Did you know...? Houston was the first word ever spoken from the surface of the moon
by Neil
Armstrong on July 20th, 1969.
Office of International Students & Scholars
Lovett Hall, Entrance A, Second Floor
Rice University, Houston TX
Phone: (713) 348-6095 Fax: (713) 348-6058
Q. What documents should I bring with me when I travel to the U.S.?
A. A valid passport from your home country. For F-1 student the I-20
form issued by Rice and for J-1 students and scholars the DS-2019 form
again issued by Rice or other sponsors.
During your flight to the U.S. the air hostess will usually give you an
I-94 form (Arrival/Departure form) to fill out. When you are going
through the immigration inspection, the immigration officer will inspect
your immigration documents as stated above and put your visa status on
the right hand corner of the I-94 with "D/S" under the visa status.
"D/S" means "duration of status", which means that there is no specific
expiration date for your status here at the U.S. You are allowed to stay
in the U.S. until you completed your stated purposes on the immigration
documents. You should always staple the I-94 card inside your passport
and carry it with you along with the I-20 or DS-2019. Keep notarized
copies of your documents at home.
Q. What do I need to bring with me when I come to the U.S.?
A. Besides your immigration documents, you will need to bring some money
with you to pay for some initial expenses: food, temporary lodging,
medical insurance, transportation, deposit for your apartment, deposits
for utility companies (telephone, electricity, etc.) as well as tuition
and/or fees. You will need about $125 in cash and approximately $1800 in
traveler's checks with some in U.S. currency. We do not advise you to
carry large amount of cash. You may also bring a credit card.
It would also be helpful to bring with you some soaps, tooth brush,
toothpaste, towels, sheets, pillow cases, and other personal items to
start off with, until you have the chance to go to a supermarket.
Q. How much money do I need to bring?
A. When you arrive in the U.S. you will need money, and you will want to open a bank account as soon as possible. When opening a bank account, it may take some time for your money to be accessible, depending on the method of deposit:
* Cash deposits - Available immediately
* Wire transfers - Available immediately
* Traveler's Checks - Available in approximately 1 week
* Cashier's Check - Available in approximately 3 weeks
You should try to
have at least $2,500 in traveler’s checks with some in U.S. currency for
convenience. (If you will be renting an apartment by yourself, bringing
family members, staying at a hotel more than one night, or eating at
restaurants, or if you plan to lease or purchase a car, you may need
additional money). Do not carry large amounts of cash; use traveler’s
checks instead (American Express Traveler's Checks are most widely accepted). Never display a large amount of paper money. You should
carry about $125 cash, including some small bills and coins for tips,
phone calls and drinking machines.
If you will be a student and have not already paid
for health insurance before leaving your country, you will be billed for
student health insurance in the amount of approximately $1000-$1650 at
registration (payment on part of the bill insurance and fees may be
deferred, but you will still need to pay at least 25% of the fees and
health insurance bill at registration).
If you have been awarded a research assistantship
or fellowship paying a stipend, then your first paycheck
of a half-month’s salary should be ready shortly after you arrive.
A. The Rice Graduate Apartments are located at 1515 Bissonnet St., near South Main St. If you have reserved a room at the
Graduate Apartments, you may check in between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
on weekdays. Weekend hours are 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
If you plan to arrive at Rice after these times, please make
arrangements ahead of time with the Graduate Apartment staff to help you
get into your room. Otherwise, you should make other overnight plans.
Q. Can you recommend any hotels where I can stay when I first
arrive in Houston?
Q. Can a Rice volunteer pick me up from the airport?
A. OISS will be glad to find a volunteer to pick up
new international students at the airport if you send your request for
arrival hospitality to the OISS as far in advance as possible. At least
three weeks notice is required to schedule this service.
Q. I won't be staying on campus. Where can I live when I come to
Rice?
Q. What are the health immunization requirements
for studying at Rice?
A. Obtain all the immunizations and get a recent physical
examination by a qualified health professional before coming to Rice (Physical
exams in the U.S. are very expensive!). The Rice University Health Data Form
must be completed and submitted to the Rice University Student Health Service
before you can register for classes. This form can be downloaded
here. For additional information about immunizations required, please visit
the
Health Form FAQ.
Q. Are there any special considerations I should keep in mind when
scheduling my flight?
A. Yes. Plan for longer time in between flights due
to new U.S. entry procedures. New requirements of fingerprinting and
digital photo have added to the longer waiting time for customs
inspections.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the luggage I can carry?
A. Please contact your travel agent or airline new
restrictions on luggage. All baggage should bear identification tags
giving name and address in the U.S. or university address. Be sure you
have your important papers with you and not in your baggage! When you
check your baggage you will receive a baggage claim check, which is your
receipt. Be sure to keep your baggage check in your pocket or purse. You
will need this check to claim your baggage when you arrive at you
destination. If your baggage is lost or misplaced, leave the phone
number of the OISS as reference so the airport officials can deliver
your baggage to the campus when it is located.
Q. Are there items I am not allowed to keep in my carry-on luggage?
A. Check with your airline or travel agency about what
is not allowed in your airplane carry-on luggage. This includes things
like knives, pointy scissors, razors, and other sharp objects, as well
as lighters. If you have any of these items, make sure to put them in
your checked baggage. Be sure to carry your I-20 or DS-2019 and
immigration papers on you at all times; do not leave these important
documents in your luggage.
Q. How do I transfer money from my home country to the U.S.?
A. Give
your home country bank instructions to "wire transfer" money to the bank
of your choice in the U.S. You must give a specific address, specific ABA
member, specific account number and the name of the beneficiary (person to
receive the money) at the chosen U.S. bank. There usually is a percentage
cost for wire transfers.
A. Follow the Prospective Students & Scholars links on
our website. Also, make sure to visit the admission information page of the
department/school to which you plan to apply.
Q. I want to transfer from another U.S. school to Rice University.
What should I do?
A. If you are currently studying at another school
in the U.S. but will be leaving the U.S. prior to coming to Rice, simply
show the Immigration Officer your I-20 or DS-2019 from Rice upon
re-entry to the U.S. You do not need to go to the U.S. consulate unless
your student visa stamp in your passport has expired. By entering the
U.S. on Rice’s I-20 or DS-2019, you indicate an Immigration Transfer to
Rice. If you will not be leaving the U.S., please follow the procedures
listed below.
There are new transfer procedures for F-1 students under
the new SEVIS regulations. Please contact the Office of International
Services at your former school for specific instruction. Please make an
appointment to meet with the staff of our office with your passport, I-94 card
and I-20 form and proof of registration after you arrive at our campus. Our
office will complete immigration transfer for you. If you are in J-1 status and have been granted “D/S”
(duration of status, on the I-94 Form, I-20 and DS-2019)by the U.S.
Government, please contact the J-1 Responsible Officer at your school for desire
of transfer and request release to transfer to Rice. Once you are released by
your current sponsor, we will issue the DS-2019 for you to come to Rice. When
you arrive our campus please report to our office right away so that we can
validate your attendance and inform the Department of State of your current
enrollment. If you are in F-1 or J-1 status but have not yet received
“D/S” (duration of status), please contact our office immediately.
Q. How many international students are there at Rice?
Q. Where can I find contact information for international student
clubs at Rice?
A. Please go to the OISS
Student Clubs website for more information about international
student clubs at Rice. Many of these clubs have prepared welcome letters
for new incoming internationals students and you may download these
letters from their respective websites.
Q. What kinds of financial aid and sources of funding are available
to me?
A. As a graduate student, you may contact the
department of your major to find out about any fellowship that may be
available to you. Generally, graduate Business students (MBA) and
undergraduate students must show full personal funding for their study
at Rice. However, you may inquire about any available scholarships
directly with the
MBA program, or the
Admissions Office for undergraduate students. The
Funding for Students section may be helpful in locating other possible
funding sources.
Q. How do I register for classes at Rice?
A. Before you will be able to register for classes
or check in with the Payroll Office at Rice, you must come to the OISS
with your passport and immigration documents. At that time, you will
also receive orientation materials to facilitate your stay here.
Q. Do I have to buy medical insurance? How much does it cost?
A. All
students at Rice University are required to purchase medical insurance.
J-1 students and scholars should also refer to the handout on J-1 Health
Insurance Requirements sent to you with your DS-2019. Take care of your
dental and optical needs before you come. If you can, bring an extra pair
of glasses or whatever else just in case. The medical insurance usually
does not cover dental or eye glasses. You will find more information on
this subject on the OISS
Medical Care website.
Q. What is the OISS-listserve and how do I subscribe to it?
A. Rice
international students and scholars may find out about free tickets,
social activities, important immigration updates and requirements, and
other special issues of interest to internationals at Rice. To subscribe,
please visit the
OISS-Announce Info Page. You may communicate easily with other international
students and scholars about buying and selling items. To subscribe, please
visit the
OISS-Market Info Page.
Q. Can my dependents study in a U.S. university?
A. Some dependents choose to apply to a college after
arriving in the U.S. If your dependents are interested in applying to a
school in the U.S., be sure to bring their official transcripts. At this time
F-2 visa holders may not study in the U.S. full-time. Be sure to inquire with
the OISS about the application procedures.
Q. What identification do Rice students and
scholars commonly need?
A. After you have arrived at Rice University, you are
required by law to keep your original immigration documents with you at all
times. You may make copies of all these documents and keep them at home as a
record in case you lose any documents, but you must be very careful not to
lose them.
Rice Identification Card—This allows students,
scholars, and their family members to use the library and athletic
facilities and can be coded to enter certain buildings after normal
business hours. Some local merchants also accept it as a good form of
identification for purchasing items through a checking account.
Texas I.D. Card or Driver’s License—They are issued by
the Texas Department of Public Safety with offices within a few miles from
Rice. Americans do not carry national U.S. identification documents; thus,
the driver’s license or state I.D. card serves as the primary
identification document. For the I.D. card, you will need to complete an
application form, show your passport with a valid U.S. State Department
issued visa or with a valid I-94 card, and pay $15. The OISS usually
provides a bus trip to the Department of Public Safety office once during
International Student Orientation Week (O-Week) to assist students in
obtaining the I.D. card. For a driver’s license, you will need to fill out
an application, show your passport with a valid U.S. visa or with a valid
I-94 card, pass a driving exam, and pay $24. Additional information is
available
here.
A. In order to obtain permission to enter the U.S.
as a student or scholar, you will need to visit the nearest U.S.
Consular Office (Embassy, Consulate, or Mission) where an officer will
interview you and issue the appropriate visa. Please make sure the name
on your visa stamp is written the same as in your passport and on your
I-20 or DS-2019. You will need to present:
A valid passport from your own government.
A “Certificate of Eligibility” for a temporary
stay in the U.S. (I-20 or DS-2019 by Rice University or another
sponsor).
Students: Financial documents to prove you have
the funds required for a least a year’s stay in the U.S. (as indicated
on the I-20 or DS-2019). Or for scholars, a signed Letter of
Appointment or other documents regarding your position at Rice and how
you will be funded during your stay.
F-1 and J-1 need to pay the one time $100 SEVIS
fee prior to applying for a visa. Keep your receipt as proof of
payment to present to the US Consulate, port of entry officials when
entering the U.S., and for our records. For more information visit the
SEVIS I-901 webpage, and download our SEVIS Fee information handouts
for the F-1 and
J-1 visa.
Q. I am going home. What should I do before I leave?
A. You
should bring your I-20 or DS-2019 form and passport to the OISS for a
signature and/or instructions for applying for a visa renewal, if
necessary.
Q. What are the U.S. entry procedures that I should be aware of?
Please note that you may not enter the U.S.A. before
30 days on the entry date of your I-20 or DS-2019. You must report to the
OISS before you register for class and within 15 days from your
immigration form start date, or the US government will assume that you are
a “no show”, resulting in possible negative consequences.
At the airport where you enter the U.S., an
immigration officer will inspect your passport, visa, SEVIS fee receipt,
documents from Rice and letters indicating how you will be financed while
living in the U.S. Keep these items easily available.
Do not pack them away in your luggage. The official
should stamp your I-20 or DS-2019 and the I-94 card you filled out on the
plane. The I-94 card is very important because it shows your admission
status. The number on this card, I-94 admission number, will be used for
several purposes while you are in the U.S. Ask the Inspector at the port
of entry for this I-94 card if they don’t give one to you. Finally, the
custom officials will inspect your baggage for illegal materials. There
may be large dogs sniffing for drugs as well.
New procedures and laws have been put into to place
for greater security needs in the U.S.A. Therefore, male foreign visitors
from certain countries may have to pass through a special interview
process. Unfortunately, this could cause a delay between flight
connections. You are encouraged to review the information about “Special
Registration” on the website of the
U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services for update information concerning special
registration requirements for citizens from your country. For more
information on traveling to the USA and applying for a visa visit the
U.S.
Department of State
Travel webpage.
Q. What is the difference between a visa and an arrival-departure
record?
A - Diplomatic and other government officials, and
their families and employees
B - Temporary visitors for business or pleasure
C - Aliens in Transit
D - Crewmen
E - International Traders and Investors
F - Academic Students and their families
G - Representatives to international organizations
and their families and employees
H - Temporary Workers
I - Representatives of foreign media and their
families
J - Exchange Visitors and their families
K - U.S. Citizens' Spouses and Fiancés and their
families
L - Intracompany Transferees
M - Vocational Students and their families
N - Parents and children of the people who have
been granted special immigrant status because their parents were
employed by an international organization in the United States
O - Aliens of Extraordinary Ability
P - Entertainers and Athletes
Q - Participants in International Exchange Programs
R - Religious Workers
TN - Canadians and Mexicans under NAFTA
Q. What is an I-20? What is a DS-2019?
A. I-20 is the certificate of eligibility needed to
get an F-1 visa. The DS-2019 form is for the J-1 exchange visitor visa.
These documents are issued from the OISS upon gaining admission.
Q. Do all J visa holders have the Two-Year Foreign Residence
Requirement?
A. Not all J-1 visa holders have this requirement. Read
this article on the U.S. Department of State website.
Q. Under what circumstances can the Two-Year Foreign Residence
Requirement be waived?
A. If you will be coming to Rice on a visa other than the
F or J, please contact our office immediately.
Q. Can I change my status? Can I change the type of my visa?
A. Yes, but you need to speak with your OISS
advisor about this benefit.
Q. What are OPT and CPT?
A. F-1
students who have been in status for 9 consecutive months are eligible to
apply for the practical training. Students may apply for Curricular
Practical Training (CPT) if the internship or job experience is an
integral part of the curriculum. Students may apply for the Optional
Practical Training (OPT) before the completion of studies. Students need
to make appointment with one of the advisors at the OISS office for more
detailed information and application procedures. OPT processing can take
3-4 months, so it is important to plan well in advance.
Q. Am I eligible for OPT? What procedure should I follow in order to
apply.
A. OPT may be available to you if you have been in legal F-1 status for
nine consecutive months. You may apply for a maximum of 12 months of OPT
at any of the following times during your academic career: 1) upon
completion of your degree, 2) upon completion of your coursework, and
while working on your thesis or dissertation, 3) during the summer months,
and/or 4) part-time (20 hours a week) during the semester while taking
courses. Download our handout which outlines
the application procedure. Please make note of the following instructions,
as they are essential in maximizing your employment benefit:
Apply Early - It can take up to 3 months for your
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to arrive, and you cannot
begin work before the authorized time. You may begin to apply for OPT
120 days before you graduate, and no later than 60 days after you
graduate.
Plan Your Employment Time - Since there is a maximum of 12
months of OPT during one's entire F-1 career, you may want to split the
time between academic degrees you earn, or save it for after you
graduate with an advanced degree. Exception to 12 month maximum time: If
you leave the country, or legally change your F-1 visa status to another
visa for more than five months and then become an F-1 student again to
begin a new program, you may gain another 12 months of OPT.
Consult the Office of International Services - Handouts are
available to give step-by-step instructions on applying for OPT.
However, questions you feel are unique to your situation, you are
encouraged to speak to the international student office, to help you
maximize your OPT experience.
Q. Can I work while I am in the U.S.?
A. F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to work on
campus up to 20 hours during the semester and 40 hours during vacations
and the summer. There is also the option for F-1 Practical Training (see
the question above) or J-1 Academic Training, and employment due to
economic hardship. You need to see an OISS advisor to learn about any
off-campus employment in advance of looking for a job.
Q. How do I fill out my tax forms? Do I have to do that?
A. All
International students and scholars must complete a tax form. Read the
OISS Tax Resources webpage for more information.
Q. Where can I find information about the Green Card lottery
(Diversity Immigrant Visa Program)?
A. Social Security Number is a number issued for the purpose of
verification of employment eligibility in the U.S. Thus only those who are
eligible to legally work in the U.S. may apply for it. Students will need
to show proof of employment to be eligible to apply for this number. Then you must: 1) complete an application, 2) provide proof of
visa type, 3) provide passport information. F-1 and J-1 students must also
registered full-time. Both students and scholars must get a letter from
the OISS at Rice confirming that they are
eligible to work on campus and therefore need an SSN. To apply for an SSN,
students and scholars should visit the Social Security Administration
office in their area (click here for map and
directions).
Please check with the OISS before you go to the
Social Security Administration, as you may need to be informed of new
rules or requirements, as the laws and policies seem to be changing on a
daily basis. You are generally required to wait 10 days before going to
the SSA.
Q. What should I bring with me when I move into my
residential college?
A pillow, extra-long twin sheets (79"), a comforter, and
a blanket. Rice has provided information on a company that sells this sort of
extra-long linens here.
Several towels, washcloths, and a bathrobe
Toiletries. It's nice to bring soap, shampoo, deodorant,
toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, razor, and anything else you need for the
first few weeks you are here.
A large laundry basket, detergent and dryer sheets to do
your own laundry
A desk lamp, and a phone are things you may buy in the
U.S.
Clothes hangers!
An alarm clock.
A backpack, book bag, briefcase, satchel, or something
similar. You need something to carry all your books and notebooks to class.
An umbrella, rain jacket, and some waterproof shoes. It
rains more in Houston than one ever imagined it could, and it floods. Since
you'll be on your feet most of the year, and almost all of O-Week, make sure
you have some comfortable shoes to wear.
Some dressier outfits.
A good music collection, as CDs in the U.S. are more
expensive.
Q. Can my children go to school in Houston?
A. Yes. To find out which public school your child
is zoned to in the Houston Independent School District, call (713)
892-6000. To find a private school, consult the Southwestern Bell Yellow
Pages.
Q. What facilities are available on the Rice campus?
A. In the Rice Memorial Center/Ley Student Center
there are a few places to eat and a small convenience store if you need
anything when you get to Rice. These are:
The Coffeehouse (open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am
–midnight and Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm)
Sammy’s Café (open Monday to Friday,
7:30am–3:30pm)
Willy’s Pub (open Monday to Thursday,
12:00noon–2:00am)
A convenience store (open Monday to Friday,
7:30am–11:00pm and Saturday/Sunday, 12:00 noon–11:00pm)
Q. Why do I have to pay more than the price on the package for
certain items?
A. In the U.S. the shown price is the price before
sales taxes and you have to pay more than the price on the package.
Sales tax in Texas is 8.25%.
Q. Will I be able to apply for a credit card in the U.S.?
A. If
you can, apply for a credit card in your home country before coming to
Houston. In the USA, you cannot get a credit card unless you have
established credit, and many internationals get turned down because of
this. Also, many people use credit card/debit card instead of cash.
Q. What is the weather like in Houston?
A. Check the
weather forecast before your arrival so you know what to expect and
what kind of clothes to bring. Houston weather is generally hot and
humid with the occasional lightning storm but does get a little colder
in the winter.
Q. What type of clothing is recommended in
Houston?
A. Houston weather is hot and humid in summer and
generally mild in winter, though we do occasionally have freezing
temperatures. The average winter day will be from 45o F to 65o F (7o C to 18o
C). Clothing needs range from light summer cottons to medium weight winter
coats, jackets, and sweaters. Rain can be expected any time of the year. A
light raincoat and umbrella are useful. An all weather coat or jacket is ideal
for winter. Casual clothes are worn on campus. You may want to bring
something a little dressier for special occasions. Dry cleaning is expensive,
so it is best to bring everyday clothing that is easily washable and does not
require ironing. Both women and men commonly wear jeans on campus. Women
sometimes wear skirts or casual dresses, usually with low-heeled shoes. Men
usually wear neckties and suit jackets only for special occasions. You may
want to bring a “national dress”, if you have one, to wear at cultural events. If you cannot carry all your clothing with you, ship the
winter clothing to arrive later. During August and September, the weather will
be hot! The Graduate Student Association’s handbook has
information about discount clothing stores and other kind of bargain shopping
opportunities. This book is given to you shortly after you arrive. Finally, please note that people in the U.S. wash their
clothes and bathe often, and also use a lot of soap and deodorant daily. Bring
several changes of clothes, especially for hot, humid summer days.
Q. Where can I find more information about Houston and Texas?
A. If you
have a problem after arriving in the U.S., contact the OISS at
(713) 348-6095. For after hours emergencies, please contact the Rice
University Police Department at (713) 348-6000 or dial 911.
A. Living in Houston without a car is not easy; yet owning a car is
not a simple matter. Read the article So You
Want to Buy a Car... on the OISS Driving
in the U.S. website for more information.
Q. What other ways are there to travel in the U.S.?
A. Trains are not as convenient in the U.S. as in
other countries; they are fewer, and their schedules are not as
frequent. Bus travel such as Coach USA, Phone: (713) 671-0991, and Greyhound,
Toll Free 1-800-229-9424, is cheaper and offers good schedules, but you are
advised to take taxi from the depot as soon as you reach your
destination. Bus stations are not safe place for you or your luggage.
Q. How do I get a Texas driver's license?
A. If you do not drive in your home country, it is
probably a good idea to wait and get a Texas driver’s license. Most cars
here are automatic and the driving test is easier and much cheaper.
There are two parts to the test, one written and one driving. To take
the test, find the nearest Department of Public Safety. You must provide
you own vehicle for the driving test. For more information of what
documents you will need and the process involved in getting a Texas
license, see our Driver's License
website. Generally, a person 18 to 75 years of age with a
valid out-of-country driver license in their possession may drive a
private, non-commercial motor vehicle in the State of Texas for up to
one year from date of entry into the United States, if their home
country has reciprocity with the U.S. If you are planning to rent a car
in Houston when you arrive, you will need a driver’s license.
Q. Should I apply for an International Driver's License in my home
country?
A. For those of you who drive in your own country,
you may want to consider applying for the International Driver's
License, if it is not too costly, before coming to Rice. With this
license, you may be able to drive in Houston for up to a year. Many
internationals have to wait for a long time to apply for a driver
license here and this may create much inconvenience as public
transportation is not common in Texas.
A. 7324 Southwest Freeway Suite 500. Phone: (713) 219-5636 ext.3082,
fax: (713) 219-5650. Driving directions: take Shepherd or Kirby north to Highway 59 (Southwest Freeway), turn left and get on 59 South,
take the exit to Fondren. The office is located on the corner of Fondren
and the Southwest Freeway.
A. 12220 Gessner. Phone: (713) 773-3334.
Driving directions: take Shepherd or Kirby north to Highway 59 (Southwest Freeway),
turn left and get on 59 South, take the exit to S Gessner Road, turn left onto S Gessner, drive south about 3 miles.
