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Harvard International OfficeVirtual OrientationFall 2021
HIO Advisor ContactIvana Hrga-GriggsAssociate DirectorIvana Hrga-Griggs@Harvard.edu
Using the HIO HIO “Getting Started” Orientation Sessions Banking, Telephone, Healthcare, Taxes, Visas, Spouses Web – www.hio.harvard.edu make an appointment http://hio.harvard.edu/make-appointment(do not forget to press “Finish” button!) extensive immigration information Address updates http://hio.harvard.edu/report-change-address Broadcast e-mail announcements from the HIO – travel, visas, taxes,employment Make sure the HIO is on your email “safe list”:internationaloffice@harvard.edu Keep your email address current with the HIO
Using the HIO Virtual Advisor-on-Call for “walk-in” quickquestions Appointments via Zoom for now – make anappointment http://hio.harvard.edu/makeappointment (do not forget the “Finish”button) Travel signature/pick up hours at the groundfloor of Smith Campus Center (check the HIOwebsite for times) – entry from 11 Holyoke St.
Make Your Appointment
First step Registration with the HIO:– Complete the registration form and email it tointernationaloffice@harvard.edu
Responsibility and Understanding Scholars are responsible for understandingimmigration regulations, and maintaining theirlegal status in the U.S. HIO is responsible for advising and informingscholars about regulations Please ASK first – the HIO wants to help you!
Immigration documents Passport – must be valid for 6 months into thefuture at the time of entry J-1 /J-2 visa DS-2019 I-94
Avoid Unlawful Presence Report change of address within 10 days Never accept any paid employment or internshipwithout checking with the HIO first; don’t work withoutauthorization LinkedIn and CV Do not let your DS-2019 expire Do not accept any public benefits (MassHealth, foodstamps, subsidized housing, school lunches forchildren) Understanding that laws are different between stateand federal, e.g. marijuana (legal in Massachusetts butnot legal at the federal level)
Maintain Legal StatusReport address change to HIO via HIO website within 10days of your move. Travel internationally with correct immigration documents– Also carry your passport and DS-2019 when leaving theCambridge/Boston area Always check your I-94 upon every return from abroad No unauthorized employment Occasional lectures/consulations – must obtainauthorization before the activity takes place J-1s and J-2s must have health insurance Elephant in the room: demonstrations
I-94 Must review admission stamp/I-94 printoutwhenever you re-enter the U.S. (record closeswhenever you depart) Must have I-94 printout for benefits In general, good to have it available electronicallyor in paper form Contact me if there is a mistake on I-94 or you areunable to access it Do keep the old ones with your otherimmigration documents
Travel Must have:– Passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of re-entry– Valid J-1 visa stamp (Canadians are exempt)– Travel signature on DS-2019 Pay attention to COVID-related travel bans! NIE needed if current expires Travel to Cuba is not possible
U.S. Immigration Updates Travel bans currently prohibiting travel to U.S.from many countries; very fluid situation– Travel bans from EU Schengen area, UK, Ireland,Brazil, China, Iran, South Africa, India– Countries may be added or taken away from list atany time by order of President
Monitor Immigration Updates HIO Website: www.hio.harvard.edu– Immigration updates on homepage– Visa application process and guide HIO Emails: Internationaloffice@Harvard.edu(mark this email address as safe!) U.S. Department of State website U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website
Social Security Card Social Security Number (SSN) is a government assignednumber needed for those who have authorization to workin the U.S. It is NOT a permission to work, just a tracking number SSN is valid for life – only apply one time Follow the instructions on the HIO website
Taxes HIO licenses a tax software (Sprintax) that scholars may use to assist with tax filing(https://hio.harvard.edu/faq-tax-filing) All individuals present in the U.S. MUST file a tax return, even those who had noearned incomeHelpful Tips & General Information: Complete any Harvard related tax forms in timely manner (Glacier)– Will receive notification if you need to complete– http://sfs.harvard.edu/taxes Non-Resident Tax Compliance ct-nra-office Basic Tax system– 2 parts:– Taxed now (“tax deduction”)– Reconcile later (file tax return)– Tax Return Filing Deadlines (April 15 or June 15)
Scams and ID Theft U.S. government agencies, and most private entities, will never requestsensitive personal information such as a Social Security Number via phoneor email. They also would never threaten people or request gift cards orcash in order to avoid penalties. Do not answer phone calls from numbers that you do not know even if thenumber appears to be an official one such as the police – make sureIvana’s number is recognized Consider removing personal contact information from social media(LinkedIn, etc.) to protect your identity Ask Questions/Get Advice» Call your HIO Advisor» Call HUPD Did you set up your voicemail?
Dependent Work Authorization J-2 dependents may apply for work authorizationthrough government application once they arrive inthe U.S.– Must be physically present in U.S. in J-2 status to apply– Instructional handout at HIO front desk– Contact HIO advisor for more information
Spouse & Family ources HSSPA (programs for scholars’spouses or partners)http://hsspa.harvard.edu/ Orientation program for e Child-care and schooling ing
After Completing Program Program end date listed on DS-2019– J-1 scholars and & dependents: 30 day graceperiod– Not for travel or work, just to stay in U.S. Transfer to another U.S. Institution– Scholar responsible for notifying HIO advisor
Questions?Ivana Hrga-Griggs,Associate DirectorHarvard International Office1350 Massachusetts AvenueSmith Campus Center 864 (8th floor)Cambridge, MA 02138 Direct Phone 617-495-2821 E-mail:ivana hrga-griggs@harvard.edu Appointments: http://hio.harvard.edu/make-appointment
Harvard International Office Virtual Orientation Fall 2021. HIO Advisor Contact Ivana Hrga-Griggs Associate Director Ivana_Hrga-Griggs@Harvard.edu. Using the HIO HIO "Getting Started" Orientation Sessions Banking, Telephone, Healthcare, Taxes, Visas, Spouses Web -www.hio.harvard.edu
