Handbook

Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness.

Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500.

Medical evacuation benefits of $10,000.

Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Spouse and/or dependents of visitor must have same coverage.


This coverage should also be purchased by students holding an F visa.

The Health Service Fee you pay with your tuition and fees provides for some medical care through the on-campus Student Health Center. This medical coverage does not include the cost of major surgery, prescriptions and medicines, long-lasting illness or illness contracted during a vacation period.

Health and accident insurance can be purchased in your home country. Or you may choose to purchase insurance through HTH Worldwide Insurance Services. Information is available at our web site, or online at hthstudents.com.

When you arrive at Western, please provide the International Programs & Exchanges Office with proof of your insurance. This could be an Insurance Waiver Form which shows the coverage you purchased at home, or it could be the Insurance ID card which you receive from HTH Worldwide Insurance Services or other health care providers.

Dental Care

Dental care in the U.S. is also extremely expensive. (Some policies include dental coverage, so check with your health care provider.) If you must see a dentist, be prepared to pay at the time of your appointment. You may need to call more than one dentist to find one who will see patients without insurance. Ask your friends or the International Programs Advisor for advice about a dental care provider.

Where To Go For Medical Care

If you are feeling sick, do not hesitate to get help. Unless you have a real emergency such as uncontrolled bleeding or a broken bone, do not go to a hospital emergency room for treatment. Emergency rooms are very expensive and, if your condition is not life threatening, you may have to wait a long time for care.

When you need medical care, go first to the Student Health Center located at the Student Services Building on the corner of 21st and Bill Mcdonald Parkway, open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays. Friday and Thrusdays from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM during the academic year. Appointments to see the physician or nurse practitioner may be made by calling 650-3400. You may receive treatment at the center, or they may refer you to seek outside care.

If you have coverage with HTH Worldwide, you should make an appointment with one of the preferred providers offered. For a list of preferred providers, go to the HTH web site for the most up-to-date listing.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may receive medical care immediately, later the same day, or the next day. You may be offered a choice of doctors or other health-care providers such as a medical practitioner. Consider whether you would prefer to see a man or a woman, an older practitioner or a younger one. For the best medical care, it is important to choose one provider and use it throughout your stay.

The time you spend with health-care providers may seem very brief, with little opportunity for conversation. The doctor or nurse will ask you many questions, and some may appear unnecessary or too private, but you should try to answer them as completely as possible. Remember that the workers are trying to be efficient and thorough. It is expected that you will ask questions, so don't be afraid to ask! American physicians expect their patients to participate in making decisions about medications and treatment choices.

Measles Vaccinations

Immunization against measles is required by Western's Board of Trustees. During the first week of classes, new students must present an English language measles immunization record. If you do not have a record of immunization, you must get the immunization at the campus health center. The cost is $15.00 for each immunization required.

Tuberculin (TB) Screening of International Students

All new international students entering Western Washington University will receive a tuberculin skin test during the first week of classes. This screening is required by the Board of Trustees.

Mental Health

International students often hesitate to consult professionals about mental health problems. You may never have had the need to talk to a psychologist or counselor at home, and you may think that only ·crazy· people with very severe mental problems are treated for mental health problems. In the U.S. it is common for people with emotional problems to seek help. You may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional when dealing with issues of adjustment, depression, or stress. This process is always completely confidential.

The Counseling Center at Western provides students with a variety of counseling, skill-training and self-help resources designed to assist with academic progress and personal development. Students currently taking six or more credits are eligible for the following services:

Individual Counseling: Students may receive up to ten free, confidential counseling sessions per year.
Group Counseling: A variety of programs are offered each quarter.
Mental Health Services: Provided in conjunction with the Student Health Center, this service includes prescription and management of psychotropic medications.

The counseling center is located in Old Main 540. They can be reached at (360) 650-3164. The office is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Passport
Must be kept valid at all times. As you enter the last year of validity on your passport, you need to plan for a replacement. If you attempt to enter the U.S. with a passport that has 6 months or less remaining, you probably will not be allowed to enter. You should consult your embassy or consulate to determine what procedures are required to have a passport revalidated or reissued.

I-94
This card should be stapled in your passport with your visa. It shows your student immigration classification and place and date of admission to the U.S. with the initial period of stay authorized. D/S means ·Duration of Status·, the period during which you are pursuing a full course of study in an educational program, plus sixty days within which to depart from the U.S.

Form I-20 A-B
This form may be issued only to those who are F-1 students or those seeking F-1 status. This school is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. All students who receive the F-1 student visa with a Western Washington University I-20AB are required by federal law to attend Western Washington University. If you do not attend Western, you may be in violation of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) regulations.

Before going to Canada, or home for a visit, your I-20 must be signed on page 4 by the Designated School Official (the International Programs Advisor). At Western, we sign this ·travel authorization· every 6 months.

Form DS 2019 (formerly IAP-66)
This form may be issued only to those who are J-1 exchange students seeking J-1 status.

Financial Statements
These should be carried with you when you travel out of the country. If you are changing schools, or your status in any way, you will need to have an up-to-date financial statement.

Vacation Quarter
Usually, students leave Western during summer quarter, and for F-1 students, this is considered your vacation quarter. If you take a vacation quarter which is not summer quarter, you must again be enrolled full-time for 3 consecutive quarters before taking a vacation quarter. These are the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) regulations for F-1 students.

TIP: For accurate answers to questions about INS regulations, contact the International Programs & Exchanges office. Your friends or other international students may not have accurate information.

MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS

Maintaining your status means following certain rules and regulations made by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and by Western Washington University. Whether you have an F-1 or a J-1 visa, below are the requirements for you to maintain status:

1. Maintain a valid (not expired) passport and I-20 or DS 2019 (IAP-66).
2. Attend the school you are authorized to attend (the school that issued your current I-20 or DS 2019 (IAP66)).
3. Maintain a full course of study AND make normal progress towards the completion of your degree during the academic year (summer quarter is not included).

• Full course of study = 12 credits for undergraduates; 8 credits for graduates

• Normal progress = completing all credits as required each quarter and receiving at least a 2.0 overall GPA.

If you think you might not be able to maintain a full course of study or make normal progress towards your degree, notify the International Programs Advisor immediately. You may have a valid exception such as a medical problem, personal problem, or adjustment problem.

4. Do not participate in off-campus employment with proper authorization. Limit on-campus employment to 19 hours per week while in school.
5. Notify the International Programs Advisor of any changes in your plan of study (major, degree program, school of attendance, etc.)
6. Maintain insurance coverage for yourself and all dependents in the US.

Maintaining your status is crucial to your ability to apply for practical training, work on campus, and stay in the US. Some violations of status may bar you from re-entering the US for up to 10 years.

TIP: If you have any questions about your status, contact the International Programs Advisor immediately.

WHEN CAN I TAKE A VACATION QUARTER OFF?

F-1 students are not required to register for a full course of study during official school break, such as summer and inter-term breaks. An F-1 student is considered to be maintaining status as long as he/she is eligible for the next term and intends to register for the next term.

If an F-1 student completes an academic year (3 consecutive quarters at Western), he or she is eligible for a vacation quarter if eligible for the following term with the intent to register for the next term. If the vacation quarter taken is NOT summer, the student will not be eligible for another vacation quarter until he/she has completed 3 consecutive quarters.

If you have questions about your status related to vacation quarters, contact the International Programs advisor at (360) 650 - 3298 or by email at Richard.Bruce@wwu.edu .

TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S.

To re-enter the U.S. from Canada or Mexico after a temporary absence of less than 30 days, you must have the following documents

A valid I-94 card. When you leave the U.S., you should keep this card if you will be returning within 30 days.

A valid passport. Your F-1 visa can be expired.

Your I-20 ID Copy (student copy) or DS 2019. Make certain that the I-20 has been signed on page 4.

A financial statement, such as a bank letter or statement, which will verify that you have adequate financial resources to enable you to continue your education. This is sometimes required.

TIP: The most important thing to remember while traveling outside the U.S. to a country other than Canada or Mexico is that you must have a valid passport, your I-20 or DS 2019, your I-94 card, and your student visa to reenter. Remember, you do not need a valid visa if you travel to Canada for less than 30 days.

TRAVEL TO CANADA

For travel to Canada you may need to obtain a Canadian visa. To see a list of countries which require a Canadian visa, go to this web site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html. If you are from a country which requires a visa to visit Canada, you will need to make an appointment and travel to Seattle.

Canadian Consulate General/Seattle
412 Plaza 600 - Sixth & Stewart Street, Seattle WA 98101-1286
Tel (206) 443-1777 * Fax (206) 441-7838 * E-mail: seatl-gr@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

The information below came from this url: http://www.can-am.gc.ca/seattle

How do I apply for a Canadian visitor visa in Seattle? How long will it take? How much will it cost?

The Consulate in Seattle accepts visitor visa applications Monday through Friday 08:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (except holidays). You need to bring your passport(s), any supporting US immigration documents if you're a student or worker in the US (eg. Your I-94 card, I-20 or IAP-66 form) or your return airline ticket back to your home country if you're a visitor in the US.

As of June 28, 2002, the processing fee for a single-entry visa is US$50 or C$75 and for a multiple-entry visa US$100 or C$150. We accept US$ or C$ cash, money orders and bank drafts. If paying in C$ make your money order/bank draft payable ·Receiver General for Canada·, if US $ to ·Canadian Consulate General·. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

We try to provide same-day service to visitor visa applicants that apply in person in Seattle, and are able to do this for most applicants. However, we can not guarantee you will receive a visa on the same day that you apply. For example, we reserve the right to conduct background checks on visitor visa applicants wherever we the possibility may exist that the applicant may have a criminal record, has been ordered to leave Canada in the past, has been refused a visa at another post, or may have ties to criminal or terrorist organizations. Such checks may take up to 15 working days to complete, depending on the circumstances. If you know you have criminal record, click here for further information.

If we have reason to believe that a visitor visa applicant may have a medical condition which could pose a danger to public health or may require hospitalization, we will request that the applicant complete a medical examination before we make a decision to issue a visitor visa.

The best advice we can give you is to apply for your visitor visa as far as possible before your planned trip to Canada. If you do, there is less chance you will be inconvenienced.

If you apply for a visitor visa but actually intend to stay in Canada indefinitely (or work illegally in Canada), your application for a visitor visa will be refused. Remember, a visitor visa is for a TEMPORARY stay in Canada only.

The visa validity is determined by the Visa Officer at the consulate. Single entry visas are ordinarily issued with a 6-month validity, and multiple entry visas may be valid for several years. However, we do not issue visitor visas with a validity that exceeds the passport validity. So if your passport will expire soon, you may want to renew it before you apply for your Canadian visa.

The duration of your stay in Canada will be decided by the immigration officer at the Port of Entry (airport or highway border crossing). The usual amount of time is six months from the day you arrive. If you think you will want to stay in Canada for more than six months, explain the circumstances to the immigration officer when you arrive.

The Canadian Consulate is located in Seattle, at 412 Plaza 600 - Sixth & Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington, 98101-1286. You can contact them by phone at (206) 443-1777 or Fax (206) 443-9735 or e-mail seatl-gr@dfait-maeci.gc.ca ot visit the website at http://www.can-am.gc.ca/seattle The Canadian Consulate is near the Greyhound bus depot and the Washington Plaza Hotel.

While traveling, always keep important documents such as your passport, I-20, credit cards, and other valuables in a safe place. Never leave them in a car or in an unattended bag or backpack.

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Students on F-1 and J-1 visas may work on campus up to 19 hours per week while school is in session, as long as they are full-time students, in status, and are making normal progress towards a degree (12 credits for undergraduates and 8 credits for graduates). Students may work up to full time during vacation periods if they intend to register the following quarter. Students are exempt from Social Security taxes, except for summer quarter, unless enrolled in course work during the summer quarter. Some international students are exempt from all taxes.

There are several ways to find an on-campus job. The Center For Student Work Experience web site, http://www.finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs/oncampus/on_jobs.php, lists many, but not all, jobs available on campus. In addition, many departments post job openings at their offices. Talk with your friends, and visit the departments where you are interested in working. For example, if you would like to work in International Programs & Exchanges, go to the office and ask about working there!

To work on campus you will need a social security number which is issued by the Social Security Department in the Federal Building in downtown Bellingham. They will require proof of your status and proof that you are eligible to work on campus. They will want to see your passport, I-94 card, and your I-20. Follow these steps:

1. Get a letter from your employer that confirms you have been hired. Make an appointment with the International Programs Advisor. You will receive a Confirmation Memo which confirms that you are a full-time student, in status, and eligible for work on campus.

2. Apply for a Social Security Number: Take the Confirmation Memo, your I-20 or IAP-66, and your passport with visa and I-94 to the Social Security Administration Office, located in Room 109, Federal Building (corner of Cornwall and Magnolia Streets) in downtown Bellingham. Phone: (360) 738-3952 (Spanish and Korean language available) Web: http://www.ssa.gov. The application process is brief and simple. Ask for a ·Note of Verification· at the Social Security Administration Office, which shows that you have applied for a social security number. It usually takes 2 weeks to receive your Social Security Card. Your card will indicate ·on-campus employment only.·

3. The department which hires you will prepare a Student On-Campus Employment Form. The department will also help you complete additional employment forms: I-9, W-4, and Payroll Information Form.

4. Take the W-4, the Student Employment Form and your Social Security Number (Note of Verification) to the Center for Student Work Experience in Old Main 285. Take the Payroll Information Form to the Payroll Office (Building 405, behind Haggen, 32nd St. third floor. (360) 650-2991) The I-9 Form will remain with your employer.

All of these steps must be completed before the first pay date of the job.

TIP: We recommend you do not work during your first quarter of studies.

FILING INCOME TAX FORMS

This section focuses on the federal income-tax obligations of students in F or J status. It will give you the basic understanding of your responsibilities and tell you how to get more information. The information found here is not individual tax advice.

Everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, is responsible each year for submitting a complete and accurate income-tax statement to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency of the U.S. Treasure Department. Americans call the process ·filing a tax return.· Foreign students, regardless of whether they work or earn income while in the United States, must file an appropriate return each year.

In the United States, it is each individual's personal responsibility to meet his or her tax obligations; the government will not do it for you, but it will penalize you if you do not do it yourself. First, you are responsible for helping your employer estimate how much of your income should be ·withheld· (or deducted) from your wages for the purpose of paying taxes. Next, you must reconcile your account with the government to verify that you paid the right amount over the course of the year. Finally, if you paid too much, you may claim a refund, and if you paid too little, you must send the difference to the IRS. Be sure to inquire about the tax treaty that might exist between your country and the U.S.

Remember, even if you did not work, all F-1 and J-1 students must file with the IRS, just to keep the government records straight. Sources of income may include on-campus employment, scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, practical or academic training, and any compensation received for labor. International students do NOT have to pay taxes on interest paid to them by a U.S. bank.

Note that income is not limited to wages, but also includes that portion of your scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship that is applied to your housing and meal expenses. The portion applied to your tuition fees, books, and supplies is not counted as income.


Documents


The following documents may be downloaded from the IRS web site at www.irs.gov, or you may obtain these documents for the IRS office in downtown Bellingham at the corner of Cornwall and Magnolia.

519: ·U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens,· an IRS publication. Helpful when preparing a nonresident tax return 1040NR-EZ.

901: ·U.S. Tax Treaties,· another IRS publication. Essential for individuals from nations having tax treaties with the U.S.

8843: ·Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition.· This one-page document must be completed by all F and J status students. It verifies your nonresident alien tax status.

1040NR or 1040NR-EZ: ·U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return.· The 1040NR is the long version of the form. These forms are different from the 1040 forms which are filed by residents for tax purposes. The IRS publishes an instruction booklet for each of these forms.

W-2: ·Wage and Tax Statement.· A form issued annually by employers (normally during the month of January). Copies of the W-2 must be filed with your tax return.

W-4: ·Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate.· A form completed by employees at the time of hire to indicate how much tax is to be withheld from the paycheck.


Important Dates



April 15: The last day on which residents and nonresidents who have earned wages from U.S. sources may file their U.S. federal income-tax returns - Form 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843.

June 15: The last day on which nonresident students and their dependents who have no wage income from U.S. sources may file their and Form 8843.

WORKING OFF CAMPUS (Practical Training)

Employment opportunities for international students are limited by INS regulations and are available only to students who have maintained their immigration status and academic standing. To work off campus, international students must have written authorization and must meet certain qualifications. Below is a summary of two off-campus working options available for F-1 students.

Practical Training for F-1 Students: The purpose of practical training is to allow F-1 students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in academic programs to a practical work experience. There are two types of practical training: ·curricular· and ·optional·. There are important differences between curricular and optional practical training (CPT and OPT). Make sure you read the following paragraphs to understand which might work best for your situation. You might use both kinds of practical training, though not at the same time.

Optional Practical Training: Temporary employment in your field of study for purposes of gaining practical experience. May be paid or unpaid. Many students like to use twelve consecutive months of OPT after they complete their studies, although it is possible to use some OPT before completion. OPT is authorized by the INS, your International Programs Advisor, and your Academic Advisor.

Curricular Practical Training: An integral part of an established curriculum. It is an internship, practicum, or workstudy offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the school. You will earn credit for your work, and it may be paid or unpaid. CPT is authorized by your International Programs Advisor and your Academic Advisor.

Curricular and optional practical training restrict the kind of work you do, but it does not restrict you to a particular job or location - you can go anywhere in the country!

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service allows up to twelve (12) months of full-time CPT or OPT. These months can be split. Any full-time authorization for CPT or OPT used before you finish your degree will be subtracted from available months after completion of your studies. If you complete 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are not eligible for OPT after you complete your degree. However, there is no limitation on the length of time you may participate in part-time CPT; after part-time CPT, you can still participate in up to twelve (12) months of full-time OPT.


Eligibility

· Students who have been enrolled full-time for one academic year (generally nine consecutive months) in F-1 status and who are maintaining status at the time of application.
· Students in English Language training programs are not eligible for practical training.

You can use OPT

· During your annual vacation period, if you intend to register for the next term.
· While school is in session, if you work off-campus nineteen or fewer hours/week (part time OPT).
· After completion of course requirements for your degree, even if you still have to finish a required thesis, dissertation, project, or portfolio.
· After you complete all degree requirements. This is the most common use of OPT



You can use CPT

· Once you attain eligible status and before completion of studies
· After you receive a written offer of employment showing the name of the employer, location of work, job description, and the dates of the contract.



When to Apply for OPT

If requesting post-completion practical training, you may apply within a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days before completion of your studies. Apply early. Many students receive post-completion OPT before they have job offers. You will continue in F-1 visa status during practical training, even if you are not working.



When to Apply for CPT

As soon as you learn about an internship or practicum required for your program of study.



Application Procedure

Make an appointment to see the International Programs Advisor. At that appointment you will receive detailed information and documents for completing the application process.

TIP: Plan ahead and maintain your status to insure easy application to OPT or CPT.

MONEY MATTERS

Managing your finances is one of the most important and challenging aspects of a successful and enjoyable academic experience. Dealing with a new currency and budgeting are the beginning of the challenge.

Be careful handling American currency. With the exception of the new $1 bill, all American paper money looks alike, so keep your eyes open when paying or receiving cash.

Your I-20 or DS 2019 (IAP-66) will help you prepare a budget for your time in the US. These documents will list estimated expenses for a certain period of time. At Western, that is usually for 9 months. The estimates on your I-20 or DS 2019 are usually accurate, and you will be expected to have funds to cover the full amount shown. Start budgeting as soon as you arrive. Bills often take a month or two to arrive, but they will arrive.


Opening a Bank Account


Most students at Western use banks located in downtown Bellingham or in the Sehome Center, which is near the Birnam Wood Apartments. Banks offer different services, so it may be helpful to shop around before choosing a bank. Ask your new friends about what bank they use. The International Programs Advisor can recommend a bank if you cannot decide.

In the U.S. many people pay bills and make purchases using a checking account. This account provides a booklet of checks which you write on and send in with your bills or give to the cashier at a store. On the checks, you write the date, the amount, and sign your name. Each check has a number and the bank will provide a ·register· to help you keep an accurate balance for your account.

Most banks now offer debit cards which is like a credit card except the money you spend is immediately taken from your checking account. With a debit card, you don't have to worry about carrying and writing checks.

A savings account can be used for money you don't need right away. These accounts earn some interest. You can transfer money between your checking and savings account as needed. For convenience, you should open the savings account at the same bank as the checking account.


Making Money


Refer to the sections on employment for more details about making money while you are here as a student. In addition to work, you can apply for the International Student Scholarship. This scholarship is offered each year for the next academic year. Applications are accepted after January and the deadline is usually around March 31. Check with the International Programs & Exchanges Office visit the web site at /ipe/.

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

In some countries the law requires every person to carry an identification card (ID) at all times. There is no such requirement in the US. We have no national ID card. However, you may need to identify yourself with a photo ID document from time to time. For example, if you write a check at a store, the clerk may ask you for an ID. You could offer your passport as proof of your identity, but we recommend you do not carry your passport on a daily basis. There is a greater chance of losing your passport if you carry it frequently. For this reason we recommend the following ID cards:


Washington State ID and Driver's License


This small plastic card which bears your photograph is a useful form of ID. It looks similar to a Washington State Driver's License and can be obtained at the same office where you would take your driving test and receive your driver's license. The location of the Washington State Department of Licensing and the hours are below:

3800 Byron, Suite 136 (near drive-in theater)
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 676-2097; Fax:(360) 676-2119
Hours: Tues - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm