Thinking of Applying - After Arrival in the U.S.

1. What to Do Immediately Upon Arrival
   
   When you first arrive in the United States, there are several important tasks all FLTAs must complete. Please read through the following list so that you are aware of what will need to be completed as soon as possible after your arrival.
   
   Complete and return the following forms immediately by Fax to (212) 984-5578:
2. Address Report Form (will be in your Welcome Packet or you can complete the Foreign Fulbright Student Information Update Form online. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR IIE REGIONAL CENTER IS FLTA. You must also submit:
• Photocopy of your DS-2019
• Visa stamp in passport (with picture)
• I-94 Card
3. Student Report (will be in your Welcome Packet) signed and dated by your supervisor.

Then mail hard copies to IIE at:

Things to do

Included in the Welcome Packet is a work authorization letter. You will need this letter to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

In order to apply for your SSN at a Social Security Administration (SSA) Office, your record in SEVIS must be activated at least 48 hours prior to your visit. In order for this to happen, IIE must receive your Address Report Form. We cannot activate your record in SEVIS without your Address Report Form.

You should be in the United States for at least 10 days prior to going to the SSA Office to apply. This will allow the data from the port-of-entry to be entered in the primary system the SSA uses for authorization validation.

You must bring all proper documents when you apply. You will need your:

1. Passport with I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
2. DS-2019 - Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
3. Original, signed letter from IIE showing that you are authorized to work.
   
   QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Please visit the following website for additional information: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10107.html

Steps

1. Submit your Address Report Form to IIE by fax at (212) 984-5578
2. Wait at least 10 days from the time you faxed the form before you go to the Social Security Office to apply.
3. Bring all proper documents when you go to apply:
• Passport with I- 94 card
• DS-2019
• Signed work authorization letter from IIE

Things to keep in mind

During the academic year you will need to be aware of the following program requirements:

1. Teaching assistants are required to enroll in at least two academic courses per semester at a post-secondary, accredited educational institution in addition to their teaching assistantship duties. A Certificate of Completion will not be issued if you do not take two courses per semester. One course must be in American Studies. If you are not enrolled and taking at least two courses per semester, you are considered out of status.
2. If you move during the academic year you must notify IIE of your address and telephone number within 10 days. Teaching assistants must keep their records at IIE current by submitting address or other changes as they occur during the assistantship.
3. If you plan to travel outside the United States during your assistantship (most notably during the holidays), in order to comply with U.S. visa regulations you must inform IIE of your travel plans. This notification should be done in writing and you must send your DS-2019 form along with a letter, stating where you are traveling and the duration of your stay. You must send the form at least 2 weeks before your date of departure to ensure that we will return it to you in a sufficient amount of time. You will find additional re-entry procedures in your packet regarding visa documentation and travel outside the United States. Whenever you send your DS-2019 form, you should do so as certified return receipt requested OR other traceable method and address the envelop correctly ALWAYS referencing the FLTA PROGRAM on the envelope.
4. Teaching assistantships are for one academic year only. There are no exceptions to this rule.