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Resources for International Postdoctoral Scholars

Our postdoctoral scholars come from all across the world to work at NYU. Over 65% of our postdocs are foreign nationals. The following resources can come in good use for our international postdoc community.

 

VISA Information 

The NYU Medical Center’s Immigration Services Department is available to provide information and assistance with the processing of Employment Visas. They provide a wide range of immigration services to postdocs, faculty, and professional staff, and ensure compliance with all government regulations as it relates to the employment of foreign nationals.

Immigration Services is responsible for addressing and processing requests for Visas for new hires, extensions, transfers and changes of status for existing Postdocs.

All Tax Treaty and exclusion questions should be directed to Immigration Services.

Both administrators and faculty hiring postdocs must pay careful attention to applicable immigration guidelines. The Immigration Services Department must be consulted both before and immediately after hiring a foreign national Postdoc. The Immigration Services Department is located at One Park Avenue, 16thfloor, New York, NY 10016 and they can be reached at (212) 404-3862. Postdocs have the responsibility to inform their department administrator and the Office of Immigration of any changes or adjustments in visa status during the appointment.

Contact Information
Website: http://www.med.nyu.edu/hr/immigration_services.html

Phone: (212) 404-3862

External Immigration Resources - For the most current information pertaining to U.S. Immigration Law and Regulations and U.S. Visa Classifications visit the following links:


Obtaining a Social Security Number

It is very important that postdocs schedule an appointment with the NYU Langone Medical Center’s Immigration Office to verify the social security process prior to visiting the Social Security Administrative Office. The closest Social Security Administrative Office(SSAO) is located at:

755 2nd Avenue, 3rd Floor

41st Street, NY, NY 10017

Tel: (800) 772-1213
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html

*Note: Before visiting the SSAO you may wish to access their website which lists the information you will need to procure a social security card.


Obtaining a NY State Driver's License


Information regarding the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is available at: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#driversfromothernations

This website details the requirements and advantages/disadvantages of acquiring a NYS driver’s license versus an International Driving Permit. You may also wish to consider a Non-Driver Photo Identification Card (see: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#nondriver) The closest DMV Office is located at 1293-1311 Broadway 8th Floor (between W 33 & W 34 Sts.). Tel: 212-645-5550.

 

Foreign national postdocs should definitely be considering one of these forms of identification for general use in the US. It is the only form of government-issued ID postdocs are likely to be able to obtain while they are living here, and has as much validity as their passport. In addition, it lists a current address, which is something most other ID cards do not. In short, it serves as valid ID for anything in the US, which means postdocs can leave their passports at home, where they are safe.

 

 

The NYU Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)

The NYU Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides comprehensive support and advisory services for New York University's international students, scholars, and their dependents. The OISS is the University's liaison to the United States departments of State and Homeland Security, and is the University's designee for ensuring institutional compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Some of the services offered by the OISS include:

•    Immigration support for international students eligible for NYU's sponsorship under the F-1 or J-1 visa classifications
•    Advising services for international students through Advisor-on-Duty walk-in hours, weekly immigration workshops, a weekly electronic newsletter, and individual appointments
•    Online, multimedia workshops covering topics like the visa application process, travel and employment
•    Programs and events for students and scholars designed to facilitate international exchange, mutual understanding, cross-cultural awareness
•    Social groups and English-language classes for the spouses and partners of international students and scholars

For more information on all the services provided by the OISS, please visit: http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/

 

English Language Resources 

Free ESL Classes at NYU

The NYU Langone Medical Center’s Office of Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) offers free ESL courses for all NYULMC employees, volunteers and students. This course is designed to help participants improve all areas of English with particular emphasis on conversational skills.

If you would like to register or have questions, contact ODL services at:

Organizational Development & Learning
NYU Langone Medical Center
1 Park Avenue - 11th Flr
 | New York, NY 10016
Main Phone: (212) 404-3868 Fax: (212) 404-3894
Hours of Operation: 9:00AM - 5:00PM


http://nyumc.net/nyu/include.jsp?nav=od&url=/odl/main.html


USEFUL ESL Resources

Resources for Writing in English

 

Additional Useful Links

  • 
The National Postdoctoral Association has an International Postdoc Committee that has put together several resources including news and updates on visas, etc. They have also put together an International Postdoc Survival Guide
  •  Science Article: Postdocs are Not All Created Equal — Postdoc Status, Part 2
  • www.foreignborn.com - Provides online services to immigrants and foreign-born individuals entering and living in the United States. It provides helpful guide to US visas, who needs them, and how to apply. Also guides on US immigration, medical care, banking, driver licenses and more.

  • 
http://new2usa.com/ - A useful resource for those moving to the US. The site includes information on careers, education, health and safety, immigration, housing, travel, transportation and society. The site also features related news, insights on the culture of the country, and what you need to know before you go. It also includes a resources section, a restaurant guide and also ethnic shop locations.


 

 

VISA information

Social Security and/or Driver License

OISS

ESL classes

Other Links/opportunities