TYPES OF UNITED STATES VISAS

A-1
A-2
Foreign Government Officials

You must have these forms filled out before leaving the aircraft and be prepared to show them upon arrival. Both of these forms require personal information such as your date of birth, passport number, and a contact address in the United States.

Upon arriving in America, you must pass through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS - which was formerly known as the INS) and then pass through US Customs at the airport.

This government agency is responsible for making sure that immigration laws are enforced. Your only contact with the USCIS will be upon your arrival and departure from the United States. The USCIS officer will ask you several questions in order to find out how long you will be staying in the United States as well as your purpose for coming. Be prepared to show the USCIS officer the following documents:

1. Your Visa – this is stamped inside your passport.
2. Your I-94 card – This card shows how long you are permitted to stay in the United States. If you need to stay longer than the time allowed on your card, you will need to explain the
reason for your stay and ask the immigration officer for an extension. The officer will then attach this card to your passport – DO NOT REMOVE IT.
3. Your entry papers.
The immigration officer will only ask you general questions about your coming to the United States. However, if for any reason the USCIS officer becomes suspicious of your intentions, he/she has the right to ask you more detailed questions. USCIS officers do have the right to refuse your entrance into the United States even if you have a valid visa.

You should carry some sort of identification with you at all times. Your passport is not always the best alternative because if you lose it or it gets stolen, you will have to get it replaced before you can leave the country. Therefore, it is recommended that if you stay in the United States for more than 30 days, you get a temporary driver’s license or identification card.

Driver’s License
You can get a driver’s license at either the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. You must be 18 years or older to get your license, and
every state has different requirements for getting a license. You will need to bring several documents to the MVA or DMV.

You will probably want to bring:
1. An international driver’s license or a driver’s license from your home country. If you do not have one, you will probably have to take a driving test before getting your license.
2. Proof of residence. Electricity or phone bills are good items to show your name and address.
3. Proof of your name and age. An original birth certificate (translated) or your employment authorization card are good ways to show this; however, any official document should work.
4. Your passport. This should include your visa and your I-94 card.
5. Your social security card (if you have one).

1. Identification – this can be a driver’s license, passport, credit card, or a student ID card.
2. The names and the addresses of both the foreign bank and your US bank.
3. The routing number and/or electronic address of each bank.
4. Your US bank account number.

It takes approximately 2-3 days to complete a money wiring transfer. If transferring from a country without many international transactions, it may take considerably longer.
It takes longer to wire money from the US to other countries, sometimes as long as four weeks.
You will need the information above as well as some additional information to complete such a transaction.

In order to wire money from outside USA, you also need:

If you are planning to stay in the USA for a considerable period of time, then you'll most likely want to open a checking account. Checking accounts can be used in the USA to pay monthly bills and make purchases at stores. Checking accounts usually require you to keep a minimum balance, and they usually do not accrue interest.

To open a bank account, you usually need to deposit at least $100. Many institutions charge a service fee each month if the balance in your account goes below a certain amount.

You will need to present several documents:

1. Proof of your name and address – you can show this with a letter or bill sent to your
address or a work or student ID card.
2. Your social security card or number.
3. Your visa and passport.
4. A driver’s license or other photo ID.
5. Your employer’s name and address, or your student ID.

Sending money home or abroad is always an issue once you have started to work in America. You need to send money safely, fast, and avoid paying a fortune in fees to complete the process. Western Union is a major foreign transfer service that allows everyone to send and receive money via the Western Union Money Transfer Service. It is possible to send money to a smaller and undeveloped country as it is one of the world’s largest networks in the world.

• Visit your nearest Western Union Agent location.
• A ‘Send Money’ form will have to be completed.
• A picture ID will be necessary to complete the money sending transfer.
• Payment of the money transaction and fee (in cash) will be made to the clerk. Fees may vary depending on the amount of money required to send.
• A receipt will be given to you that includes a “Money Transfer Control Number” (MTCN).
• The MTCN will have to be given to the receiver of the money, to prove that the transaction was intentionally for that person. A test question that both the sender and receiver of the money transaction will know, may be required. This is to help Western Union identify the receiver of the funds.

International calls can be expensive on a regular phone line. Using pre-paid phone cards is a good way to save money. Check for the following things before you buy a pre-paid phone card:

Local Calls refer to calls within the same area code. Local calls do not have any extra charges (only what you pay as your monthly bill) unless you call from a pay phone.
 
To Make a Local Call, Dial
• the 7-digit number (the area code is not necessary)

Long Distance Calls refer to calls to a different area code (different City or State). Long-distance calls cost additional money at any phone, including pay phones. Long-distance charges are different depending on which telephone service company you have.

To Make a Long-Distance Call, Dial
• “1”
• then the 3 digit area code
• the 7-digit number

1-800 Toll Free Numbers
There are two other types of phone calls in the US: 800 and 900 numbers.
• 800 numbers begin with the numbers 1-800 or 1-888. Many businesses use these numbers. These are free to call from any phone to any area code.

There are a number of benefits and responsibilities that come with owning your own home. Real estate agents normally help you find a home to buy. It is best to ask for an agent who knows the area where you want to buy your house. Local newspapers will often have “Classifieds” under “Homes for Sale.” You can also look for “For Sale” signs in the areas you are interested in.
It is most common to get a mortgage from a local bank or from a mortgage company. The interest you pay on your mortgage is deductible on your federal income tax. It is also necessary to buy homeowner’s insurance to help pay for any possible future damage to your home. Insurance normally covers damage due to bad weather, fire, or burglary. You will also need to pay property taxes on the value of your home.

If you do not have a car, there are many alternative types of transportation in the USA, which vary from city to city.

Public Bus
Many large cities have bus transportation, which is usually the cheapest form of transportation.
There is also a bus service for longer trips (state to state) . These are more expensive, but are still a cheap alternative. To get the lowest fare on a long trip, make reservations as soon as possible. Many bus companies have discount programs for early reservations.

Greyhound Bus Line
Greyhound is the long-range bus service in the USA. This is probably one of the cheapest types of transportation services. Greyhound is a very affordable method of transportation, but it’s not really comfortable or a fun experience.

Subway/Metro
Many metropolitan cities have subway trains that run through the cities. These trains are usually inexpensive and run often.

There are no free health clinics or any national health services to use. Health Insurance is the only way to protect your financial status if you’re injured or become ill for any reason.
In most cases, private health insurance comes through your employer. As part of a group plan (you and your co-workers), you can be advantaged with significant discounts on premiums and
comprehensive policies. Past illnesses and your current health status is not accounted for, you will be protected through any Insurance company.

If you do not work for a company or are self-employed, buying health insurance policies can range considerably and can be quite costly.

Types of Health Insurance
There are many different types of Health Insurance; there is not one policy that can be said to be the best. Different policies work best for different people’s personal situations. The one main important aspect that should always be covered is hospitalization. Without insurance, hospitalization can cost you thousand of dollars. It is wise to review your Health Insurance on a regular basis, due to aspects constantly changing, and so the Insurance may have to change with those aspects. Cost is not he only thing to consider when buying health insurance. You also need to consider what benefits are covered. Plans are also necessary to be researched not only for cost but also for coverage.

Health Insurance can be broken down into two main categories:

Today the majority of American citizens have some form of managed care.
All managed care plans involve arrangement between the insurer and a selected network of health care providers. So, by offering policyholders significant financial incentives to use the
providers in that particular network.

• Point of Service Plans (POS)
You will need to choose your Primary Care Physician (PCP) from among the plans network of doctors. Your primary care doctor will become your regular doctor.
As a member of POS you may choose to go outside the contracted provider network for specialty or major medical care at any time during the contract. You usually should go
through your PCP, but you are still able to refer yourself: although you will usually have to pay deductibles and coinsurance yourself, therefore smaller reimbursements. However, if
your PCP refers you to another specialist doctor then the contracted policy cover the cost.
The main advantage of this policy is the patient’s freedom of choice of the provider when seeking higher levels of care. However, this policy is expensive compared to the Health
Maintenance Organization (HMO).

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
HMO’s are the least expensive policy but least flexible type of health plan. This type of policy is usually geared to group plans rather than individuals. The primary care physician
(PCP) has a more important role in the HMO policy. They have to refer you to specialists for you to be covered by your plan. Sometimes you will have to have coverage from your
PCP before going to the emergency room, so choose your Physician carefully.
Some HMO’s require you to pay a small fee when visiting a doctor; others have no fees at all.
HMO’s have the best reputation for covering preventive care services and health improvements program-making you receive basic health care before the problem worsens in anyway. This is due to HMO’s receiving a fixed fee for covered medical expenses.

There are a number of people that cannot afford health insurance. For those there are two options that came in effect in 1965 when two social programs were established by the
government.

1. Medicaid is the nation's largest social-welfare program. It is a joint federal-state program that funds medical care for the poor. The requirements for receiving Medicaid and the scope of care available vary widely from state to state. It costs of about $156 thousand million a year to run it.

2. Medicare is another form of federal health insurance. It works the way that it pays for a large part of the medical bills. However, it only applies to Americans who are 65 and older or who are disabled, regardless of age. Social Security tax finances a portion of the Medicare. Everybody in the U.S. who receives Social Security payments is covered by Medicare.

Social Security numbers (SSN) are assigned to you by the U.S. government. A SSN will follow you your whole life and be your number on what type of earnings and the benefits you can get. It is also used by banks and other agencies, such as schools, to identify you. Sometimes when you want to rent a home, you might be asked for your SSN. This is normally for the landlord to pull your credit and review what type of tenant you will be. The government department in charge of Social Security is called the Social Security Administration.

Find the Social Security office closest to you by:

• Asking friends or neighbors where to find the nearest Social Security office.
• Calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 AM and 7 PM. Information is given in English and Spanish.
Free interpreter services are available.
• Looking for the address in the blue pages of the phone book.
• Looking on the Social Security Administration website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov .

To get a Social Security card, you should take several documents with you to your nearest Social Security office.

Whenever you have a credit card or pay something on credit in the U.S., it is important that you pay on time. Three major credit card organizations rate your credit depending on your payment history. After you pay your bills on time, you will get a higher and higher credit score. A higher credit score means that it will be easier for you to get to a loan if you ever want to buy a house or car. Below are some tips on how you can improve your credit score:

You probably ask yourself; why pay taxes? Well, for your information, taxes are paid by all citizens and residents of the U.S. As soon as you start working, you will be paying federal tax,
state tax, and government tax. Other different types of taxes can be sales tax, income tax, and property tax. Below is an outline over different types of taxes in the U.S.

Taxes are actually being paid by all U.S. citizens and residents. When you get a job, you will automatically be paying federal, state, and local government taxes. Taxes can vary such as income tax, sales tax, and property tax. Below is an explanation of the different types of taxes.

Income tax
“Taxable income” is money that you get from wages, self-employment, tips, and the sale of property. Based on the amount, you will be paying income tax to federal, most state, and some
local governments. One way of paying taxes is to have money withheld from your paycheck. The amount of income tax you must pay depends of course on how much you earn. Income tax rates are at a lower level for people who make less money. Anyone who earns income, resides in the United States, and meets certain requirements needs to file a tax return and pay any taxes they owe. Taxes do not have be a negative thing, as it might seem. There are a number of tax benefits you can use, and it is advisable to read up about it.

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is the federal agency that collects income tax for the whole U.S. Taxpayers file a federal “income tax return”, also called Form 1040. You will file taxes each year. Your tax return tells the government two things: 1. how much you earned and 2. how much in taxes that was taken out of your paycheck.

Social Security and Medicare tax
Social security is a type of federal taxes that are automatically withheld from your paycheck.
Social Security provides benefits for some retired workers that fall into a certain category and their families. However, it also applies to certain disabled workers and their families and some
family members of deceased workers. In the U.S. Medicare taxes pay for medical services.
Medicate is though mostly for people over the age of 65. You must have worked a total of 10 years (or 40 quarters) over the course of your life to qualify for Social Security retirement and
Medicare benefits. However, you may need less than 10 years of work to get disability benefits or for your family to get survivors’ benefits based on your earnings.

Sales tax
Sales taxes are state and local taxes that are simply added to the cost of buying products and services. Sales taxes are based on the initial cost of the item, but they vary from state to state.
Sales taxes help pay for some services provided by state and local government. Examples can be railroads, police, firemen, and schools.

Property tax
These are state and local taxes on your house and land. Property taxes are sometimes used to support local public schools and other services.

Your W-2 Form: Wage and Tax Statement
A W-2 is simply a form (federal) that lists your earnings and the taxes you paid for the last tax year. A tax year is always from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Your employer must
send you a W-2 form by January 31 each year. This is the law. You will receive a W-2 form for each job you have, so you might end up quit a few if you frequently change jobs in a year. You
must send a copy of all your W-2 forms together with your federal income tax return to the IRS.
You might qualify for online filing also. If you live or work in a state that collects income tax, you must send a copy of your W-2 with your state income tax return.

There are 50 states in the U.S. 48 of them are is normally referred to as mainland US and reach about 4,500 kilometers including four time zones. The other two states, Hawaii is located in the
Pacific Ocean and Alaska outside Canada. A map over all the US states is located in another chapter.
You can easily drive car from the West to the East coast of the continental U.S. However, be aware of that it takes around 4-5 days if you drive non-stop. However, if you ever plan to do so,
give yourself at least 2 weeks. You will then be able to appreciate the nature and stop at interesting sites as you go along. The temperatures can change drastically from state to state,
and within each state. It is not unusual for the gap between the warmest and coldest high temperatures on a given day in the United States to reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 40
degrees Celsius). This means you should include both summer and winter clothes on your trip. Below is an outline of the different regions in the USA and the states that make them up:

• The North East, made up of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and
Maryland.

• The South, which runs from Virginia south to Florida and west as far as central Texas.
This region also includes West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and parts of Missouri and
Oklahoma.

• The Midwest, a broad collection of states sweeping westward from Ohio to Nebraska and including Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, parts of Missouri,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and eastern Colorado.

• The Southwest, made up of western Texas, portions of Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and the southern interior part of California.

• The West, comprising Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.

American Business Culture typically differs greatly from many other Countries around the world in the following ways:

• Regional Subcultures. There are a number of differences within these regions including cuisine, history, commodities, prevalent industries, political tendencies, and natural
topography. As a result, many Americans take pride in the region and/or state where they are from.

• Regional Business Subcultures. Many stereotypes exist about people from these different regions. In general, Southerners are known for their 'Southern Hospitality,' showing a
great level of consideration and warmth for business counterparts. The West Coast is known for a more casual, informal approach to business while the East Coast is often
considered the more formal and sometimes conservative counterpart in terms of dress and conduct. Expect many exceptions to these generalizations.

• Individual Business Cultures. Regional background should be taken into account when learning about American businesses. Individual factors including industry, business
structure, management, and business mission also play a strong role in shaping an individual business culture. Those wishing to do extensive business within one region in the US are well-advised to spend some time researching that area in particular. Those wishing to do business with specific companies should invest additional time researching individual business culture through corporate literature, marketing, and websites.

• Prior appointments are necessary.

• People in the United States write the month first, then the day, then the year [i.e., December 5, 2006 is written 12/5/06].

• Punctuality is very important for business occasions. In many U.S. cities, traffic can cause considerable delays, so be sure to allow enough driving time to your appointment.
If you know that you will be late, call to let your contact know.

• Business suits or dresses are often the standard attire for women. Pantsuits, in classic styles, are also acceptable. Accessorizing, which adds flair to even very simple outfits, is
also practiced here.

• Business Language - almost all business is conducted in English in the United States.

Spanish is another common language due to the United States' proximity to Mexico and Central America and the large population of Spanish-speaking individuals in the country. However, English will still be used almost 100% for business deals.

• American business language is also very idiomatic. Many Americans adopt sports terms in their business speech ["Touch base," "Ballpark figures," "Call the shots," "Team
players," and "Game plan" are a few examples.] Many Americans may not be aware that they are using these idioms because they seem so natural.

• If language becomes a barrier, ask for clarification and seek understanding. If you are not totally comfortable speaking and doing business in English, hire a translator.

• Compliments are exchanged frequently and are popular “conversation starters.” If you wish to make conversation with someone, you can compliment an item such as his or her
clothing or a work or sports related achievement.

• Generally, Americans like to laugh and enjoy being with people who have a sense of humor. Jokes are usually welcome, but be careful. In all situations, ethnic and religious
humor should be avoided. Self-deprecating humor, however, usually goes over well.

• Topics to Avoid

1. Until you know a person well, avoid discussing religion, politics or other controversial subjects [i.e., abortion, racism, sexism].

2. Ethnic or religious jokes

• Business gifts are often presented after the deal is closed.

• During the Holiday season [late November through the first week of January], gifts are exchanged. For your business associates, you can give gifts such as useful items for the
office, liquor or wine. Choose gifts with no religious connotations [i.e. don't buy Christmas ornaments], unless you are certain of the religious background of your associates. While
Christmas is the dominant celebration, and is widely commercialized during this period, people may be celebrating many other holidays during this period [i.e. Hanukkah,
Kwanzaa].

• This culture stresses individual initiative and achievement. Moreover, Americans can also be competitive in both work and leisure.

• American business people are opportunistic and willing to take chances. Opportunism and risk taking often result in Americans going for the biggest possible slice of the business, 100% if possible.

• Americans tend to dislike periods of silence during negotiations and in conversations, in general. They may continue to speak simply to avoid silence.
• Businesspeople are very direct and will not hesitate to disagree with you. This communication style often causes embarrassment to business travelers who are unaccustomed to dealing with Americans or direct communication in general.

• Persistence is another characteristic you will frequently encounter in American businesspeople; there is a prevailing belief that there is always a solution. Moreover, they
will explore all options when negotiations are at an impasse.

• Consistency is common among American business people: when they agree to a deal, they rarely change their minds.

• Americans tend to be future oriented. Therefore, innovation often takes precedence over tradition.

• the United States is the most litigious society in the world. There are lawyers who specialize in practically every industry and segment of society.

• Usually, business is conducted at an extremely fast pace.

• Often, American businesspeople try to extract an oral agreement at the first meeting. However, U.S. salespeople sometimes bring final contracts to first meetings with
prospective clients. In large firms, contracts under $10,000 can often be approved by one middle manager in a single meeting.

• Compared with many cultures, the United States is moving forward rapidly and successfully with its unique diversity. Expect to work with women and people of different
ethnic backgrounds, religions, and cultures in the workplace at all levels and positions.
Do not assume, for example, that a woman present in the meeting will be responsible for handling coffee. She may very well be leading the meeting and the person who will make
the final decision. Treat everyone with respect and dignity to ensure a successful trip.

• Many people in the United States have a limited knowledge of cultures beyond their own country and its own diverse subcultures. Some Americans may assume that their way is
the "correct" or only way.

• Business culture can vary greatly from company to company, because of America's diversity. Learn as much about the business culture of your foreign associates before
meeting with them through their website, marketing materials, and business literature.
There are a number of other factors to consider when conducting business in America. However, the above outline gives you a good indication of what to be aware of and what to avoid.
Remember, what is common in your country might not be very common in the USA. Be respectful all the time, and you will have great success.

Department of Education (ED)
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC20202
Phone: 1-800-872-5327
For hearing impaired: 1-800-437-0833
http://www.ed.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
1801 L Street NW
Washington, DC20507
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
For hearing impaired: 1-800-669-6820
http://www.eeoc.gov

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
http://www.hhs.gov

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC20528
http://www.dhs.gov

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Phone: 1-800-375-5283
For hearing impaired: 1-800-767-1833
http://www.uscis.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Phone: 202-354-1000
http://www.cbp.gov

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
http://www.ice.gov

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC20410
Phone: 202-708-1112
For hearing impaired: 202-708-1455
http://www.hud.gov

Department of Justice (DOJ)
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC20530
Phone: 202-514-2000
http://www.usdoj.gov

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Phone: 1-800-829-1040
For hearing impaired: 1-800-829-4059
http://www.irs.gov

Selective Service System (SSS)
Registration Information Office
PO Box 94638
Palatine, IL60094
Phone: 1-847-688-6888
For hearing impaired: 1-847-688-2567
http://www.sss.gov

Social Security Administration (SSA)
Office of Public Inquiries
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD21235
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
For hearing impaired: 1-800-325-0778
http://www.socialsecurity.gov

Department of State (DOS)
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC20520
Phone: 202-647-1000
http://www.state.gov