Step 5. We generate an I-20 for you and mail it to you via FedEx or UPS.

Step 6. After you receive the I-20, go on-line at www.fmjfee.com and pay the $200 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor System) fee. SEVIS is the web-based management system of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. If you’ve applied to and received I-20s from more than one school, you can only pay the SEVIS fee for ONE school, therefore this is when you choose at which college you will study within the United States. You must do this at least three days before your visa interview with the U.S. Consulate.

Step 7. You will need to make an appointment with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an entrance visa into the United States. For information on the documents you need during your interview please see the “Visa Interview” page.

This appointment cannot be any sooner than four months before the school start date. For PrattMWP the earliest date that you may make an appointment would be April 25, 2011. For the location nearest you please visit the website: www.usembassy.gov. No matter when you get this visa, you cannot enter the U.S. until 30 days before the first day of Orientation. For PrattMWP you cannot enter the U.S. before July 26, 2011, as Fall 2011 Orientation starts on August 25, 2011.

Step 8. When you are on the plane coming to the U.S. you will be asked to fill out an I-94 card. This is where the customs official will declare your status when you enter the U.S. For this reason, bring your I-20, visa and all necessary documents (see checklist page 2) with you on the plane and not in your suitcase. Please review your I-94 card and make sure the status you’ve been given is F-1 before you leave the airport.

Step 9. When you arrive at PrattMWP, please check in with the International Student Advisor in the Admissions Office.

Fall 2011- Spring 2012

INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW

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F-1 students____________________________

You will need an I-20 Form in order to apply for the F-1 visa. You must complete the following steps in order to be considered for the I-20 Form. We have included a check list of these steps (to your right) for your convenience. We recommend you send your documents by express mail so that you can track your package. Your I-20 will be sent to you by UPS or FedEx. You will be notified of your tracking number by e-mail, so that you can track your package.

Once you receive your I-20 Form from us, you must pay a SEVIS fee of $200 directly to the U.S. SEVIS department at www.fmjfee.com. This fee must be paid before making your visa appointment at the nearest Embassy or Consulate. Most Embassies require a visa interview.

Important Note: It is important that you apply for the F-1 student visa and not enter on the B-1/B-2 (business/tourist) visa. As of April 12, 2002, B-1/B-2 visa holders are not allowed to register for a full-time course of study.

I-20 Request Checklist Steps______________

1. Biographical Information (page 3) 2. Student Classification (page 4) 3. Certification of Funds (page 6) 4. Affidavit of Support (page 7) 5. Financial Statement Documents (page

8) 6. Copy of your passport picture and

expiration page Passports must be valid at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S.

7. Official TOEFL score*

*If you already submitted an official TOEFL score with your Admissions documents, you do not need to send it again.

Transfer Students_______________________ If you have attended another college or high school in the United States within the last five months of the start date at PrattMWP or if you currently have a nonimmigrant visa status in the U.S., you are a transfer student. You are transferring your international visa to our school. This applies even if you have returned to your home country within this time. Please complete the I-20 Form request and the F-1 Transfer Certification. I-20 Request Checklist for Transfer students_

1. All documents from the I-20 Request Checklist

2. Copy of visa and both sides of I -94 card (if in the U.S.)

3. F-1 Transfer Certification Form


INSTRUCTIONS ALL VISA CLASSIFICATIONS

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Male Female

Family Name_______________ __ ___First___ _____ _______Middle______ ___ __ __ As shown on passport

Date of Birth (month/day/year)_ _____________________________________________________________

Social Security # (if available)___ __________________________________________________________ PrattMWP ID (if known)_______ __________________________________________________________ Citizenship Country_______ ______________________________________________________________ Residence Country_____________________ _________________________________________________ Birth City____________ _________________________________________________________________ Birth Country_________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ Home Country Address (Required)___________ ______________________________________________ Street Address_____________________________ ____________________________________________ City___________________ __ ___Province/Territory____ _______ _____ Postal Code____ ________ Country_________________ _ Foreign Phone Number_________ _ _ _ _ Email____________________________________________________________________________________________________ United States Address (if applicable)______ __________________________________________ __ Street_________________________ _________ _ City State Postal Code Phone Number____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address to Send my I-20 to:___ U.S. Address Home__ ___Home Country Address _ _ __Address Below _ Address_______________________________________ _________________________________ ______ City___________________ ___State/Province/Territory________________ ______Postal Code____ _ ___ Country________________________________________________________________ ______________ Phone Number (required for FedEx)____________________ _______Email___________________ _____


BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

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Please check all that apply.

1. A. I am currently on an: F-1 visa Other visa________________

B. I will apply for a F-1 visa Other visa________________ C. If presently in the United States, please answer the following questions. Admission number (11 digit number on the I-94 card) _________________________ Attach a photocopy of both sides of your I-94 card to this application. D. Do you plan to leave the U.S. before beginning PrattMWP? Yes No If yes, please indicate your dates of anticipated travel outside the U.S. Departure date (month/day/year)___________________________________________________ Return Date (month/day/year)_____________________________________________________

2. Are you currently attending another U.S. institution or on Post Completion Practical Training and transferring to PrattMWP?

Yes (if yes, please complete and submit the Transfer Certification Page) No

3. Please check one of the following:

Single Married

Dependent (Spouse or Child) FamilyName_______________________First_______________________Middle___________ Date of Birth (month/date/year)___ ____Relation_____________Country of Birth_____ Dependent will apply for: F-2 visa Other If your spouse requires an F-2 visa, you must submit a copy of your marriage license and your spouse’s passport pages. If you have children that require F-2 visas, you must submit copies of their passport pages. ** F-2 individuals cannot study at PrattMWP. If your spouse or child plans to study at PrattMWP, he/she must be accepted in a full program of study and acquire an F-1 visa.


STUDENT CLASSIFICATION

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Estimated Expenses for One Year (12 months) ______________________________

Undergraduate Full-time

(12-18 credits)

PrattMWP Tuition and Fees for 2011-2012

Tuition (full-time)* $ 23,500 Student Service Fee $ 440 Academic Facility Fee $ 440 Administrative Fee $ 130 Lab/Technology Fee $ 280 Housing $ 6,560 Meal Plan $ 4,400 Health Insurance** $ 811 Personal Expenses $ 500 (Estimated) Books and Supplies $ 1,350 (Estimated) _____________________________________________ Total $ 38,411

*Tuition is a flat fee of $23,500 for 12 to 18 credits. It is $785 per credit hour for students taking more than 18 credit hours. **Health Insurance rate subject to change. All financial statements and affidavit of support must be in English and funds must be indicated in U.S. dollars.

Costs are calculated on the basis of full-time enrollment for fall and spring semesters, year- round residence in United States, without any unforeseen expenses.

1. Estimated Tuition and Fees - The above columns show the minimum amount of funds needed for one year. Full payment of tuitions and fees are due upon registration for classes, which occurs in the Fall and Spring semester.

2. Mandatory Health Insurance - Because health care in the U.S. is very expensive, PrattMWP requires all students, domestic and international, to purchase health insurance. The comprehensive plan for the 2011-2012 academic year has been estimated at $811 (rate subject to change). Coverage for the Fall 2011 semester is from August 29, 2011 through December 16, 2011 and from December 17, 2011 through August 29, 2012 for the Spring 2012 semester.

3. Living Expenses - We strongly recommend that you have at least an additional 25% reserve of your total expenses. The value of room and board is $10,960 for the academic year and $2,661 for summer pre-college.


ESTIMATED EXPENSES

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This document will chart the amount and source for your entire academic program. This amount must equal or exceed your estimated expenses as indicated on Estimated Expenses page. The amount for the first year must be shown in a bank account or other liquid assets.

Source and Amount of Funds_____________________________________________________ Example: Estimated expenses for 2011/2012 are $38,411. Estimated increase is 6% for the second year. F-1s only First Year Second Year 1. Students Personal Funds $ $ 2. Family or Individual Sponsor $ $ 3. Organization Sponsorship $ $ 4. PrattMWP Scholarship $ $ Total $ 38,411 $ 40,716* *Amount is subject to change Name of Student Family Name First Middle I certify that the information given is an accurate and true statement of my arrangements for financing my studies at PrattMWP. I also acknowledge that PrattMWP requires all F-1 students to subscribe to mandatory health insurance. Student Signature Date


CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS

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Family/Sponsor Certification Sponsor’s Name (Print)______________________________Relations to Applicant_______________

Sponsor’s

Address___________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________Phone_____________________

Email_______________________________________________________Fax_____________________

I,________________________________________(your name), hereby certify that I am able and

willing and do promise to support________________________________________ (students name)

for a minimum of $38,411 United States dollars for tuition, fees and living expenses for each year

of study at PrattMWP. Evidence of my current financial resources is attached to this affidavit of

support. I hereby affirm that I understand the contents of this affidavit and that the statements are

accurate.

Sponsor’s Name (print)________________________________________

Date______________________________

Sponsor’s

Signature___________________________________________________________________________


AFFADAVIT OF SUPPORT

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Proof of Funds_______________________________

You will need to submit proof that you or your Requirements for a Bank Statements sponsor has sufficient funds in order to support 1. Must be in English your education at PrattMWP. We will need the 2. Must have Bank Letterhead following documents from you: 3. Must have Bank Seal or Bank Stamp 4. Dated NOT older than 3 months

1. Bank Letter 2. Bank Statement 3. Proof of Income

IMPORTANT: You will need two original copies of ALL your financial documents. One copy is to be sent to PrattMWP. The other copy is for you to bring with you for your interview with the U.S. Consulate. Requirements for the Bank Statements

1. Must be in English 2. Date NOT older than 3 months 3. Currency should be in U.S. dollars


FINANCIAL STATEMENT

EXAMPLE: Bank Statement

Date: No older than 3 months

Original Document

EXAMPLE Bank Letterhead

Date: (No older than 3 months) To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to confirm that (enter Sponsor’s name) has (enter dollar amount) U.S. dollars in account #_________. These funds are readily accessible for financing the education of (enter Student’s name). This certificate is issued at the request of the customer without any responsibility or guarantee on the part of the bank or any of its officers. Sincerely,

(Enter Bank Manager’s name) Account Manager Bank Name Branch Address City, Country Postal Code Fax Website Bank Stamp/ Bank Seal

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Please submit ONLY if you are currently in F-1 student status. If you have never studied at a U.S. institution before, please DO NOT submit this form. Part 1: To be completed by transferring student I intend to transfer to PrattMWP. I grant permission for the information requested below to be forwarded to my International Student Advisor at PrattMWP. Name__________________________________ Date of Birth (month/date/year) _____________ Major__________________________________ Signature of Student______________________ Today’s Date____________________________ Telephone______________________________ Email__________________________________ Part ll: To be completed by International Student Advisor at previous institution. Dear International Student Advisor: The named student intends to transfer to PrattMWP. Please complete this form on the student’s status while at your institution. Please fax this document to the following number: Fax: (315) 797-9349. PrattMWP Admissions Office 310 Genesee Street Utica, N.Y. 13502 Student’s name per your files (last, first) ______________________________________ Has student been pursuing a full course of study?

Yes No If no, please comment:____________________ ______________________________________ SEVIS ID number:_______________________ SEVIS Release date:_____________________ *Please attach a copy of the transfer authorization.

Did DHS authorize student to attend your institution? Yes No If no, please comment:________________________ Did student attend another U.S. institution before yours? ,, Yes No If yes, please comment:___________________ ______________________________________ Did the student maintain F-1 status while at your institution? Yes No If no, please comment:____________________ ______________________________________ Level of study at your institution: High School Undergraduate Language Training Other Dates student attended your institution: From_________________To_______________ Studies completed? Yes No, If no, please comment:____________________ ______________________________________ Has student been granted work authorization?

No Yes, type of work authorization Optional Practical Training Curricular Practical Training Other, please comment_____________

______________________________________ From___________________To_____________ Expected completion date on I-20 from your institution._____________________________ Please share any info you feel is relevant or appropriate:____________________________ Name of International Student Advisor: ______________________________________ Institution Address:_____________________ ______________________________________ Title:__________________________________ Institution:_____________________________ School Code:___________________________ Phone:________________________________ Signature of International Student Advisor ______________________________________ Email:_________________________________


F-1 TRANSFER CERTIFICATION

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What to bring to the U.S. Consulate for visa interview

After you receive your I-20 from us, you must then visit the U.S. Consulate nearest you to get a visa. The consulate decides if you can come to the United States, therefore you should prepare for this interview. Some consulates require that you make an appointment ahead of time. You can visit: http://www.usembassy.gov to find the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Many consulates also have their own website for further information. At the interview you must convince the consulate of two things; one: that you have enough money from your home country to pay for your studies and two: that you plan to return to your country when school is over. All documents must be in English. See the check list below for what to bring to the embassy or consulate for your interview and double check with the consulate list.

Interview Checklist

1. Visa application form DS-160, which costs $140. http://usvisa-info.org

2. Receipt of proof of payment of the mandatory $200 SEVIS Fee. www.fmjfee.com

3. Acceptance letter from PrattMWP.

4. Photograph, taken as per the U.S. Consulate regulations.

5. I-20 Form.

6. TOEFL Score.

7. High School transcripts.

8. All financial documents that you sent to PrattMWP for your I-20.

a. Bank Statement.

b. Affidavit of support from sponsor.

c. Proof of income from sponsor.

9. Your Passport, that should be valid for 6 months beyond the time of your entry into the U.S.

*All documents should be originals with appropriate signatures and stamps.


VISA INTERVIEW

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You will need to carry the following documents any time you enter the United States. Make additional photocopies of all your travel documents and keep them in a safe place. When you arrive at your U.S. port of entry, the immigration inspector will examine the following travel documents and determine whether you can be admitted into the U.S.:

• Valid passport • Valid I-20 Form • Valid US entry visa • Proof of financial support

NOTE: After you start your studies at PrattMWP and exit and re-enter the U.S., the I-20 will need to be signed by the International Student Advisor and you must have the I-94 card (white card) in your passport when exiting the U.S.

Passport_______________________________ You should keep your passport valid for a minimum of six months into the future after your entrance date into the United States. You may consult your country’s consulate or embassy in the U.S to renew your passport when necessary. Consulate officials will tell you what forms and fee, if any, are required for renewal. If you are required to supply a letter affirming that you are matriculated at PrattMWP as a full-time student, you can request such a letter from the Registrar’s Office.

Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form)____ These basic travel documents are issued by PrattMWP. The I-20 Form describes your degree program and field of study, your expected date of completion and the means by which you will finance your U.S. study. This document also establishes your eligibility for such things as student employment benefits and re-entry permission after traveling abroad. Keep your I-20 Form in a safe place with your passport and I-94 card. If you travel outside the U.S., your International Student Advisor must sign the back of your I-20 Form before you leave the country. This is to certify that you are enrolled and otherwise eligible for re-entry in the same status. Be sure to take you I-20 with you when you leave your country for the first time. Then take it with you when you travel outside the U.S. again. Visa___________________________________ A visa stamp placed inside your passport by the U.S. Consul abroad is needed to enter the U.S. Your visa shows the latest date on which you can apply to enter this country (the expiration date) and indicates the kind of visa you have. Should you need to renew your visa in order to re-enter the U.S. you will need to visit the U.S. Consulate in your home country or another country. (Note: As long as you maintain student status, have a valid passport and have an I-94 stamped D/S, you may remain in the U.S. with an expired visa). Visit your International Student Advisor well before you leave the US to make certain your travel documents are in order.


BASIC TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

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Proof of Financial Support_______________

1. A letter from a bank indicating the current balance in your bank account or that of your sponsor, as well as the average balance in the account during the previous year.

2. A completed affidavit of support from your sponsor, including a copy of his/her most recent federal income tax return, or

3. A letter from a sponsoring agency outlining details of their financial award to you. If you are receiving any funding from PrattMWP you should carry a letter outlining this support.

Receipt of proof of payment of the mandatory $200 SEVIS fee______________ As of September 1, 2004 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collects the mandated SEVIS fee of $200 U.S. dollars. Applicants who require an F-1 visa to enter the United States must complete the SEVIS Form I-901 and pay the required fee before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for their visa interview. For further details regarding the Form I-901 and how to pay the fee go to www.fmjfee.com. We suggest that you complete the I-901 form and pay the SEVIS fee online at least 3 days before your interview. On November 1, 2004, nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in more than 130 countries are able to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee locally using the Western Union Quick PayTM service with your own currency. For details on how to use this option go to: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/wu-instr.htm.

I-94 Card_______________________________ The I-94 card is issued to you upon arrival into the U.S. It shows that you have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. and is usually stapled onto the U.S. visa page of your passport. It contains an eleven-digit identification number, called your ADMISSION number, used by the DHS to keep track of your arrival and departure from the U.S. The I-94 card is usually collected each time you depart from the U.S. and a new one is issued upon reentry, except in cases of trips of thirty days or fewer to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. I-94 cards issued to F-1 visa holders usually do not indicate an expiration date. Rather, student I-94 cards simply indicate that the bearer may remain in the U.S. for the Duration of Status (D/S). This means that a student is authorized to remain in the U.S. while pursuing the program of study described on his or her current I-20 Form. If you have an I-94 card with a specific expiration date, you must either leave the U.S. before the expiration date or apply to the Department of Homeland Security for an extension of stay before the card expires. Procedures for extending your stay vary according to visa type. Consult the Director of Admissions for specific instructions.


BASIC TRAVEL DOCUMENTS CONTINUTED

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The checklist below, printed from an article in The Economic Times, uses an example from India, however the information pertains to any country.

Printed from:

Student visa for the U.S.: A checklist 1 Oct, 2008, 0042 hrs IST, It is a myth that if the admission in a recognized University of U.S. is procured, visas are automatically granted. An applicant of nonimmigrant categories student visa is obligated to satisfy the consular officer that he has non-immigrant intention which is easy to say but difficult to show. The following checklist of particulars and documents, which a student should carry in original at the visa interview, will assist in obtaining a student visa.

1. Visa Application Form DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158 2. Passport-Validity of the passport should be 6 months beyond the time during which the student

would be completing his studies. 3. Photograph, taken as per U.S. Consulate regulations. 4. I-20 Form. It should be computer generated SEVIS mode. 5. TOEFL and other examinations marks/score sheets. 6. Degree/Diploma Certificates with mark sheets. 7. Copy of statement of purpose or essay which the student may have submitted to the University

for obtaining admission. 8. Name of the person who would be providing the financial support. His/ Her relationship with the

student. The financial supporter could be student’s father/mother/brother/sister/relative/firm company or all.

9. A statement showing the total assets of the financial supporter, by separately showing the average annual income, investments, gold and other ornaments, shared securities, debentures, PPF Account, owner-ship of motor cars and other vehicles, investments in properties such as flats/land/agricultural land, etc.

10. Financial documents of the person who is to provide financial support to the student, which may include:

a. Last three years income tax return b. Bank passbook/bank statements for at least last 6 months

11. If the student has obtained loan from a bank/trust/charitable organization/financial Institution, etc., then all papers concerning the same.

12. Proof of the student having a permanent residential house in India. 13. If the student and/or his parents are enjoying a social status in India such as Chairman or

President of an Organization, Association or Club documents in support of the same. 14. Proof of Membership of the student and/or his parents of a club or an institution or a trade

association, if any.


TIPS FOR VISA INTERVIEW

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15. If the student has received certification of merits, awards, or medals in the field of the education or any such extracurricular activities in school or college, produce the same.

16. If the student has been offered a job in India by any company, after completion of his studies in U.S., a letter from that company in that behalf.

17. Letters of recommendations from the student’s professors, teachers and well wishers. 18. Letters from the experts in the field in which the student is intending to graduate stating that the

person qualifying in that field in U.S. is required in India. 19. Particulars about the student’s family. 20. It may also be wise to carry long form birth certificate and if the student is married and is

intending to take her/her spouse with his/her, the marriage certificate and the photographs of the marriage.

21. Affidavit of support by a close relative or friend in U.S. made in Form I-134 may prove to be useful.

22. Important documents to be submitted in support of the visa application, if they are in language other than English, it would be advisable to have English translation of the same made and kept ready.

(Sudhir Shah & Associates)


TIPS FOR VISA INTERVIEW CONTINUED

prattmwp international i-20 guide booklet 2011-2012

Documents

prattmwp documents

visa interview page

entrance visa

checklist of documents

necessary documents

financial documents

sevis student

international students