Home Residency Requirement
Visa Regulations
Medical Insurance
US Income Tax
Dependents
100
How long is the Home Residency Requirement for the USAID Master's Scholarship Program
2 years
100
What type of US visa do Master's Scholarship Program participants have?
The J-1 Visa
100
Am I required to have health insurance while in the United States?
Yes, World Learning has arranged for health insurance coverage for you with HTH International (otherwise known as Aetna PPO) for the entire duration of your academic program.
100
True or False. MSP Scholars do not need to pay U.S. taxes.
False! Under U.S. Federal and State law, any income you receive while in the U.S. is taxable.
100
True or False: there is one dependent policy for everyone who visits the US on a USAID scholarship.
False: the exchange visitor dependent policy for a program is set at the discretion of the USAID Mission in that program's country. In this case, the USAID Mission for the West Bank & Gaza.
200
How long can I stay in the US after the last technical/practical US-based activity of my academic program?
Seven days. Examples of technical or practical activities are thesis presentations, project submission deadlines, or exams.
200
Who is responsible for making sure that my visa is current?
You are! World Learning will assist you in this regard but you are responsible for notifying World Learning staff of any changes that could affect program completion.
200
Who is responsible for the payment of any additional fees if I visit a doctor, clinic or hospital?
USAID pays the monthly bill for you to have health insurance. However, you are responsible for the payment of any additional fees to visit a doctor or hospital, such as a deductible.
200
True or False: I will have a social security number.
False. As an MSP Scholar and J-1 visa holder you are not eligible to apply for a social security number. Near the beginning of your first term, World Learning staff will assist you to apply for an ITIN (Individual Tax ID Number) in order for you to file taxes.
200
Does USAID provide funding for dependents or family members to live in the US while I complete my academic program?
No, neither USAID nor World Learning can provide funds for this purpose, including airfare or visa fees.
300
Can I travel to another country besides my home country after leaving the United States?
No. You must return to your home country after leaving the United States (not counting any layovers included in the return flight booked for you by World Learning staff).
300
What are three examples of things which I should notify World Learning staff off, because they could affect my J-1 visa status?
The following are all things which could affect a J-1 visa status: 1. Not maintaining a full-time graduate student course load, as determined by my university. 2. Having lower than a 3.0 GPA for an academic term. 3. Any situation that delays the date of graduation in your approved Training Implementation Plan (TIP) 4. Withdrawing from a course without prior approval from World Learning 5. Changing your plan of study without notifying World Learning staff
300
Does MSP Scholar health insurance pay for treatment associated with an illness or injury I had before I left Gaza?
No, the cost of any treatment associated with an illness or injury sustained before you left Gaza to travel to the US is not covered by MSP Scholar health insurance. This is known as a 'pre-existing condition.'
300
True or False: World Learning will help me to file any applicable U.S. tax forms.
True! World Learning will assist you with filing tax forms closer to the tax season (April). However, it is your responsibility to comply with World Learning staff's requests in this regard in a timely manner (for example, filling out or signing paperwork) and to check with World Learning that tax forms have been prepared for you.
300
Can World Learning staff help me arrange for a dependent to travel to the US with me?
No, neither USAID nor World Learning can provide assistance with dependent travel to the US, including visa assistance.
400
True or False? The Home Residency Requirement means that I cannot travel to the US or any other countries for two years.
False. You may travel to other countries as a tourist or travel to the US on a tourist visa, with the approval of a US Consul. However, you may not try to change your status as your non-immigrant status while abroad.
400
Can I leave the United States before the end of my program if I have a J-1 visa?
Yes, you can travel outside of the U.S. on a J-1 visa. However, you will need the approval of World Learning and USAID.
400
Can I use MSP Scholar health insurance to visit a dentist?
No, MSP Scholar health insurance does not pay for dental treatment, except in the case of accidental injury.
400
What should I do if someone from my university or a local tax offices contacts me regarding filling out tax forms?
You should notify World Learning staff by email.
400
True or False: Family members, friends or dependents can visit me in the US.
Yes. Anyone who wishes to can visit you while you are in the US. However, this person must arrange for travel and the appropriate visa without assistance or funding from USAID or World Learning.
500
True or False. If I give birth to or father a U.S. citizen child, or get married to a U.S. citizen, I don't have to fulfill the Home Residency Requirement.
False. Marriage to a U.S. citizen, the birth of a U.S. citizen child or an offer of employment do not change your responsibility to fulfill the two year Home Residency Requirement.
500
Can I return to Gaza if I have a break from school?
No. Due to USAID regulation, MSP scholars from Gaza may not return to Gaza before the end of their academic program.
500
Who should I contact after visiting a doctor or filing a medical claim?
You should notify World Learning staff as soon as possible after visiting a doctor, the emergency room or any other health care facility, and after filing a claim.
500
Do I have to pay any fees associated with filing taxes in the US?
No. Fees associate with tax preparation will be paid for by USAID/World Learning.
500
If I have a dependent staying in the US, can he or she access public assistance from the US government?
No, if at any time a dependent of yours is in the US, he or she may not apply for any US public assistance. This includes but is not limited to subsidized school lunch, public housing, and the food stamp program.
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