J-1 PROGRAM GUIDE INTERNATIONAL AND VETERAN STUDENT AFFAIRS - TOURO COLLEGE
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OFFICE OF
I N T E R N AT I O N A L A N D
V E T E R A N S T U D E N T A F FA I R S
J-1 PROGRAM GUIDE
2019 - 2020
TOURO COLLEGE
Where Knowledge and Values MeetTOURO COLLEGE
______
Where Knowledge and Values Meet
Office of International
and Veteran Student Affairs
§
J-1 Program Guide
20 19-20 20IMPORTANT NOTICE
This Guide contains only general guidelines and information. It is not intended to be comprehensive or to address
all the possible applications of, or exceptions to, the policies and procedures of Touro. Some of the subjects
described in this Guide are covered in detail in official policy and procedure documents found online and
elsewhere. You should refer to these documents for specific information, since this Guide only briefly summarizes
those policies. For that reason, if you have any questions concerning a particular policy or procedure, you should
address your specific questions to the Office of Institutional Compliance. Please note that the terms of the full
official policies are controlling in the case of any inconsistency.
This Guide is neither written nor meant to confer any rights or privileges on students or impose any obligations
on Touro. No individual or representative of Touro (except the President) has the authority to enter into any
agreement or understanding contrary to the above.
This Guide is written for informational purposes only and may contain errors. The policies, procedures and
practices described herein may be modified, supplemented or discontinued in whole or in part, at any time with
or without notice. All changes will be posted on the Touro website. Although we will attempt to inform you of
any changes as they occur via the Touro email address assigned to you upon activating your TouroOne portal
account, it is nevertheless your responsibility to keep current on all College policies, procedures and practices.
Your assigned Touro email address is the official method of contact for all such notices and for all Touro
communication.
Students are required to investigate for themselves as to whether the program they enroll in meets their personal,
educational and career needs. Different jurisdictions have different licensing requirements and standards. While
students may expend significant sums associated with higher education, successful completion of a course,
program, or degree is dependent on many factors. The payment of tuition permits a student to register and take
the courses and programs available and offered by the Touro school or program in which the student is enrolled.
Acceptance in a school or program does not form the basis of a contract. Indeed a student’s acceptance may be
revoked if it is later learned, among other things, that his or her qualifications have been misstated or overstated,
or there is some other omission or misrepresentation. Except as noted in the paragraph below, no contract rights
exist or are established in the student- educational institution setting by and between Touro and the student. To
this end, you waive and Touro disclaims any contract or liability for promises, assurances, representations,
warrantees, or other statements made in its marketing or promotional materials, and makes absolutely no
promises, assurances, representations, guarantees, warrantees or other statements concerning our courses and
programs and a student's academic success in them. Thus, you waive and Touro further disclaims any liability in
tort in connection with any of the foregoing. In order for a degree to be earned, the required grades and grade
point averages must be achieved and maintained, and all other requirements of the school and program must be
fulfilled. These disclaimers are, in effect, covenants not to sue binding on students, and are tacitly agreed to by a
student’s matriculation or continued matriculation in our programs.
Registration and matriculation at Touro after the issuance of this Guide is consideration for and constitutes a
student's knowing acceptance of the binding Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") mechanisms (including
binding arbitration) contained herein. Thus, any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or related to your
application, registration, matriculation, graduation or other separation from Touro and/or this Guide, which is not
resolved through Touro's internal mechanism shall be exclusively resolved through final and binding expedited
arbitration conducted solely before the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"), or any successor in interest,
in accordance with the AAA Rules then in effect. The location of the arbitration shall be at a convenient office
on a Touro campus where the student is (or was last) affiliated. See the “Alternative Dispute Resolution” provision
in the International Student Handbook for a more elaborate treatment.
2ATTENTION, J-1 EXCHANGE VISITORS
PLEASE NOTE: Foreign scholars and students’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to, applying for a
visa, fulfilling the initial report requirement, maintaining legal status in the United States, obtaining health
insurance, and fulfilling the residency requirement (if any). Touro’s Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate
Responsible Officer(s) (ARO) are employees of the Institution, and owe no duty to individual students. On rare
occasions mistakes are made and deadlines are missed. It is the individual student’s responsibility to comply with
all immigration requirements and deadlines.
By participating in any Touro program as a foreign student, you waive and Touro further disclaims any liability
in contract and tort, including negligence, in connection with any action or inaction of the RO, ARO or Touro in
connection with your immigration status or failure to maintain such status.
3WELCOME!
The Office of International and Veteran Student Affairs welcomes you to Touro College! We are located at 320
W. 31st Street, Rm 134, New York, NY 10001. Our staff understands the challenges of international students,
faculty and scholars, and dedicates itself to helping you have a successful experience at Touro College. The
following staff members are responsible for all student and scholar related immigration documents and
advisement on DS-2019s, employment authorization, maintenance of status, and international travel:
Responsible Officer (RO): Ms. Elizabeth Ward
Phone: (914) 594 4846
Email: Elizabeth_ward@nymc.edu
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO): Ms. Sun Hee Choi
Phone: (212) 463 0400 x55607
Email: sun.choi3@touro.edu
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO): Mr. John Martinez
Phone: (212) 463 0400 x55391
Email: john.martinez24@touro.edu
J-1 PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program was established in 1961. According to the U.S. Department of State, the
purpose of the program is to raise the level of understanding between the people of the United States and the
people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. The exchange of visiting scholars allows
for mutual enrichment and promotes international cooperation for education and cultural advancement.
To be considered, a prospective exchange visitor must demonstrate that the J-1 Exchange Program is suitable
their background, needs, and experience by meeting admission criteria for the program or position.
Also, J1 applicants must have sufficient proficiency in the English language to undertake the anticipated program
successfully. Please see the checklist instructions on the DS-2019 Application Form for information on acceptable
proof of English proficiency. Also, Exchange Visitors are limited to the activities and location(s) listed on the
immigration document; that is, they may only conduct activities as indicated on the immigration document unless
International Student Services in the Office of the Registrar gives approval in advance.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories and Guidelines for Activities
Visa Types Intended Participants Primary Purposes
To teach, lecture, observe or consult for
J-1 Professor Foreign professors
an extended period of time; promote the
exchange of ideas, research, mutual
enrichment, and linkages between
research and academic institutions in the
U.S. and foreign countries.
4J-1 Research Foreign research scholars To conduct research, observe, or consult
Scholar on research projects for an extended
period of time; promote the exchange of
ideas, mutual enrichment, and linkages
between research and academic
institutions in the U.S. and foreign
countries.
J-1 Short-Term Foreign professors, research scholars, other Short-term visit to lecture, observe,
Scholar individuals with similar education or consult, train, demonstrate special skills
accomplishments or participate in seminars, workshops,
conferences, study tours, professional
meetings or similar types of educational
and professional activities.
J-1 Student Foreign college/university students To engage in a “full course of study” in
(Degree-Seeking degree-granting programs or non-degree
or Non-Degree) granting programs. A substantial portion
of funding must not come from personal
funds available to the student.
APPLYING FOR A J-1 VISA
We encourage you to apply for a J-1 visa well in advance of your arrival, as it can take several weeks, and
occasionally longer, to obtain the visa. J-1 visas are issued no more than 120 days in advance of the program
start date on your DS-2019 form. Check the website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate where you will be applying
for a visa for detailed instructions.
A. Collect the following documents from Touro College:
• DS-2019
• DS-2019 Forms for Spouse and Dependent Children (if applicable). Each J-2 dependent is
issued a DS-2019 and an individual SEVIS ID. J-2 dependents are not required to pay the
SEVIS fee.
B. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee:
• All new students/scholars coming in J-1 status must pay a SEVIS fee at least three days prior to
applying for their visa.
• You can pay the SEVIS fee online at www.fmjfee.com
C. Complete the Online Visa Application: DS-160.
• Go to the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application page to complete the DS-160. Be sure to have
the documents listed above handy.
• Print out an application fee payment receipt for your visa interview.
D. Schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
5• Generally, you will need to apply for a visa at U.S. embassy or consulate in your home
country. You can find visa wait times at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-
information-resources/wait-times.html.
E. Take the following documents to your J-1 visa interview:
• Your DS-2019
• Acceptance letter or Offer letter from Touro College
• Passport
• The SEVIS Fee receipt (I-901)
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• A copy of your financial support documents, e.g. bank statement, award letter, etc.
• Review the website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate where you are applying to see if there
are other requirements.
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date of your DS-2019 form (on item #3). If you cannot
arrive in the U.S. by this date, please contact the Office of International and Veteran Student Affairs.
For Canadian citizens:
Canadian citizens are exempt from obtaining U.S. visa to enter the United States. However, they are subject to
all other J-1 visa regulations including SEVIS fee payment. Canadian citizens must travel with a valid DS-
2019, passport, and financial support documents must receive a Form I-94 to confirm their J-1 status at a Port of
Entry at the U.S. border.
INITIAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS & ORIENTATION
All J-1 Exchange Visitors must report to the Office of International and Veteran Students Affairs within 30 days
of the start date on the Form DS-2019. It is recommended that you report to our office shortly after arriving in the
United States, and before the start date on the Form DS-2019. Initial reporting is essential for compliance with
Federal government requirements. Failure to report in a timely manner may result in the loss of your lawful J-1
status. Details of mandatory orientation for all J-1 Exchange Visitors will be provided closer to your start date.
TWO-YEAR HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: INA 212(e)
The Two-Year Home Residency Requirement is often referred as the “212(e).” Only the U.S. Department of State
can determine if a J-1 or J-2 visitor is subject to the 212(e). If subject, a J-visa holder would have to physically
reside within their last country of legal permanent residence for two years before being eligible to return to the
U.S. as an H-1B visa holder, L-visa holder, K-visa holder, or as a Permanent Resident. If subject, J-visitors are
not permitted to apply for a change of status within the USA. Being subject to this regulation does not prevent a
visitor from returning to the U.S. in another visa status, such as F-1 (student), B1/B2 (tourist/business), or under
the visa waiver program.
There are three reasons a J-1 visitor may be subject to the 212(e):
1. The J-1 program is funded in part or wholly by the United States government, the visitor's
government, or an international organization.
2. The J-1 program is engaged in one or more of the skills listed on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for
his/her country.
3. The J-1 visa holder is receiving graduate medical education or training.
For more information on the J-1 two-year requirement, visit the Department of State website.
612 AND 24-MONTH BAR
The 12- and 24-month “bar” regulation affects J-1 Research Scholar or Professor applicants and their J-2
dependents; it prohibits repeated participation in the Research Scholar or Professor categories. All J-1 Exchange
Visitors who had participated in any J-1 categories for more than 6 months are subject to a 12- month “bar” before
they can begin a new J-1 program in either the Research Scholar or Professor categories.
J-1 Exchange Visitors are also subject to the 24-month bar, and must wait for 24 months before they can start a
new J-1 program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories if:
1. The J-1 visitor completed a full five years of J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program participation
with one or more J-1 program sponsors OR
2. The J-1 visitor completed a particular J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program of any length, and
their SEVIS record becomes inactive.
TRAVEL ABROAD
When traveling domestically within the United States (i.e.: the 50 states and Washington, DC), it is advisable to
carry original immigration documents (passport, Form DS-2019, and Form I-94).
When traveling outside the United States, you must have the following documentation in order to re-enter the
United States in J-1 status:
• a valid passport
• a valid J-1 visa
• a valid Form DS-2019 with a current travel authorization signature.
It is also recommended that you travel with current financial support documentation and a copy of a current
transcript or registration records. A J-2 dependent must also have a valid passport, a valid J-2 visa, and a valid
Form DS-2019 with a current travel authorization signature to return to the United States in J-2 status following
international travel.
Before you travel, you should revalidate the travel signature on your DS-2019 with a RO or ARO in the Office
of International and Veteran Student Affairs. Each travel signature is valid for one year.
If your J-1 visa is no longer valid, it will be necessary for you to apply at a US Embassy or Consulate for a new
J-1 visa in order to re-enter the United States (for exceptions to this see Automatic Visa Revalidation, below).
The same travel requirements and restrictions apply to family members on J-2 visas.
AUTOMATIC VISA REVALIDATION
Many J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents can revalidate an expired visa automatically when returning
from a visit of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands. (A complete list of adjacent islands
can be found at the travel.state.gov website – see below.) To be eligible for the automatic revalidation, you must
travel with a valid passport, a valid admission stamp (in your passport), a valid Form DS-2019 with current
travel signature, and Form I-94.
For more information, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-
resources/visa-expiration-date/auto-revalidate.html.
7HEALTH CARE & HEALTH INSURANCE
Individuals in the United States are responsible for their own health care expenses. According to the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC), the per capita national health expenditure in the United States is $10,348. Medical
expenses can be incurred for doctors’ visits, emergency room visits, medical lab tests, and prescription
medications. Therefore, it is important for a J-1 Exchange Visitor to have a medical insurance policy that will
reimburse the insured for treatment in the United States, to avoid incurring the potentially enormous cost of health
care.
All J Exchange Visitor participants and all accompanying dependents must obtain and be covered for health,
accident, medical evacuation, and “repatriation of remains” insurance. Any Exchange Visitor or dependent who
willfully fails to comply with this requirement shall be considered in violation of his/her status and will be
terminated in the SEVIS system. Failure to carry the necessary insurance is a serious infraction that cannot be
remedied by reinstatement or a correction of the record.
The insurance must provide the following minimum benefits according to Federal regulation 22 CFR 62.14:
A. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
B. A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
C. Expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the
amount of $50,000
D. Expenses associated with repatriation of the remains of a deceased person in the amount of $25,000
An insurance policy secured to fulfill the requirements set forth above:
• may require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions that is reasonable as determined by current
industry standards.
• may include provisions for co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may be required
to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.
• must not unreasonably exclude coverage of perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in
which the exchange visitor participates.
An insurance policy secured to meet these benefits requirements must be underwritten by an insurance corporation
with:
• an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above OR
• an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISi) rating of "A-I" or above OR
• a Standard and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above OR
• a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above.
Alternatively, the sponsor may ascertain that the participant's policy is backed by the full faith and credit of the
government of the exchange visitor's home country. Program regulations also detail coverage through HMOs,
and self-insurance per the above requirements by federal, state or local government agencies, state colleges and
universities, and public community colleges, if permitted by law.
An English-language copy of the health insurance policy must be submitted to the International Student Services
office upon arrival in the US. The policy must cover the entire period of the program as indicated in the DS-2019.
Below is a list of some US insurance providers that specialize in coverage for J-1 Exchange Visitors. Touro
College does not endorse any particular health insurance provider. Please discuss the mandatory requirements
above for J-1 Exchange Visitors with the health insurance provider when you explore your options:
8• Compass Benefits Group - www.compassbenefits.com
• International Student Insurance Plans – www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
• International Student Organization – www.isoa.org
• Study USA-Health Care – www.travelinsure.com
• iNext International Insurance – www.inext.com
• International SOS - https://www.internationalsos.com/
• Wallach & Company - https://wallach.com/
• NY International Group - http://www.nyig.com/
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
If you get a job while in the US, you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from a US Social
Security Office. This number will appear on a Social Security card that will be issued to you. You need a Social
Security Number for tax and employment purposes. Your Social Security Number is a permanent, unique
identifier, so you only need to apply once.
To obtain a Social Security Number, you will need to request a referral letter from your RO. Take this letter, along
with your employment offer, passport, I-94, DS-2019, and Touro identification card to the Social Security Office
nearest you. Your card should arrive within two to three weeks. For more information or to find Social Security
office locations, go to https://www.ssa.gov/.
TAXES
Exchange Visitors who earn money while in the U.S. are subject to federal and state income taxes, and will need
to complete a Form W-4 prior to beginning work.
J-1 Exchange Visitors must report their annual U.S. income by filing Federal (Form 1040 or 1040 EZ) and state
income tax returns each year, even if they do not work or receive some other form of US income. Exchange
Visitors who do not earn U.S. income in a given year are required to file U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form
8843, which can be downloaded at http://www.irs.gov. For more information and help in filing these, as well as
applicable state tax returns, Exchange Visitors should consult an accountant or other qualified tax professional as
our staff members are not qualified to answer individual questions regarding tax liabilities.
Exchange Visitors who receive US income (including scholarships and assistantships) will need to file non-
resident federal and state forms. Tax forms for those who earned U.S. income are filed between January 1 and
April 15; for those who do not receive income during the year, the filing deadline is June 15.
9HOUSING
Housing is one of the biggest concerns for new exchange visitors. Because it is expensive, you should try to find
a place to live before arriving in New York.
If at all possible, it is a good idea to contact family, friends, or current Touro students to help you find housing.
You should also ask people about the different neighborhoods (areas) of New York so that you can decide where
to live, based on your comfort level, budget, and commuting time.
Dormitory space is extremely limited at Touro, and the Graduate Division, in particular, does not provide housing
for its students. Nevertheless, there are some affordable options. Companies and online listings can be helpful in
your search for apartments or temporary housing. Many students find the following resources useful:
De Hirsch Residence
92nd Street Y (between 91st & 92nd street)
1395 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
212-415-5500
http://www.92y.org/residence
Educational Housing Services
Manhattan/Brooklyn/Queens
1-800-297-4694
https://www.studenthousing.org/
International House
500 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027-3916
(212) 316-8400
http://www.ihouse-nyc.org/
Sara's Homestay
53 West 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-564-5979
http://www.sarahomestay.com/index.php?action=homestay
YMCA
Manhattan/Brooklyn/Queens
http://www.ymcanyc.org/association/guest-rooms
Webster Apartments (for women only)
419 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-967-9000
http://www.websterapartments.org
10These daily and weekly newspapers publish listings for apartments and other types of housing:
New York Daily News
http://classifieds.nydailynews.com/
New York Post
http://nyp.nypost.com/classifieds/
The New York Times
http://realestate.nytimes.com/
Long Island Newsday
http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/real-estate
BANKING INFORMATION
One of the first things you should do when you arrive in the US is to open a bank account. Then you can transfer
money from your home country and deposit checks or other currency you may have.
Many international banks have branches in the US. You should find out if your home bank has a branch in New
York. Otherwise, you can open an account with an American bank. To open an account, you will need your
passport, Form DS-2019, proof of US address, and other forms of identification (e.g., college ID).
In the US, credit and debit cards are widely used and often preferred over checks or cash. You can pay your bills
and make most purchases using these cards. However, most people still use checks to pay for rent.
There is no document from your RO needed for opening a bank account.
LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY
New York City is an exciting, vibrant city, full of interesting things to see and do. However, moving to the city
can require a huge adjustment, and the earlier you begin to think about issues like housing, transportation, and
banking, the easier your transition will be. You should expect to find cultural differences, which can be confusing
or unsettling, but often are the most rewarding part of moving to a new country. For example, many Exchange
Visitors find the fast pace of the city to be the single greatest challenge of living here. However, it is that very
pace that gives New York City its energy and vitality.
Diversity: New York City (NYC) is the most densely populated city in the country, with over 8 million residents,
many of whom were born outside of the US. With a resident and visitor population as diverse in culture and
ethnicity as the world itself, New York City serves as an international gathering place for the nation and the world.
Its reputation for opportunity, along with its multicultural and multilingual population, continue to attract students
and immigrants from around the world, year after year.
Attractions and Activities: Adding to the NYC’s diversity are the visitors who come to “The City” each year
to visit its famous attractions, including the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan
Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts,
Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and Rockefeller Center.
Whatever your interests are, you should be able to find opportunities to pursue them at your school and/or around
the city. To learn more about life in New York City, go to http://nyc.gov/visitors.
11Geography: New York City is located in the State of New York. The State of New Jersey borders New York
City to the west, across the Hudson River, and to the southwest. Nassau and Suffolk counties, referred to
collectively as “Long Island,” are to the east, and the City of Yonkers, New York, in Westchester County, is
directly to the north.
New York City is divided into five divisions, called “boroughs.” Each is also a separate county.
Manhattan
Manhattan is generally considered the heart of New York City. This is where you will find most of the city’s
skyscrapers and many of its most famous cultural attractions. An island, Manhattan is surrounded by the Hudson
River to the west, the Harlem River to the north, the Narrows to the south, and the East River to the east.
Population: more than 1.6 million
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous borough and is known for its cultural diversity, historic architecture, distinctive
neighborhoods, Prospect Park, Coney Island, and its thriving art, music, film, and culinary scenes.
Population: more than 2.5 million
Queens
Queens is the most ethnically diverse borough in the city. It is the largest New York borough in land area and the
location for the city’s two major airports, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy (JFK), and for CitiField, home of the
New York Mets baseball team, and the US Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.
Population: more than 2.3 million
Bronx
The Bronx is the city’s northernmost borough. It is home to the Bronx Botanical Gardens, the Bronx Zoo, and
Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees baseball team. It is widely recognized as the birthplace of rap
and hip-hop culture.
Population: 1.4 million
Staten Island
Staten Island is the most “suburban” of the five boroughs and has the smallest population. Notable for the Snug
Harbor Cultural Center and Richmondtown, a historic colonial restoration, it is connected to Brooklyn by the
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the Western hemisphere, and to Manhattan by the
Staten Island Ferry, which transports thousands of riders each day. Population: 0.5 million
Transportation
Flying into New York City: There are three major airports in the New York metropolitan area:
John F. Kennedy (also called “JFK”) International Airport
LaGuardia Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport
There are many options for ground transportation to and from the airports, including taxis, car services, buses,
shuttle vans, the subway, and commuter rail lines. You can check the airports' websites for prices and other
information.
12Traveling In and Around New York City: There are four main ways to travel in and around the New York
area:
Subways – Most New Yorkers do the majority of their inner-city travel on the city’s subway system, which
operates 24 hours a day. Generally, you will need to purchase a Metrocard (at stations from a ticket machine or
booth) to ride the subway. Recently, though, a new method of payment, called “OMNY,” has been introduced as
an option on some subway and bus lines. The OMNY system allows you, by tapping on a screen, to pay with
various credit, debit, or prepaid cards, or even with your mobile phone.
Buses – Bus routes run throughout the city. Along with those that make local stops, there are express buses which
travel longer distances and between boroughs. The Metrocard is also used to ride buses (OMNY can also be used
on Staten Island buses). Buses traveling to/from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut depart from
Manhattan via the Port Authority Bus Terminal, at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, or the George Washington Bridge
Bus Terminal, located on Broadway between 178th and 179th Streets.
Taxis – Also known as “cabs,” taxis are generally the most expensive way to travel in the city. However, many
people find them a convenient way to travel at night, or when direct access is needed to a specific location (or
when carrying heavy packages!). As an alternative, Uber/Lyft cars are also available throughout New York City.
Trains – Four major commuter rail lines serve the New York area: (1) The Long Island Railroad (LIRR),
operating out of Pennsylvania Station (33rd Street and 7th Avenue) in Manhattan or Atlantic Terminal (Atlantic
and Flatbush Avenues) in Brooklyn, serves Nassau and Suffolk counties to the east. (2) New Jersey Transit trains,
serving the northern half of New Jersey, also depart from Penn Station. (3) PATH, a sort of mini-subway system,
connects the area of New Jersey relatively close to the Hudson River with Manhattan; trains stop at a limited
number of stations where riders can easily connect with the NYC subways. (4) Metro North, operating out of
Grand Central Terminal (42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue), serves Westchester and counties to the north, as
well as Connecticut. Trains serving certain New Jersey transit lines also depart from Grand Central Terminal.
Along with these commuter lines, AMTRAK, a national network of trains, serves cities across the U.S. AMTRAK
trains arrive and depart from Penn Station.
Information – For information about New York City public transportation, including maps of the subway and
bus systems, visit http://www.mta.info/nyct. For information about the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), visit
http://www.mta.info/lirr. For information about New Jersey Transit trains, visit http://www.njtransit.com. For
information about PATH trains, visit http://www.panynj.gov/path/. For information about AMTRAK trains, visit
http://www.amtrak.com.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
One To World - https://www.one-to-world.org/Home.aspx
Time Out New York - https://www.timeout.com/newyork
Department of Homeland Security: Study in the States - https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students
United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) - https://www.uscis.gov/
Social Security Office - https://www.ssa.gov/
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - https://dmv.ny.gov/
SEVIS I-901 Fee Processing Website - https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
U.S. Department States Exchange Visitor Program - https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/
U.S. Department States Exchange Travel.State.Gov - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-
visas/study/exchange.html
13TOURO COLLEGE
Where Knowledge and Values Meet
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