In addition to enrolling international students in the J-1 student category, Ramapo College is also authorized to use the following categories for “scholars”:<\/p>\n
J-1 scholars at Ramapo typically have academic appointments as visiting faculty, postdoctoral fellows\/associates, research associates, and other temporary academic appointments. J-1 visa classification cannot be used for tenured\/tenure-stream appointments.<\/p>\n
A scholar acquires J-1 status using Form DS-2019, issued by a DHS\/DOS -approved school through SEVIS. Status is acquired in one of two ways: 1) if the scholar is abroad, by entering the United States with the DS-2019 and a J-1 visa obtained at a US consulate (although citizens of some countries are exempt from the visa requirement); or 2) if the student is already in the United States, by sending the DS-2019 to USCIS with an application for change of nonimmigrant status.<\/p>\n
The spouse and dependent children of a J-1 scholar are eligible for J-2 visa status. Those in J-2 status may study without restriction in the United States. In addition, they may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an employment authorization document that will allow them to work in the United States.<\/p>\n
When a J-1 exchange visitor completed his or her program, a 30-day grace period begins. During these 30 days he\/she may remain in the U.S. and prepare to leave. It is not permissible to work during the grace period. Nor may one exit the U.S. and reenter as a J-1 during the grace period.<\/p>\n
Requesting Form DS-2019<\/p>\n
Department faculty who would like to extend the stay of an international scholar must submit the following documents to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to request a DS-2019 for the scholar:<\/p>\n
Please verify that all forms are complete and have been signed by required department personnel before submitting them to ISSS. The ISSS then issues the DS-2019 and mails it to the scholar.<\/p>\n
All J-1 exchange visitors must file federal tax forms every year that they are in the U.S. The deadlines to file the forms are April 15, if U.S. money is earned, and June 15, if no U.S. money is earned.<\/p>\n
Exchange Visitors in the United States are required by law to have a specific amount and type of medical insurance. The insurance must be maintained for the duration of your program in the United States. You may use an insurance program of your own choice as long as it adheres to the requirements. It is imperative that you take responsibility for maintaining the required medical insurance. Failure to do so will jeopardize your legal status in the United States.<\/strong><\/p>\n NOTE: Medical insurance policies generally do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a pre-existing health condition that may require treatment in the U.S., you may be required to pay cash for such treatment.<\/p>\n Minimum Medical Insurance Required:<\/strong><\/p>\n We do not recommend or endorse any of the insurance policies but have provided this list to assist you in finding an appropriate insurance provider. Contact the insurance companies directly for more information on specific plans and their fees.<\/p>\n This is not a comprehensive list. You may purchase other insurance plans as long as they meet the above insurance requirements.<\/p>\n HTH Worldwide Insurance Services<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n International Student Health Insurance Plans<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n International Student Insurance<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n BETiNS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Compass Benefits Group<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Gateway Health<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Helpful Hints from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for your arrival in the U.S.:<\/p>\n For more detailed information about your arrival in the U.S., please review this fact sheet on the ICE website: Transportation options from the airport to the college are: Your destination:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ramapo College of New Jersey 1. Kennedy International Airport<\/strong> Air Brook Limousine Service<\/strong>: By Bus<\/strong>: the most inexpensive way to get to Ramapo College from Kennedy International Airport is by bus. At Kennedy Airport, inquire at the Gray Line Bus Line counter which will take you to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. The telephone number is 1-800-451-0455. This service is located near baggage claims. Upon arriving at the Port Authority Terminal, do not be discouraged by its large size. Ask a police officer to direct you to the Short Line Bus Line counter. Buy a bus ticket to the bus terminal in Mahwah, New Jersey. At the bus terminal in Mahwah, phone Ramsey Taxi Company at (201)-327-0147. After 10:00PM, it is necessary to phone the Ridgewood Taxi Company at 1-800-445-8294. 2. LaGuardia Airport<\/strong> 3. Newark Airport<\/strong> Air Brook Express<\/strong> offers convenient, low cost shuttle between Ridgewood, N.J. and Newark Airport with up to 54 trips daily. More Info<\/a> During the Scholar Orientation scholars will be taken to a local bank to open accounts and convert currency. The most convenient bank is TD Bank<\/strong> in the Interstate Shopping Center on Route 17, Ramsey.<\/p>\n You will need a variety of clothing while living in New Jersey, because temperatures vary from 90 degrees F (32 degrees C) during the summer months to 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C) during the winter months.<\/p>\n In June, July, and August, very light clothing is needed (shorts, skirts, t-shirts, sandals). However, you should bring at least one sweater and\/or light coat.<\/p>\n From September until late November, we experience moderate temperatures. Students usually wear pants, sweaters and a light coat. A raincoat and umbrella is also needed.<\/p>\n From November to early April, heavier clothing such as a heavy coat, gloves and boots (total cost around $150) are needed. Students wear very casual clothing on campus. Pants, blue jeans, shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and parkas are worn by men and women; women also wear dresses and skirts.<\/p>\n Although men rarely wear suits, if you have one, it would be useful to bring for special occasions.<\/p>\n You will find an elaborate guide of hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and local activities<\/strong><\/em> in the Mahwah area in The Colleges Online Regional Guide<\/p>\n\n
Helpful Hints<\/h3>\n
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\nhttp:\/\/www.ice.gov\/sevis\/factsheet\/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htm<\/a><\/p>\nDirections To Ramapo<\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>Air Brook Limousine Service or Bus
\nDriving Directions<\/a><\/p>\n
\n505 Ramapo Valley Road (also called Route #202)
\nMahwah, New Jersey<\/p>\nPlease read the following carefully.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nMost overseas flights to this region use Kennedy International Airport. However, if you are able to arrange to arrive at Newark International Airport in New Jersey, your trip will be considerably shorter and less complicated.
\nPublic Transportation<\/a><\/p>\n
\nBe prepared to pay in US currency or Traveler’s Checks. (212) 244-7250.
\nhttp:\/\/www.airbrook.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPublic Transportation<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFollow the instructions for Kennedy Airport in Making reservations. Phone Air Brook Limousine Service at 1-(212)-244-7250. Follow the directions to Mahwah described above to take the bus to Mahwah, New Jersey. Be prepared to pay in US currency or Traveler’s Checks.
\nPublic Transportation<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPhone (201)-379-6900. Your destination is Ramapo College, 505 Ramapo Valley Road (also called Route #202), Mahwah, New Jersey, off of Route #17. Be prepared to pay the driver in US currency or Traveler’s Checks.
\nPublic Transportation<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThis shuttle will bring you to a location on Route 17, close to campus. From there you can call a cab, or arrange for a friend or International Education Staff member or orientation leader to pick you up.<\/p>\nMoney Issues and Bank Accounts<\/h3>\n
Clothing<\/h3>\n
Transportation on Campus<\/h3>\n
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\nhttps:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/about\/shuttlebus\/<\/a><\/li>\n
\nPlease see: https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/about\/shuttlebus\/#bus<\/a><\/li>\n
\nRamsey Taxi<\/strong><\/em>: (201) 327-9000<\/strong> <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nResources in Mahwah<\/h3>\n