This is the second part of our “All You Need to Know…” series. The first part (Mosaic issue June 2009) brought you information on housing, finance, children and schooling. This time we feature the G-4 visa, driver’s licenses, work permits, health, and medical insurance. If you have supplemental facts or personal anecdotes that you think will help our members, please send them to mosaic@worldbank.org.

G-4 Visa Status, Work Authorization, Driver’s License etc.

A. Pre-Departure Preparation

When moving to the Washington DC office of an international organization, staff members who are not US citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) are granted a G-4 visa by the US State Department.

This visa is directly linked to employment and is no longer valid the minute employment at the US office of the international organization comes to an end (whether because of transfer to another duty station or because of termination of the contract).

The accompanying spouse and children are granted G-4 dependent visas as long as the staff member retains a G-4 status.

All G-4 dependents, whether a spouse or a child, will need a work permit to work in the U.S. This process takes some time, 2 months or longer, and cannot begin until you are physically in the U.S. You may consider telecommuting, volunteer work, studies, or other activities for the first half year or so.

Similarly, domestic helpers, such as a nanny, are granted G-5-visas. The helper does not necessarily need to reside with the family who hires her, but she can work only for this family. Sharing of a G-5 is against the law. If the G-5’s employment with the family ends, the termination must be reported. She will lose her G-5 visa status immediately, unless she transfers to work for another G-4 family.

Spouses—G-4 dependent visa is issued only to one legal spouse of a G-4 visa holder. It is important to bring with you documentation proving who you are and that the marriage is valid: birth certificates (staff and spouse), marriage certificate (a photo of the wedding is not enough!)

Domestic Partners—The U.S. government does not issue G-4 dependent visas to domestic partners. Partners will need to obtain another kind of visa, for instance a long term tourist visa.

Registered domestic partners are, however, eligible for many benefits granted by the World Bank. You will need to show proof of living together for 12 months or longer, not just as roommates but with a stronger commitment. Evidence would include a joint lease or ownership on a home/apartment, joint bank accounts, and beneficiary statements.

Children—Dependent children of G-4-visa holders are eligible for G-4 dependent visas. You will need to show the birth certificates as proof that they are the legal child of the staff member and proof of age. If the child is adopted, you will also need proof of the adoption or in the case of a stepchild, proof that the staff or spouse is the legal parent.

Dependent children up to the age of 21 are eligible for Bank benefits. Children age 21 and up to age 24 are eligible for Bank benefits if they are full time students and not earning over a specified amount. They are also eligible for a US work permit.

When a G-4 dependent child is no longer considered a dependent, all benefits from the Bank will be lost, including medical insurance, and he/she will not be eligible for work authorization. Exceptions may be made for children with certain legally defined handicaps. Proof of the diagnosis will be required.

Parents and other relatives—In some cases, parents, nieces, nephews, etc. may be granted G-4 dependent visas but are not considered dependents by the Bank and will not receive World Bank benefits.

B. Upon Arrival

Registration with the US State Department—If the staff and family arrive in the US all together, the World Bank will automatically register all of them with the State Department. Each member gets a PID (personal identification) number.

If the family arrives after the staff, he/she will need to register them with the Bank as soon as they arrive, so that the World Bank can start the process of registering them with the State Department.

Driver’s License—Requirements for obtaining a driver’s license vary from state to state. Visit the relevant website of the state where you live. If you are a G-4-visa holder, the World Bank HR Service Center will help you procure the letter from the State Department that each applicant will need to present to the Motor Vehicle Administration. For further information visit the WBFN website.

If you have your country’s driver’s license written in English or an international driver’s license also in English, the procedure might be facilitated. Otherwise you may have to pass a test both for driving and for knowledge of the rules.

Be aware that you have a limited time (different for each jurisdiction but between 60 and 90 days) during which you can drive using your old driver’s license or an international driver’s license.

Work Permit—A G-4 dependent (spouse or child) intending to work while in the US needs to apply for a work permit. Application forms can be obtained from the HR Service Center or the WBFN.

Make sure to fill out the form completely. Any mistake or omission can delay the process. Ask for help from WBFN, Global Mobility or HR Service Center.

Job Search—Global Mobility offers a comprehensive set of workshops to help you prepare for the US job market, including resume writing, interview tips, networking skills, and coaching. You can find a description of their offerings in the Mosaic monthly newsletter.

HEALTH

A. Pre-Departure Preparation

Medical Insurance in the US—Medical costs in the US are extremely high for those who do not have insurance. The first thing you should do is to ascertain whether your contract provides you and your dependents with medical insurance.

If you have pre-existing conditions (and pregnancy is one!) you will be covered if the insurance is included in your contract and you register in a timely manner.

If your contract does not include medical insurance, know that you will have to purchase insurance on your own and that it will be costly. If you are faced with a choice between a lower salary with medical insurance and other benefits and a higher salary without insurance, please take into account this fact.

Upfront costs can be high especially in medical emergencies.

Also, you can be denied insurance coverage if you have a pre-existing condition.

In some cases, you can extend your existing medical insurance to cover you while in the US.

What should you bring with you?—Bring all medical and dental records, eye prescriptions and supplies of medications for your initial stay. In the case of children, their enrollment in school is dependent on proof of vaccination. All these should travel with you in your carry-on luggage.

Search on the Internet to ascertain what immunizations are required in the schools in the state where you plan to be and have your child vaccinated. Make sure to have the documents translated into English and certified.

A dictionary of medical terms from your language into English can be very helpful.

B. Upon arrival

Enroll in medical insurance immediately—If your contract offers medical insurance coverage, make sure to enroll all your family members immediately. Depending on the organization the staff works for, there is a period for registering during which you are automatically accepted. If you enroll later, you might be denied coverage of any pre-existing conditions.

If you have to purchase your own insurance, apply quickly. Should you need medical care while still uninsured, know that the cost of uninsured medical care is very high.

Second Opinions—When dealing with the medical system in the US, you have the freedom to seek the opinion of another doctor or change doctors if you wish. It is not unusual to ask for a second or even third opinion. The doctor will be obliged to pass on your medical records, since they belong to you.

Emergencies—There is a difference between care provided at the emergency room of a hospital and urgent care centers. Hospital emergency rooms are geared toward life-threatening conditions. Urgent care centers are more geared to minor emergencies, such as a broken arm, where you will likely be treated quicker and may pay less for the same treatment.

Primary Doctor—Do not wait for you or a family member to get sick in order to find and develop a relationship with a primary care physician. For your first visit, it is a good idea to prepare a list of questions to ask, to help you ensure that the doctor is the right one for you. You can search for doctors on Aetna.Docfind.com, using various criteria such as language, proximity to workplace, and availability. You also can ask your friends and colleagues and consult the list of 100 best doctors in DC at www.washingtonian.com.