This section is designed for International scholars (those
conducting research, teaching or observing but not enrolled in courses at NC
State) at NC State University who need to have a general knowledge of basic
immigration regulations and important University policies and procedures that
affect or pertain to their employment. Federal regulations regarding working
vary widely depending on visa type.
Welcome to NC State
We wish to welcome all the new scholars to NC State
University. We hope that your time here
will be productive and beneficial. The
Office of International Scholar and Student Services is here to assist you in
your time in the United States. We have
a variety of programs and services available to you.
Pre-Arrival Information
For information of what you need to know before coming to NC
State University and applying for your visa please
refer to our Pre-arrival
document.
Getting Settled at NC State
Housing
On campus housing and dormitories are reserved for NC State
students who are enrolled in full time degree programs at the university. The University Housing Office
http://www.ncsu.edu/housing
(1112 Pullen Hall) has information about off campus housing. Plan to arrive in advance of the beginning
date of your appointment in order to make arrangements for housing. The NC
State department where you will be working may be able to offer assistance in
locating appropriate housing. It may be wise to acquire temporary housing while
you are searching for a more permanent arrangement. Most apartments require a 1
or 2 month advance rent when signing a lease. Most apartments within walking
distance of the campus are rented long before the academic year begins.
Apartment rentals in Raleigh can vary from $300 per month to $1000 per month or
more depending on the location, amenities and whether you have roommates to
share expenses or a one bedroom apartment.
An important thing to remember is safety. A cheaper rent may be nice for
your budget but the apartment may not necessarily be in a safe location. If you
have any doubts about a location, ask a friend, colleague or OIS. Make sure you closely read the lease before
signing. The lease is the legal contract between you and the apartment rental
or landlord. Be sure to ask the landlord specific questions if you have any
doubts. You may want to bring a colleague or friend to help act as translator.
Although OIS has a list of apartment complexes in the area with their
addresses and phone numbers, due to legal liabilities, OIS is unable to assist with lease or rental
agreements.
Most apartments are rented unfurnished although they usually include a stove, refrigerator, and oven. Some also come with a washer and
dryer in the apartment, or there will be laundry facilities on site. If they
don't, you will need to use laundromats in the area.
Additional sources for off campus housing include the Apartment Guide, (available at grocery
stores and at the Talley Student Center), the Raleigh News & Observer (in the Classified Section), you should also look on
bulletin boards on campus - there are usually notices from people looking for
roommates. A good website to consult is http://www.rent.net
which provides floor plans and all necessary
information for apartments in the Triangle.
Payroll Office
If you will be employed and paid a salary by NC State
University you need to schedule an appointment with the Nonresident Tax
Specialist at the University Payroll Office to complete tax forms. Call
515-4370 to schedule an appointment.
Taxes
If you are paid by NC State or another US source, you will
need to file tax return forms with the Internal Revenue Service for each
preceding calendar year. A tax
information session is sponsored by OIS every March. There is also information and forms on the
IRS website, http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/
Your tax status and the taxes you are
required to pay depending on your visa status and country of citizenship.
Health and
Medical Insurance
Health and medical insurance is very expensive in the US,
especially if you have accompanying family members. Depending on your visa type
and position at NC State your health insurance options will vary. An important
thing to remember is that all J-1
Exchange Visitors and their accompanying family members are required to
have health insurance which meets certain federal requirements: $50,000 minimum
per accident or illness; $500 maximum deductible per illness; $10,000 provision
for medical evacuation; and $7,500
maximum for repatriation. If you will not
be paid by NC State and you do not have insurance, then you will need to
purchase insurance in the US. OIS has a list of insurance companies that sell
policies meeting the minimum requirements of the J-1 program.
If you will be
employed and paid by NC State (other than as a Post Doc) and are in J-1 visa
status, then please be aware that the University insurance does not meet the
requirements of the J-1 program. OIS has information and applications for
supplemental insurance that you can purchase.
Scholars at NC State who are employed fulltime in H-1B, TN
and O-1 visa status are eligible for the health insurance offered to state
employees based on their positions. These visa types do not have minimum
insurance requirements as the J-1 visa. Please consult the NC State Benefits
Office at 515-2151 for a description of the health insurance plans offered
through NC State.
Post Doctoral
Fellows
Post Docs paid by NC State, regardless of visa type, are
eligible for a health insurance group plan which is administered through Hill,
Chesson & Woody. Post
Docs on this plan are allowed to use the Student Health Services on campus
(located on the corner of Cates and Dan Allen Drive). NC State hiring departments
incur the cost of the Post Docs' health insurance and will initiate the request
for your health insurance coverage. Post Docs eligible for the group health
insurance plan should contact the administrative assistant in their department
to complete the necessary health insurance form. Family members joining Post
Docs at NC State are also eligible for health insurance through Hill, Chesson &
Woody but the Post Doc, not the hiring department, is
responsible for covering the costs of the insurance and completing the paperwork
through Hill, Chesson & Woody. Family members are not allowed to
use the Student Health Services on campus. For more information, please consult
the Office of Academic Personnel Services at 515-2193 or email Hill, Chesson & Woody at
http://www.hillchesson.com
