A
Simple Guide to Get the Family Settled in Your New
Home
in
First Things
First
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Before
coming to the United States, make sure your visa status is in order. A G4 visa for you and your family
members needs to be obtained before entering the USA, and can take minimum
two weeks or longer. Though the visa desk in HQ makes the direct request
to the US embassy closest to you, make sure that at least two weeks are
set aside for the request to be processed. Required forms to be filled out
can be found at the website of the US embassies around the world (see
Visa section below). After
you arrive, get a handle on housing and an American identity (social
security number, driver license). The
rest is a test of your perseverance against a confusing market for basic
amenities and standard call center routines. |
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Selection
of Where to Live/Rent |
Living
in New York is always a compromise. Your choice depends on your selection
criteria: are you looking for
a less expensive area, for a safe and secure area, an area with good
schooling. Are you willing to
commute and if so how long of a commute? Do you own or wish to own a car,
etc. As
for safety and security of the different areas of New York, it is best to
rely on the word of mouth from colleagues and friends. Rental
places for one year or less can be looked at in the lobby of the UN
Secretariat as well as on the bulletin board on the 3rd Floor
of the DC1 Building.
A
good starters website is: http://newyork.craigslist.org Others
are: http://www.subletinthecity.com http://www.elliman.com/ (with
fee) http://www.corcoran.com/ (with
fee) http://www.cityconnectionsrealty.com/BrokerWebsite3/CityConnections/CityConn
(where you can hire a broker for a fee) A
combination of searching on the web and actually visiting
buildings/apartments with a broker seems to be a recommended
approach.
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Financial
Logic of Finding a House/ Apartment |
The
underlying financial logic is that in areas with reputable schools, e.g.
Westchester County, the rent is higher in relative terms. This is offset
by the rental subsidy and the fact that your children will go to good (and
free) public schools. For a
self-calculation on rental subsidy at different levels of rent, visit the
Human Resources website at http://practices.undp.org/management/hr
- HR for the Staff - Staff Benefits & Entitlements - Rental Subsidy.
Alternatively,
in areas where rent is relatively lower, the quality of public education
is not as high as in areas where rent is high. Sending children to a private
school may be an option, with education grant benefits from the UN (except
for US nationals or permanent residents). More details regarding education
grant at http://practices.undp.org/management/hr
– HR for the Staff – Staff Benefits & Entitlements. Living
in Manhattan implies that most likely you will not buy a car, and
so most of your purchases will be from local department stores and
supermarkets/grocery stores.
While some savings will come from not having a car, most of the
consumer goods are on average 25 to 40% more expensive in Manhattan. Using
“Fresh Direct”, – on the internet at http://www.freshdirect.com and other
on-line stores is one way to make purchases at lower costs. Shopping in Chinatown is much
cheaper and the produce is of very good quality. For those people living close to
the city, but yet outside, such as in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn,
as well as Roosevelt Island, a relatively short commute, having a car is
often a good choice. This
allows shopping at wholesale places such as Costco (www.costco.com) One
final financial aspect to be aware of is that your landlord will most
likely run a credit check on you as part of the application process
(especially for apartments). The American system uses your credit history
as a validation system to rent apartments, the problem being that most
first time arrivers in New York do not have a credit history, and hence,
no history. For this purpose you will need to get a Certificate of
Employment from OHR that confirms your occupation with UNDP and provides a
summary of earnings. In addition the certificate should indicate if you
are entitled to rental subsidy. Request this document from OHR as soon as
possible because your application will not be processed without it. If this is the first time you live
in the US and you might not have a credit history, this is as such not a
problem but the landlord might try to ask for more deposit based on
this. Many landlords,
especially in Manhattan, are worried about UN staff possibly having a
diplomatic status. It is advisable to make clear what your status is. Because of the unfamiliarity with
the UN rental subsidy system and the diplomatic status, landlords often
request a 3 to 6 months “security deposit”. Clarification often helps. You
may also be required to supply references from friends or colleagues. Note: It is worthwhile to try and
negotiate. Some apartments
are offered for rent with the first month free of charge. Brokers’ fees may also be
negotiable. Some fees are
about 15% of the monthly rent but can be lowered to 12% or
more. |
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Here
are a few options: IKEA (http://www.ikea.com) is a very convenient
place to shop for furniture (reasonable prices, good quality,
self-assembly). You can order
online or by phone or visit their showrooms. There is one in Elizabeth, New
Jersey and a smaller one in Hicksville, Long Island. Ikea provides free shuttle bus
service on weekends departing from the Port Authority (42nd
Street and 8th Avenue) to the IKEA in Elisabeth. Note: You need either a vehicle to pick
up purchases items, or Ikea can arrange shipping for approx. US$100. Though many items can be picked up
on the spot, others may need 6 week ordering in advance, especially
sofas. Other reasonably
priced furniture places are located in Queens (Steinway Street in Astoria,
just minutes away from the Queensboro bridge (also referred to as
59th street bridge) and accessible via subway. Delivery can be negotiated,
usually at a charge and a delivery time of 1-2 weeks. The
alternative is to shop online.
Here are a few other websites: |
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Get
a UN Grounds Pass (also referred to as UN Security Pass). Your unit will
arrange for the necessary paper work, which can only be signed by
specifically authorized staff.
To get your grounds/security pass issued, you go to the corner of
45th street and 1st Avenue. Then you need to go to the FF
building (304 E 45th street 8th floor) to have the card encoded - without
it you will not be able to get access to the floors (Monday to Friday between 12 noon
and 1:00 p.m. only). |
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Get
a US
Identity |
A
social security number is a very handy thing to have in the US, especially
to obtain a mobile phone and an American drivers license. Together with
you passport (with valid visa), you present your security pass at the
social security office between 40th and 41st Streets
and 2nd Avenue. The form to be filled out can be found at the social
security website at http://www.ssa.gov
The
official address is:
Social
Security Office 3RD
FL 755
2ND AVE AT 41ST NEW
YORK , NY 10017 Ø
Spouses
and dependants are NOT eligible to obtain a social security
number Ø
In
order to receive one, you need to have a work permit Ø
If
you do not have a work permit and need a social security number for
banking purposes, please contact the Social Security Office directly, you
will be given a letter or a number specifically for
that. Another
option is for the spouse to register as an independent consultant, this
“one man shop” also allows for a social security
number. |
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General information about New York driver license you will find at http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm
Careful attention should be paid to the requirements set out in the application form including a “six points of identification”.
If you leave in New York, you may go to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) on 34th Street, the Herald Square Office
HeraldSquare
- NYSDMV
For other New York state locations, visit http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/offices.htm
Ø Spouses
will need to bring the following documents to the DMV or Regional
Offices:
1.
Copy
of contract of staff member and UN ID.
2.
Passport,
I-94 and G-4 Visa
3.
Other
requirements set out in the application form including a “six point of
identification”
4.
Social
Security number or a denial letter from the Social Security
office.
Note: If you live in New Jersey, you need to go to the Regional Offices, which you will find at http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/6point.html
If you do not have a NY driving license and still want to buy a car, the only company to insure your car is Allstate.
A
variation of using a driver license as identification is that the
Department of Motor Vehicles can issue a “State Identification Card” which
gives the same level of identification as a driver license – obviously it
can not be used for driving. Visit http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#nondriver
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In
the offer that you received from the Office of Human Resources (OHR) you
will find a detailed description of what you need to do prior to arriving
in New York. A form for
requesting a G4 visa is normally contained in the offer package or is
available at http://practices.undp.org/management/hr
- HR for the Staff - Staff Benefits & Entitlements – Forms and
Circulars. It is important to
send the completed form to your designated Human Resources Associate
(BES/SAS/OHR, see above website) along with the passport information of
yourself and your eligible dependents, who are accompanying you to the US,
and the expected date of arrival in the US. The
G4 visa is a non-immigrant status granted to officials or employees of
international organizations while stationed on official business in the
USA. Authorization will be sent by the UN to the US Embassy or Consulate
in your current duty station or an alternate place, requesting them to
issue the necessary G4 visa(s). On arrival in New York you should provide to your designated
HR Associate a copy of your visa and the I-94 (arrival card slip),
including that of your family members residing with you, along with the
completed Personnel Induction Questionnaire (P.1 form). UNDP will then send a
notification to the UN and in turn, the UN will inform the US mission of
your identity and status in the US.
This information is also the basis for subsequent visa extensions.
Due
to strict security measures, be prepared to endure lengthy visa
procedures. Note:
Some airline terminals at JFK airport have special booths for ‘G’ visas
where the waiting lines are usually shorter. If
you come on mission to New York prior to your actual reassignment, you
should travel on a G4 visa, even if you can get into the country with your
national passport.
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Savings/Checking
Account/Credit Card |
The
easiest way to open an account is at the UN Federal Credit Union
(UNFCU). You need to bring
your Letter of Appointment and a valid ID (e.g., UN Grounds Pass;
passport; UN Laissez-passer).
You can get a Bank Card and a Credit Card without the difficulties
you might encounter at regular banks. For more details go to www.unfcu.org . The nearest branch is located on
the 3rd floor of the DC2 Building. Note: Opening an account seems to be
quicker when actually visiting the UNFCU branch rather than using the
on-line application facility.
Be prepared to provide an official mailing address to UNFCU (this
can be a temporary one, e.g., that of a friend). |
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If
you have a social security number and a driver license, you are ok. The
market is saturated with “plans” that you find in any amount of
newspapers, magazines and internet. Another
option is to buy a phone with pre-paid plans. Normally one cannot obtain a
subscription for a mobile phone without proper US identification. In some cases, a certification
letter from UNDP confirming the employment status (as for renting an
apartment) might be considered sufficient. Note: At the T-Mobile office located on
the corner of 43rd Street and 3rd Avenue a copy of
the letter of employment seems to be sufficient for procuring a mobile
phone. |
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Strong
and effective in most of New York. Cable
vision – cable TV provider bundles with 100 mb connection. This is
particularly good for wireless connection between the internet and more
than one computer in the house. DSL
– offered by all telephone providers. A bit cheaper than Cable, but
slightly slower as well. Dial
up to UNDP New York directly can also be arranged. That is interesting
with a local telephone plan where the local calls are free.
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There
are a number of choices depending on your needs. You can buy a Free-to-Air system
and install it to get the satellite system that provides you with your own
country’s programme (www.SatCruiser.com). This is a one-time purchase with
no monthly subscription fee.
However, you will not have access to the American channels, except
for the promotional ones.
Direct TV (www.directtv.com) and Dish Network (www.vmcsatellite.com) provide free
installation and equipment with a monthly subscription. You have the choice of how many
channels you would like (50 to 150) and you can add programmes in other
languages. The
satellite TV is good if you are allowed to install a dish. If not, then cable TV is better
and there are a number of companies like Time Warner, RCN, etc. The best way is to visit the web
site, indicate your zip code to check the availability of cable network in
your area. |
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If
you took the lump-sum option in lieu of UN provided shipment, you are
responsible for the customs clearance yourself. Your shipping agent should
provide you with US custom papers – and you should fill them out before
your shipment leaves for the US. The US shipping agent will contact you
when the shipment has cleared US customs to arrange for delivery of your
shipment to your home. After
the events of September 11, 2001 (also referred to as 9/11) there are now
new rules for shipments to the US.
Shipments are subject to security screening on a random basis, and
also by the Department of Agriculture in some cases; the charges for the
screening are borne by the importer unless your shipper agrees
otherwise. If you live in an
apartment the building management has to be advised by the shipper of
their insurance coverage and to agree to the delivery time.
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How
do you get your children into school? First, there is the choice of
school: public versus private schools; costs; continuity in curriculum;
languages; transport provided.
Websites provide a lot of information, but do not necessarily help
you choose. Talking to
parents with children in the same age category is usually most
useful. Bookstores sell books
on schools in New York, in which schools are listed according to quality,
etc. Your
school choice obviously depends on where you decide to live, and vice
versa. Information
on the United Nations International School (UNIS) can be found at www.unis.org Other schools frequently chosen in
Manhattan are the Lycée française and the Ecole
Kennedy. French
schools in NY:
Ø
The French-American
School of New York (Larchmont) Ø
The Lycee Francais
of New York (Manhattan) Ø
The United Nations
International School (Manhattan) Ø
The Lyceum
Kennedy (Manhattan) Ø
The Ecole
francaise of Princeton (New Jersey) Ø
The
International School of Brooklyn
(Brooklyn) Ø
The
French Immersion Program (New Jersey) A general website
containing a lot of interesting information is: www.parentsknow.com Secondly,
you probably would like to have your children admitted into a
good/reputable school. This
may involve admission tests for your children in one or more schools; and
in some schools, interviews for parents. If
you arrive in the middle of the school year, the issue becomes even more
complicated. UNIS (United
Nations International School) has a policy/obligation to accept children
from UN-parents even during the school year, provided they come from
outside New York. Check with
the school whether admission can be done via e-mail. |
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Childcare
for Pre-kindergarten |
Though
the UN education grant does not cover any education before the
5th birthday of the child, many parents choose for
pre-kindergarten. Two schools are located in and around the UN, the UN
daycare and the International day care. Another alternative close to the
UN is the Family school, a small Montessori school that accepts children
from two and one half years. |