Information Guide for Non-US Residents

• Visa Information
• English Language Classes/Tutors
• Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance
• US Tax Laws for Nonresidents
• To File Address Change with INS

VISA INFORMATION

The International Scholars and Faculty Visa Services (ISFVS) is coordinated by the Office of Human Resources at Penn State.  The ISFVS office on campus is located on the fifth floor of the Rider Building located at 120 South Burrowes Street.

Upon arrival and within three days of beginning your stay at Penn State, please go to the ISFVS office to take part in a check-in session and complete Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.

You will also need to apply for a social security number.  The Social Security Office is located at 901 University Drive, Suite 2.  You will need to take the following documents with you:  visa/passport, I-94 card.  If you have a foreign driver's license, you can also present that.

If you are receiving funding from Penn State, please note that you cannot be reimbursed until you have completed the necessary paperwork at the ISFVS office and have obtained a social security number.  Please give all paperwork that you receive from the ISFVS office to your departmental contact person.  Please also give them a copy of your social security card when your receive it.

Because of the complexity of the visa guidelines imposed by ISFVS and the INS, it is essential that you keep your departmental contact person informed of your travels outside the US while you are at Penn State.  If you have any questions regarding your visa status, visa guidelines, visa extensions, etc., please see your departmental contact person or contact the ISFVS office on campus at (865-0423) or see their web site http://www.oht.psu.edu/fnp/content.htm.
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MEDICAL EVACUATION AND REPATRIATION INSURANCE

For those on J-1 visas (and their dependents), this insurance coverage must be purchased and renewed annually. 

To purchase this insurance, please take all appropriate visa/passport documents to the Student Insurance Office located at 320 Grange Building.  The telephone number for the Student Insurance Office is (865-7467).
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES/TUTORS

The International Hospitality Council at Penn State can provide conversation partners to you and your spouse/partner.  For more information on this program, please contact the International Hospitality Council at (863-3927).

The State College Area School District (SCASD) Community Education Office also provides free English as a Second Language Training classes.  These classes are usually held on a weeknight from 7-9 p.m.  They provide English language training to individuals at all levels.

Please note that participation in such an English class is voluntary and is not required by the Eberly College of Science. However, individuals who teach must be certified for speaking English.
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US TAX LAWS FOR NONRESIDENTS

Because of the complexity of the US tax laws, there is not a sole resource which exists that explains US tax laws relating to nonresidents.  Tax laws can greatly vary depending upon the individual's particular circumstances. Listed below are some IRS publications that can be obtained from the Internet.  These publications can offer tax assistance to nonresidents.  The IRS web site also contains the tax forms and instructions that a nonresident will need.

Feel free to contact the Payroll Office (865-7621) for more information regarding US tax laws as they pertain to nonresidents.  The Payroll Office is located at 307 Rider Building, 120 South Burrowes Street.

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TO FILE ADDRESS CHANGE WITH INS

Send your name and new address along with a copy of both sides of your I-94 card to:  Immigration & Naturalization Services, Lower Weldon Street Albans, VT  05479.
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The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the Policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University Policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment.  The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.  Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University.  Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA  16802-2801; telephone (814) 865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.   U.Ed SCI 00-2.