2008 Edition

WELCOME

In anticipation of your visit, the Administration department at the Stowers Institute would like to provide you with information to help you get acquainted with the area.

The information in this guide is intended to familiarize you with life in Kansas City, immigration regulations, etc. We hope you find the information useful while settling in to your new life here.

For further information or clarification on any of the contents, please contact one of the members of the Administration department:

Abby FreemanMaryhelen Boyd

Vice President for AdministrationSenior Administrative Assistant

816-926-4038816-926-4343

David LatzmanCara Evans

Senior Administrative AssistantStaffing Specialist

816-926-4079816-926-4089

Jennifer TuttleKevin Thies

Coordinator for Immigration ServicesApplication Development Manager

816-926-4370816-926-4068

Cherelle Clark

Administrative Assistant

816-926-4499

Table of Contents

  1. Kansas City InformationPage 5
  2. Geographic information
  3. Neighborhood information
  4. Useful resources
  5. Local newspaper
  6. Telephone area codes
  7. Weather
  1. HousingPage 7
  2. Apartments nearthe Stowers Institute
  3. Twin Oaks Apartment information
  1. Utilities Page 9
  1. Immigration and visa issuesPage 10
  2. Immigration documents
  3. Travel
  4. J-1 Exchange Visitor Program – Review of regulations
  1. FinancialPage 14
  2. Banking
  3. Money transfers
  4. Stowers paycheck
  5. Income and Social security taxes
  1. Social SecurityCardPage 15
  1. Transportation Page 16
  2. Driving (MissouriKansas)
  3. Buying a car
  4. Car insurance
  5. Child car seat regulation
  6. AAA
  7. What to do if stopped by the police
  8. Buses
  9. Bicycles
  1. Shopping Page 18
  2. Grocery stores
  3. Pharmacies
  4. Farmers markets
  5. Specialty grocers
  6. Household goods
  7. Wholesale discount clubs
  8. Furniture
  9. Garage sales
  1. ChildrenPage 22
  2. Child care centers – See Appendix A
  3. Child care referrals
  4. Schools in MissouriKansas
  5. Stowers Institute policy regarding children on premises
  1. HealthPage 24
  2. Medical/Dental insurance
  3. Emergencies
  4. Immunizations
  1. Higher EducationPage 25
  • Two year institutions
  • Four year institutions
  1. Improving your EnglishPage 27
  1. Information about the Stowers InstitutePage 28

Appendix A – Child Care Centers close to the Stowers InstitutePage 29

1. KANSAS CITY INFORMATION

Geographic Information

The Kansas City metropolitan area encompasses two states, five counties and numerous municipalities. Although the city of Kansas City is in Missouri, much of the metropolitan area is in the state of Kansas. The Kansas side is divided into municipalities such as Overland Park, Prairie Village, Lenexa, Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas. On the Missouri side municipalities such as Raytown, Lee’s Summit and Independence make up part of the metropolitan area. Which state you live in determines the taxes you pay, the type of driver’s license you have, the schools you can attend, etc.

Neighborhood Information

Kansas City, MO (JacksonCounty)

There are many residential choices within Kansas City which are all within easy reach of the Institute ranging from lofts to historic homes and apartments, old and new. Some of the neighborhoods you may consider are Downtown which continues to add new lofts, apartments and condominiums, especially around the City Market; Westport, with its choice of renovated and new apartments; The Plaza, offering many apartments and condominiums ranging from very expensive to reasonably priced older models; Hyde Park, an area popular with renovators, has spectacular older homes and apartment buildings; Brookside, south of the Plaza, a beautiful, expansive neighborhood that attracts families who want comfortable older homes; Waldo, to the south of Brookside with slightly smaller, more affordable homes.

Kansas Communities (JohnsonCounty)

Several communities on the Kansas side offer attractive residential living within approximately 15 minutes driving distance of the Institute. Prairie Village is a peaceful community offering charming, established neighborhoods with affordable, smaller homes in a variety of architectural styles. With the Prairie Village shopping center situated in the heart of the community, this is an ideal choice for those who desire a quiet, residential setting. Westwood is a small community situated at the northeastern corner of JohnsonCounty in close proximity to Kansas City, MO and so conveniently located close to the Plaza, Westport and the Stowers Institute. To the south of Westwood is Fairway, another similar community offering smaller homes in established, leafy neighborhoods. Neighboring Fairway are Roeland Park and Mission offering a blend of charming older homes as well as local shopping and easy access to Kansas City and the suburbs further west. All of these communities are part of the Shawnee Mission school district ( one of the outstanding and recognized school districts in the nation.

Useful resources

Information about Kansas City and the surrounding area can be found at or at Two publications to help you discover things to do in the area are: “Insider’s Guide to Kansas City” by Katie van Luchene and “Day Trips from Kansas City” by Shifra Stein. Both can be found in local bookstores.

Local Newspaper

The local daily newspaper is the Kansas City Star. To set up a subscription, call 816-234-7827 or go online to

Telephone area codes

Telephone numbers on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area have the area code 816. Numbers on the Kansas side of the metropolitan area have the area code 913. Calls to these area codes are considered local. Calls to area codes other than these are considered “long distance”. Consult your phone book for a list of national and international area codes.

Weather

Kansas City has four seasons of weather. Winters can be severe with snowfall and temperatures that reach well below freezing during December, January and February. Generally Spring and Fall are mild and the Summer months of June, July and August are hot. Average high temperatures for the following months are January 36°F (2°C), April 64°F (18°C), July 90°F (32°C), October 68°F (20°C).

Temperatures in the U.S. are recorded in Fahrenheit as opposed to Celsius. For a conversion table, see

2. HOUSING

One of the first tasks you will have is to find accommodation. The size and location of the home or apartment determines the cost. In general, an unfurnished 1-bedroom apartment will cost a minimum of $500 per month. A 2-bedroom apartment starts at around $600 per month. A small 2 or 3 bedroom house in the Kansas City area rents for approximately $900 per month. Generally, you will be required to sign a 12 month lease and pay your first month’s rent and a 1 month deposit up front. If you do not have a social security number at the time of securing the lease, you might be required to pay an extra deposit.

You can find listings of rental properties in the Kansas City Star ( newspaper or also in The Pitch, a free publication found on street corners and in restaurants ( This is a good place to look for housing in urban areas.

Apartment Complex/
Leasing Company / Address / Distance from Stowers Institute / Monthly Rent / Rent includes
Bluffs of Brush Creek
816-822-0228 / 1320 E. 49th Street / 1 block / $550 1 bedr
$500 Studio / Water & trash
Casa Loma
816-753-1200 / 105 Ward Parkway / .9 miles / $675 - 825 1 bedr
$1100 2 bed/2 ba / Lights, gas, heat and AC, trash, water
City Place at Westport
816-931-9004
/ 701 Westport Road / 2 miles / $850 - $1,075 1 bedr
$1,180- $1,335 2 bedr / Trash
Tropicana
816-931-4157
/ 110 E. 51stSt / 1 mile / $700 2 bedr/1 ba / Water & trash
Fountainhead Apartments
816-942-4777 / 9821 Wornall Rd / 2 blocks / $575 1 bedr
$760 2 bedr / Trash
Knaack Properties
816-756-2380
/ Various properties close to Plaza/Art Institute. Office & Inglenook Complex at 4056 Warwick Blvd. / 1.5 miles / From $450 1 bedr
From $550 2 bedr
From $700 3 bedr / Water, hot water, trash
Locarno
816-531-8989
/ 235 Ward Parkway / .5 miles / $605 - $1,225 2 bedr/2 ba / Water, trash, heat
Plaza House
816-561-6496 / 4712 Roanoke Pkwy / 1.5 miles / $450 Studio
$550–570 1 bedr
$590–660 2 bedr / Water and trash
Place Apartment Communities
816-561-1110 / SevillePlaza
4545 Main Street / .8 miles / $350-420 studio
$550 1 bedroom / All but phone & electric
PlazaTower
209 Emmanuel Cleaver II Blvd / .7 miles / $539 1 bedroom
$650 2 bedroom
Plaza Point
816-756-1100 / 4901 Wornall / 1.1 miles / $735-795 1 bedr
$995-1,155 2 bedr
$1,795-1,995 3 bedr / Heat, A/C & water
Premiere Living
816-561-1992 / Cleaver Blvd & Main (several properties) / .7 miles / $450-750 1 bedr
$650 - 850 2 bedr / Water & trash
RobertBrowningBuilding
816-931-8787 / 4809 Roanaoke, / 1.5 miles / $375 – 395 studio
furnished / Everything except electricity
Troostwood Pointe
913-403-8008 / 51stTroost / 1 block / $850- $950 2 bedr/2 ba / Water & trash
Fountain View on the Plaza
816-561-4800
/ 4800 Oak St / .6 miles / $880 - $1,150 1 bedr
$1,220-$1,595 2 bedr
$1,745- $1,860 3 bedr / One parking space
Union Hill Properties
/ Roanoke Court
3659 Summit / 2 miles / $505-$565 1 bedr
$590-$660 2 bedr / One parking space
Water & trash
Washer and dryer in-unit
The Founders / 2 miles / $660-$790 studio
$900-$1,140 1 bedr
$1,295-$1,495 2 bedr

3. UTILITIES

Once you have found a place to live you will need to contact the different utility companies. The apartment management or your landlord will be able to tell you who to contact to establish service with the various utility companies as this is determined by your location in the city. Below are some useful numbers for reference.

ElectricityKansas City Power & LightTel. 816-471-5275

Board of Public UtilitiesTel. 913-573-9190

GasMissouri Gas EnergyTel. 816-756-5252

Kansas Gas ServiceTel. 800-794-4780

WaterKansas City Water DeptTel. 816-513-0123

Water 1 (forJohnsonCounty)Tel. 913-895-1800

TelephoneSBCTel. 800-464-7928

Birch TelecomTel. 888-772-4724

CableTime WarnerTel. 816-358-8833

ComcastTel. 816-795-1100

When calling the different utilities, they will want to know, among other information, your social security number. If you do not have a social security number, they will need your passport information.

4. IMMIGRATION & VISA ISSUES

Immigration and visa issues are handled by the Administration Department. All foreign nationals seeking sponsorship for work authorization must consult with a member of the Administration Department before entering into an employment relationship with the Institute to ensure that the appropriate procedures have been completed. There are three non-immigrant visa types that the Institute will consider for sponsorship: J-1, H-1b and TN. The status you are sponsored for will be discussed between you and the Administration department at the time an offer is made.

The Institute will pay for the expenses of preparing and submitting petitions to the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), including petitions for an accompanying spouse, accompanying minor children, change of status and extensions of stay. If you are sponsored in J-1 status, this will be handled by the International Student Affairs Office (ISAO) at the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). All costs associated with obtaining a visa at a United States embassy, obtaining a work authorization for those in F-1 or J-2 status or obtaining a TN visa at a Canadian/Mexican border crossing are the responsibility of the foreign national. See the Stowers Institute policy titled “Visas” for more information.

Arrival in the United States

As you plan your arrival to the U.S. you should keep the Administration department and your Principal Investigator or Lab Supervisor informed of your arrival date. We advise that you plan to arrive around 3 – 5 days prior to your start date. This will give you enough time to complete check-in procedures (if applicable) make a start on finding accommodation, household goods, setting up a bank account, etc.

Immigration Documents

As a foreign national entering the United States, you have four documents that are evidence of your legal status: a passport, the visa stamp in your passport, Form I-94 and either Form I-797 (in H-1b status) or Form DS-2019 (in J-1 status). All these documents are necessary for your stay in the United States and for temporary departures and re-entries.

  • Passport

You are required by law to maintain a valid passport while in the United States. After your arrival, you may wish to register your passport with your country’s embassy or nearest consulate. This will make it easier to replace the passport in the event of theft or loss.

  • Visa Stamp

A visa stamp is obtained at a United States consulate or embassy abroad. It indicates that the holder is eligible for admission to the United States. Visas are granted at the discretion of the consular officer who will review your documents and interview you. During the interview you must demonstrate ties to your home country and that you do not intend to immigrate to the United States. The visa stamp shows your non-immigrant status, the latest date on which you may enter the United States and the number of entries allowed. It does not indicate the period you will be permitted to remain in the United States and it is not proof of work authorization.

  • I-94

The small white card that you complete on the airplane is Form I-94 entitled “Arrival and Departure Record.” It should be stamped with the date of entry and marked D/S (Duration of Status) by the immigration officer at the port of entry. The I-94 shows that you are lawfully admitted to the United States and is valid until the end date on either your DS-2019 or I-797.

  • Document showing work eligibility

Depending on your non-immigrant status, you will have been issued either form DS-2019 (J-1) or form I-797 (H-1b)

  • Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status

The DS-2019 is the document that allows you to stay in the United States and indicates that you are in valid J-1 status. When you enter the United States, an immigration officer will note the entry date on the DS-2019 form and mark it with D/S (Duration of Status). This indicates that the length of time you may remain in the United States and during which you are authorized to work is the same period noted in Part 3 of the DS-2019: “Form covers the period from ______to ______.” You will also need to show this document on your first day of work as proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.

  • Form I-797, Approval Notice

The I-797 is the document that allows you to stay in the United States and indicates that you are in valid H-1b status during the dates noted on the form. You will also need to show this document on your first day of work as proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.

Travel

If you plan to travel overseas, please note the following:

  • If you are in J-1 status, your DS-2019 must be endorsed for travel before you leave the U.S. This requires obtaining a signature from Abby Freeman or Jennifer Tuttle in Immigration Services. The signature is valid for one year. On leaving the U.S. you will need to present your passport and surrender your I-94 card. On re-entering the country you will have to complete a new I-94 card and show your passport and endorsed DS-2019 to the immigration officer at the airport. Call Immigration Services for help with this.
  • If you are in H-1b status, you must have your I-797, passport and I-94 card. On leaving the U.S. you will need to present your passport and surrender your I-94 card. On re-entering the country you will have to complete a new I-94 card and show your passport and your I-797. Proof of employment in the form of a letter from the Benefits/HRIS department or your most recent pay stub is also recommended.
  • If you are in TN status and a Canadian national, you will need to show your I-94 which acts as a visa as TN holders do not obtain a separate visa. Once a year, shortly before your status expires, you will need to travel to Canada to renew your status at a port of entry. For more information on the documents you will need, or for instructions for Mexican nationals, contact the Administration department.

If you need to renew your visa during your overseas visit, please contact the Administration department for information on which documents you will need.

For travel within the U.S. it is also recommended you have access to your immigration documents (passport, I-94 and either Form DS-2019 or Form I-797).

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program – Review of Regulations

Since there are special instructions for foreign nationals holding J-1 status, please read the below information carefully.

Program Duration

  • Currently 5 years.

Check-in

  • New arrivals in J status must check in with Immigration Services immediately upon arrival in the U.S.
  • Required documents: Passport, I-94, DS-2019.
  • During check-in you will be asked for your address and to purchase your supplemental insurance (see below).

Dependents

  • If your dependents arrive separately, they must also check in with Jennifer Tuttle andpresent their documents.
  • Work authorization for J-2 dependent spouses is not guaranteed and the application process can be lengthy. Your spouse can apply for a work authorization about 1 month after arriving in the U.S.
  • The J-2 work authorization is valid for 1 year or until the expiration date on the DS-2019, whichever is sooner. The application process takes about 4 months, the same applies when renewing. Make sure plenty of time is allowed to renew the work authorization.
  • J-2 dependent spouses can study on a part-time basis only.

Travel

  • When you travel outside the U.S. your DS-2019 must be signed before you depart by one ofStowers Institute’s responsible officers. The signature is valid for 1 year.
  • If traveling for more than 1 month outside the U.S., contact the Immigration Specialist in the Administration department for special instructions. (This could be viewed as abandoning the program and could be grounds for termination.)
  • Travel documents (passport with I-94 and form DS-2019) should also be taken on trips within the U.S. (a copy of each should be kept at home).

Insurance

  • All J-1 holders are required to have repatriation/medical evacuation insurance in addition to the regular medical insurance through Stowers Institute. This must be purchased at check-in.
  • Reminders for renewals will be sent out shortly before the insurance is due. Checks should be made payable to “International SOS Assistance”. (No cash accepted.)
  • Individual coverage is $68 per year.

Address/Name changes

  • Address and name changes need to be reported to Immigration Services at Stowers Institute and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Serviceswithin 10 days of the change or move.

Two-year home stay requirement (212e rule)

  • Certain J-1 Exchange Visitors must return home for at least 2 years after completing their program before they can return to the U.S.
  • This usually applies when the program has been financed by a government source, if your skills are needed by their home country (Skills List), or if you are in the U.S. to receive graduate medical training.
  • This is indicated on the visa and on your DS-2019 when you enter the country.
  • A waiver may be granted. The process takes approximately9 months. (See Immigration Services for more details.)

Outside Employment