Little Rock Skyline; Photos Courtesy of Greg Davis

Relocation Guide for

International Employees
Little Rock, Arkansas
Welcome to Heifer International!
We work to build sustainable communities in an effort to end hunger and
poverty and care for the earth. It would not be possible to move towards this
mission without the work and dedication of Heifer International employees
and volunteers.

In addition to building community in our project work, all over the world,
we have the same intent to build community within our organization. We
understand the disruption of moving can be stressful for you and your family,
and we strive to make the transition as smooth as possible. For this reason,
we have provided you with a relocation guide as you begin your life in Little
Rock, Arkansas.* This guide may be used for employees relocating to other
U.S. offices, although most of the vendors included are specific to the Central
Arkansas area.

In addition to your direct supervisor, please feel free to contact Heifer’s

Human Resources Team (HR@heifer.org) or Legal Services Department
(legalservices@list.heifer.org) with any questions or concerns related to your
relocation.

Human Resources Human Resources

Fiston Kahindo Priscilla Howard
Fiston.Kahindo@heifer.org Priscilla.Howard@heifer.org
Global Recruiting Manager Recruitment Assistant
(501) 907-8881 (501) 907-6031

*Please note that this guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only, and it does not
contain legal advice or counsel.
In addition, please note that the mention of certain service providers in this guide should not be considered
an endorsement of their services – you will need to make your own independent assessment as to the
quality of their services. For recommended service providers, contact the following:

Better Business Bureau- www.bbb.org/arkansas/

Chamber of Commerce- www.littlerockchamber.com/

I RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES

 Table of Contents

Heifer Employment 1

Additional Employment Information 2

Traveling to the United States 3

Traveling Outside & Within the United States 5

Getting a Social Security Number 6

Little Rock Skyline and River Trail
Photo Courtesy of Greg Davis
Obtaining a Driver’s License 7

Your New Home—Little Rock, Arkansas Establishing a Bank Account 8

Situated on the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas and an influential voice of the Finding a Place to Live 9
Southern United States, with more than a million people living within a 60-mile (96.5 km) radius of
downtown. Setting Up Utilities for Your Home 12

Little Rock got its name from the famed La Salle Expedition in 1682, when the party landed at “La Taxes 14
Petite Roche” on the southern banks of the Arkansas River. It became the seat of Arkansas’ new
territorial government in 1821 and was incorporated as a city in 1831. In 1836, Little Rock was named Education 16
capital of the newly admitted State of Arkansas.
Childcare Services 18
Little Rock is a cultural, economic, government and transportation center within Arkansas and the
South. Several cultural institutions are located in Little Rock, such as the Arkansas Arts Center, Establishing Community 19
the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, in addition to historic
neighborhoods like the Quapaw Quarter and the national historic site Little Rock Central High School. Entertainment & Recreation 20

Establishing Credit 21
Arkansas, known as The Natural State, is a popular destination for outdoor adventure, and Little Rock
offers some of the best golf courses in the state, a zoo, playgrounds, and numerous pedestrian bridges,
Identity Theft and How to Protect Against It 24
including the Big Dam Bridge, the longest constructed pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world.
Buying a Car 25
In addition to being the headquarters of Heifer International, the city is the headquarters of Dillard’s,
Windstream Communications, Acxiom, Stephens Inc., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Selecting a Cell Phone Plan 26
the Clinton Foundation, and the Rose Law Firm. State government is a large employer, with many
offices located in downtown Little Rock. Severe Weather 27

Two Interstate highways, Interstate 30 and Interstate 40 meet in Little Rock, making major cities in Reporting Emergencies 29
contiguous states an easy drive, including: Memphis, Tennessee – 139 miles (223.7 km); Dallas, Texas
– 317 miles (510.2 km); Nashville, Tennessee – 350 miles (563.3 km); St. Louis, Missouri – 357 miles Additional Resources 30
(574.5 km); New Orleans, Louisiana – 427 miles (687.2 km); and Houston, Texas – 434 miles (859.4
km).

Little Rock’s climate includes hot, humid summers and mild winters, with usually little snow.

II RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES III RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
 Heifer Employment
Proof of Employment
Proof of employment at Heifer may be required before you can apply for a
credit card, take out a loan, rent an apartment, buy a home or open a bank
account. If you need assistance providing this information, please contact a
member of the Human Resources team at (501) 907-2627; via fax (501)-
907-2820; or email at HR@heifer.org.

Social Security Number

In order to be paid as a Heifer employee in the United States, you will be
required to provide us with a United States Social Security number. If you
do not have a U.S. Social Security Number, you will need to apply for one as
soon as possible. Please see the section on Getting a Social Security Number
for more information on how to get a Social Security number.

Employee Benefits
Employee benefits will be addressed during orientation. If you have any
questions regarding employee benefits, please contact the Human Resources
department at (501) 907-2875.

Heifer International Headquarters

Photo Courtesy of Greg Davis

1 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES

Additional Employment Information
Spouse/Children
The spouse of the H1-B visa holder is not allowed to work if she/he wants
to maintain H-4 status. If the H-4 spouse is the beneficiary of a filed I-485
adjustment of status application, she/he may also apply for employment and
travel authorization documents.
An L-2 spouse may work upon receiving an Employment Authorization
Document (EAD), but an L-2 child may not work. However, if there is an I-485
application pending, an L-2 child may get an EAD and work.
Second Job
An H-1B visa holder may be employed in a second job upon the approval of an
I-129 petition for a Concurrent H-1B visa. An L-1 visa holder should seek advice
from an immigration attorney about a second job before accepting additional
employment.
Volunteer
H-4 and L-2 visa holders may volunteer. Some volunteer organizations may
require a Social Security number as a means of identification. Heifer has
volunteer opportunities that are available for Heifer staff and their families.
2 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Traveling to the United States
Required Documentation
Please ensure that all documentation needed to enter the United States is carried
with you throughout your trip and not placed in any checked baggage that will be
inaccessible for most of your trip. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
website for additional information about traveling to the U.S.
Airport
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport
(LIT) is Arkansas’s largest commercial service
airport. Also known as Adams Field, the
airport hosts six airlines, including United,
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, GLO,
and Allegiant. For additional information,
visit www.fly-lit.com.
Airport Security
Throughout your trip, and especially once
you enter the U.S., you will experience high
Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport
airport security. TSA agents will conduct Image by Entro G+A
security checks before you board the plane.
Remember that all of these security measures are to protect your safety while
traveling. Please visit the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) website
for details.
Customs
While on the airplane, flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration
Forms (CF-6059B), which must be completed prior to
landing. Your port of entry into the United States will
be one of several major airport hubs, often Chicago, Los
Angeles, Blaine or Dallas. At this point you will pass
through a customs inspection area. You may also go
through secondary inspection if instructed. Collect your
baggage if applicable and find the terminal for your
connecting flight.
Port of Entry
Proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers.
Have your required documentation ready for
presentation, including the Customs Declaration Form U.S. Port of Entry, Blaine Washington
(CF-6059B). Upon entering the United States, you Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
must state your reason for wishing to enter the country.
You will also be asked to provide information about your
3 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES

final destination. Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting
officer will stamp your passport with the date and port of entry.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Card
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are no longer collecting paper I-94 cards.
Instead, your I-94 information is available online after your arrival. You may
print your I-94 if desired from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
website.
Travel Expenses
Once you arrive in the U.S., you will want to have around $100 in USD cash and
have access to a credit card for larger purchases. Most stores and vendors will
accept foreign credit cards issued through Visa, Master Card or Discover. Check
with your credit card company before you leave to find out the out-of-country
fees and alert them of your intention to travel. For your safety, do not travel with
large amounts of money. Carrying more than $200 in cash is unsafe.
For more information about establishing credit and obtaining a credit card in
the U.S., please see the section on Establishing Credit.
4 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Traveling Outside & Within the United States
Travel is allowed at any time with the proper identification. For more specific
questions, please contact Legal Services (legalservices@list.heifer.org), as the
options below are general.
1. Traveling Outside the USA with an H-1B or L-1
H-1B and L-1 visa holders and their dependents may travel outside the
U.S. on their unexpired visas. When obtaining a new or renewed visa, the
visa holder should request a multi-entry visa, if available.
Non-immigrants should also carry:
• A valid and current H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 visa stamp
• An H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 approval notice and present it upon re-entry
• Have proof of employment by your H-1B or L-1 employer (letter)
• Have not worked for any other entity since obtaining an H-1B or L-1
visa
2. Adjustment Candidates traveling Outside the USA and Using
an Advance Parole Document for Re-entry need the following:
• A current advance parole document issued prior to departure and
present it upon re-entry
• A current EAD card for Authorized work after re-entry NOTE: The
customs officer may want to see an EAD card so you should travel with
this document, but do not present it unless asked
Public Transportation/Taxis/Uber
Buses, trolleys, and taxis are available for a small fee. A taxi is the most
expensive, while buses and trolleys are the least expensive. Information and
bus scheduling can be found at the River Cities Travel Center bus station
located at 310 East Capitol Avenue, by phone at (501) 375-1163 or online
at www.rrmetro.org
Uber, now available in Little Rock, connects you with a reliable car ride in
minutes through their smart phone app. A car comes directly to you, your
driver knows exactly where to go, and payment is completely cashless, as
your payment is automatically processed through the app. You can sign up at
www.uber.com
5 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Getting a Social Security Number
A Social Security number in the U.S. is a number in the format 000-00-0000,
unique for each individual, used to track Social Security benefits and for other
identification purposes.
Important: You must present original documents or copies certified by the
agency that issued them. The Social Security office cannot
accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents
must be current (not expired). They cannot accept a
receipt showing you applied for the document.
What original documents do I need?
To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show us
your current U.S. immigration document, such as:
• Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card,
Machine Readable Immigrant Visa) with your
unexpired foreign passport;
• I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit); or
• I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired
foreign passport.
Your Social Security card will be sent in the mail and should take about 4-6
weeks to arrive.
Spouse and Children
Heifer employees are required to have a Social Security number; it is not
mandatory that spouses or children obtain a Social Security number, however,
the number is required to obtain an Arkansas Driver’s License.
Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number MUST
be interviewed by Social Security. We will ask for evidence to show you do not
have a Social Security number. If you lived outside the United States for an
extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment
records, and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the
United States could be used to show you do not have a Social Security number.
(www.ssa.gov)
For additional information on obtaining a Social Security number, visit the
Social Security Administration publication, “Social Security Numbers for Non-
Citizens.”

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from DHS can apply
for a Social Security number. If you are a foreign worker, they only need to see
your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired
foreign passport showing a class of admission permitting work. Some foreign
workers must show their I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD,
work permit) from DHS. You must present your foreign birth certificate if you
have it or can get it within 10 days. If not, they will consider other documents
such as your passport or a document issued by DHS as evidence of your age.

Note: The Social Security Office may use one document for two purposes. For
example, they may use a DHS work permit as proof of both immigration status
and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents. (www.
ssa.gov)

Once you complete the Social Security number application, you will need to
provide a copy of the application paperwork to the Heifer headquarters payroll
office. When your number is issued, you will then need to provide the payroll
office with a copy of your new Social Security number card.

Where to Apply
The Social Security office closest to you may be found by calling 1-800-772-
1213 or by visiting www.ssa.gov.

6 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 7 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Obtaining a Driver’s License
well as the dates and times they administer the examinations. For additional
As a non-citizen, you will apply for your new Arkansas driver’s license the same information, please contact both of these agencies:
way as citizens, making sure to bring the correct documents to prove legal
presence in the U.S.
State of Arkansas
NOTE: Arkansas might allow you to drive with your Department of Finance and Administration
valid foreign driver’s license for a certain period of Office of Driver Services
time before you must apply for an Arkansas driver’s Ragland Building
license. Please contact your local ODS for details. 1900 W. 7th Street, Room 2067
Little Rock, AR 72201
To apply for your AR driver’s license, visit your local (501) 682-7060
revenue office and:
Arkansas State Police Headquarters
how proof of legal residency
• S One State Police Plaza
• Provide verifiable proof of your Social Little Rock, AR 72209
Security number (e.g., Social Security Card) (501) 618-8252
• Provide proof of identity, which can be EITHER:
• 2 documents from the primary list.
Driver’s License Exam Study Guide
• Primary list documents must include your full name and birth
date (e.g., original or certified birth certificate, military ID, or INS Study guides are available for download in PDF
documents). format in English and Spanish on the Arkansas
State Police website.
OR
• 1 document from the primary list and 1 document from the
secondary list (vehicle registration, health insurance card,
employment ID, etc.).
• Provide proof of legal presence (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. visa,
military ID, etc.).
• Pay the $5 testing fee.
• You might pay a maximum of $15, depending on when you pass.
• Pass the vision exam.
• Pass the written permit test.
• To help you pass the written test you can study the state’s driver
handbook. If you want to ensure passing the exam on your first try,
we suggest taking an online practice test beforehand.

If you fail, the Arkansas ODS might require you to wait a certain amount of
time before retesting; ask your examiner for details.

Once you pass your vision and written tests, you’ll be issued a learner’s
permit (www.dmv.org).

The Arkansas State Police administers the examination portion of getting a

driver’s license. Their website provides the locations for their testing sites, as

8 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 9 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Establishing a Bank Account Finding a Place to Live
Opening a Bank Account (Checking and/or Savings) Neighborhoods
When opening a bank account, the bank will ask Little Rock is made up of nine neighborhoods that each offer something unique,
for two forms of identification such as a Social including the following:
Security card, driver’s license, state ID, passport
or birth certificate. A cash deposit may also be • Downtown Little Rock • Midtown
required to open the new account. Most banks • South Main/Quapaw Quarter • West Little Rock
have a minimum deposit amount that will vary • Riverdale • Chenal Valley
from bank to bank. Each bank’s account offerings • The Heights • Otter Creek/Ferndale
have different benefits, such as better interest
• Hillcrest
rates or free online banking, so you should check
multiple banks before opening an account.
Information about crime in these areas can be found by viewing the Little Rock
You can find a complete listing of banks in the Police Department crime map.
area by visiting Yellow Pages online.
Metro Little Rock
Examples include:
While Little Rock is Central Arkansas’s
anchor, and the largest city in terms of
• Arvest Bank – (501) 379-7777 population, it’s only one of nine cities that
• Bank of America – 1-800-432-1000 combine to create Metro Little Rock. The
• First Security – 1-877-611-3118 other eight include:
• Regions – 1-800-734-4667
• Telcoe Federal Credit Union – (501) 375-5321 • North Little Rock
• US Bank – 1-800-872-2657 • Sherwood
• Maumelle
• Jacksonville
Using the Account (Personal Checks, Automated Teller Machine
(ATM), & Debit Cards) • Cabot
• Benton
• Personal Checks – A supply of personal checks will be issued when
• Bryant
opening a checking account. These checks can be used to purchase items
or services. Keep these in a safe place. • Conway
• ATM Cards – The bank may offer an ATM card. It may be used at an
ATM machine to withdraw or deposit money into the account. There may Cost of living may vary slightly in these
be a fee for this service. areas. Please contact real estate agents,
utility providers, etc. in a specific area to Estimated Commute times without traffic.
• Debit Cards – The bank may issue a debit card to use with a checking Visit https://smartasset.com/mortgage/what-will-my-commute-be
understand average costs of things like
account. Debit cards allow payment for something without writing a check
housing and utilities.
by having the bank send money from the checking account directly to the
account of the business where the purchase is made. The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) produces the Cost
of Living Index quarterly to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure
of living cost differences among urban areas in the United States, weighted by
different categories of consumer expenditures for mid-management households.*

Published in August 2016, data for the second quarter of 2016 can be found
below. The average for all 260 participating locations, both metropolitan

10 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 1 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
 and non-metropolitan, equals 100, and each participant’s index is read as a listing of real estate agents in the area by visiting Yellow Pages online. Examples
percentage of the average for all places. Overall, the data shows that the cost of include the following:
living composite index for Little Rock is below average at 94.4.
• A dkins, McNeill, Smith & Associates Realtors – (501) 224-3900
Urban Composite Grocery Health
Misc. • Crye-Leike Real Estate Services – (501) 312-8220
Housing Utilities Transportation Goods &
Area Index Items Care
Services • Rector Phillips Morse (Coldwell Banker) – (501) 664-7807
Little Rock-
North Little 94.4 95.7 87.8 114.4 93.5 90.0 94.2 A home loan may be required to purchase a home and may be obtained from
Rock, AR
a bank or credit union; see Establishing a Bank Account, where a home loan
*The index does not measure inflation and does not consider state and local taxes. specialist will be able to assist you in this process.

Home-owner’s insurance will be required to help pay for any possible unforeseen
damage to your home. Property taxes must also be paid on the value of your
home (see Taxes). A real estate agent can help with this process.

Renting
Apartments and houses may be rented. A list of available properties, which
often includes the address, monthly rent, amenities, and photos can be found on
websites like Apartment Finder and Zillow. A Property Management Company
can provide assistance in looking for places to rent. These companies may be
found by visiting Yellow Pages.
A rental application may be required. The application may be obtained from the
Property Management Company or landlord/owner. The application may ask
for a Social Security number and proof that you are working. A deposit will likely
be required, along with the first month’s rent. The deposit may be refundable if
the home/apartment is in clean and good condition when vacated. The lease will
stipulate the duration of the contract, and the amount of rent and when it is due
each month. It may also list the number of people who may live in the home/
apartment and if animals are allowed.
Change of Address
If you move after living in the U.S. and need to change your address, you must
notify the local U.S. Postal Service in your area and obtain a “Change of Address”
card. Fill this card out and leave it with the post office or give it to your local
mail carrier who delivers mail to your home. The USPS website also offers the
option to submit an official change of address online. A change of address card
or online submission is required so that the U.S. Postal Service may forward
your mail from your prior U.S. address to your new U.S. address. Additionally, if
you have a change of address, you must notify the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) within 11 days of any move or change of address.
The Change of Address request form (A-11) may be found on the USCIS website.

Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is not generally required when renting, however, it can help
provide you with financial reimbursement if a fire, theft or vandalism, or other
damage to your possessions should occur. To save money on insurance costs it
is recommended to carry renters insurance with the same insurance company
you have your auto insurance through; bundling the insurance can save you
money!

Buying a Home
Homes for sale can be found online on websites like Zillow or in the Classifieds
section of the newspaper under “Real Estate.” You may also choose to contact
a Real Estate agent who can help you in your search. You can find a complete

12 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 13 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Setting Up Utilities for Your Home
Electricity
Electricity can be turned on by contacting Entergy Arkansas online or by phone
at 1-800-368-3749. If you decide to live outside of Little Rock, your electricity
may be through a different provider, such as North Little Rock Electric or Conway
Corporation. If you’re unclear as to who your provider is, be sure to ask someone
during the renting/buying process, such as your real estate agent or landlord, or
visit Yellow Pages and search providers in your specific area.
A deposit fee may be required to turn on the electricity and in some cases
may be billed with the first bill. When calling, be prepared to give the home/
apartment address and meter number (located on the meter attached to the
home/apartment). A Social Security number or passport number will be needed
for identification.
Gas
Natural gas service can be started by contacting CenterPoint Energy online or by
phone at 1-800-992-7552.
Like electricity, a deposit fee may be required to start this service and in some
cases may be billed with the first bill. When calling, be prepared to give the
home/apartment address. A Social Security number or passport number will be
needed for identification.
Water
The Central Arkansas Water department can be reached at (501) 372-5161 and
can activate water service via the telephone. There is a deposit and an activation
fee that will be added to the first month’s bill which will be sent by mail. For
residents living outside of the central Arkansas area, visit Yellow Pages and
search providers in your specific area.
Telephone
Home telephone, “land line” service, is available from several independent
carriers and can often be “bundled” with television and internet service through
one provider. Proof of employment, complete address, and Social Security
number or passport/visa information will be required; a deposit may be required.
See Selecting a Cell Phone Plan for information on cell phone providers.
You can find a complete listing of home telephone service providers in the area
by visiting Yellow Pages online. Examples include the following:
• AT&T – 1-800-288-2020 • Comcast – 1-800-934-6489
14 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Moving Services
Moving professionals can help you move your
possessions, including things that may be
difficult for you to move on your own, such as
furniture and large appliances. You can find
a complete listing of moving services in the
area by visiting Yellow Pages online. Examples
include the following:
• All My Sons Moving & Storage
1-800-892-7667
• Two Men and a Truck
(501) 386-9677
Television (TV) & Internet
Television service can be delivered through cable, a fiber-optic network, or
satellite. It is available through a number of providers and can often be “bundled”
with phone and internet service through one provider. You can find a complete
listing of television service providers in the area by visiting Yellow Pages online.
High-speed internet access can be connected to your home through cable, a
fiber optic network, or DSL, depending on how you bundle the services with
your chosen provider and your geographic location. Both can be configured for
wireless access at your house and both can connect multiple home computers
to one Internet connection. You can find a complete listing of Internet service
providers in the area by visiting Yellow Pages online. Examples include the
following:
• AT&T – 1-844-827-7057
• Comcast – 1-800-934-6489
• Windstream 1-866-455-5880
15 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Taxes
Social Security and Medicare
Filing Annual Tax Returns These are federal taxes withheld from a paycheck.
All U.S. residents are required to file a
federal and state income tax return every
Property Taxes
year. The tax return usually covers U.S.
earnings from January to December of the Property taxes are state and local taxes that are paid on houses, vehicles, and
previous year. The tax return must be filed land and generally only apply if you are the owner. Property taxes are paid
by April 15th. annually through the County Treasurer’s Office. Notifications are normally sent
in the mail stating the amount due and payment options. Property taxes may be
paid at the Pulaski County Treasurer’s Office.
If help is needed in filing a tax return,
contact a tax preparation service by visiting
Yellow Pages online. Examples include the The Pulaski County Treasurer’s Office is located at:
following:
201 South Broadway
• H&R Block Little Rock, AR 72202
• Jackson Hewitt
The office can be reached by phone at (501) 340-6040 or online.

Be careful to ask specific questions of ANY tax service provider as to their staff If you own or are financing a vehicle, you will be responsible for paying personal
having direct experience preparing tax returns for non-citizens living in the U.S. property taxes based on the assessed value of the vehicle. This can be done
legally. through any local Revenue Office.

Filing a tax return for the first year, if you are working for Heifer International The Arkansas Revenue Office in Little Rock is located at:
in a non-immigrant visa status, may be confusing and time-consuming if you are
not familiar with the tax codes, forms, and documentation required. There are
#3 State Police Plaza Drive, Suite 300
several resources that may be helpful to you as you work through this process,
Little Rock, AR 72209
including the following:
The office can be reached by phone at (501) 682-0410.
• Internal Revenue Service’s “U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens”
• University of Texas at Austin’s website A complete listing of Arkansas Revenue Offices can be found online.

Income Tax
Income tax is paid to federal, most state, and some local governments. “Taxable
income” includes but is not limited to money that is earned from wages and
the sale of property. Most people pay income taxes by having money withheld
from their paycheck. The amount of the income tax that is paid is determined by
how much is earned. Generally, anyone who earns income, resides in the United
States, and meets certain requirements must file a tax return and pay any taxes
that may be owed.

Sales Tax
Sales taxes are state and local taxes that are added to the cost of buying certain
things. Sales tax is based on the cost of the item and is paid at the time of purchase.

16 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 17 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Education
Higher Education
Public Schools H-4 and L-2 visa holders may attend a college or a university in the U.S., but,
All children in the U.S., regardless of the admissions process may prove difficult for those without a Social Security
immigration status, are entitled to free number. It should be noted that college tuition fees for international students
public education. School attendance may differ from those for U.S. citizens.
is mandatory for all children ages
5-17 in the state of Arkansas. Children
Financial Aid for Higher Education
must turn 5 years old on or before
September 15th of that year to be A person must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or eligible non-
eligible to enroll. Your local public citizen to qualify for state and federal student loan financial aid. College tuition
school district should be contacted fees for international students may differ from those for U.S. citizens.
to determine, based on location of
residence, what school the children Visa status changes after a child turns 21 years of age.
will attend.

Three of the main local school

districts are:

• Little Rock School District – (501) 447-1000

• North Little Rock School District – (501) 771-8000
• Pulaski County Special School District – (501) 490-2000

Private Schools
Private schools in the area can be found using Yellow Pages. Please be aware that
monthly or annual tuition fees are required for private schools.

Documents Needed to Register a Child

• Immunization records are required to register a child in the Arkansas
public school system
• Social Security number (The school district office will provide a registration
number for those children who do not already have a Social Security
number. This number will only serve for school registration purposes as it
has no “legal validity”)
• Birth certificate or passport
• Proof of residence such as a lease agreement or utility bill

Transportation
Public schools generally offer free transportation
to and from school each day. The school will
provide a bus schedule with bus stop locations.
If the child is attending a private school, free
transportation is generally not provided.

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Childcare Services
Preschool and Before & After School Care
Preschool education is the provision of education of
children before the commencement of statutory and
obligatory education, usually between the ages of
zero and three or five, depending on the jurisdiction.
Some public schools offer a preschool program, as
well as a care program that offers supervised child
care before school starts and after school has ended
for the day. There will be a charge for this service and
the school office can provide further information.
Daycare
If there are children who are too young to attend
school and need to be watched during working hours, they may be sent to a
daycare center. Some daycares also provide before & after school care for school-
age children, and many provide transportation to and from school. Daycare
providers in the area can be found using Yellow Pages.
Examples include the following:
• C hild Development Center – (501) 372-2327
• Ms. Carrie’s Day School – (501) 513-0123
Please note that Heifer does not provide child care services.
Dependent Care FSA
When setting up your benefits, you may elect a Dependent Care FSA to be
reimbursed for expenses related to the care of your eligible dependents while
you and your spouse work. The maximum you may contribute to the
Dependent Care FSA is $5,000 if you are a single employee or married
filing jointly, or $2,500 if you are married and filing separately.
20 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Establishing Community
There are many ways for you and your family to get involved in the local
community. Below is just a sample of some of the ways in which you may choose
to do so.
Meetup App
Meetup is a smart phone app that brings people together in thousands of cities
to do more of what they want to do in life. It is organized around one simple
idea: when we get together and do the things that matter to us, we’re at our best;
and that’s what Meetup does. It brings people together to do, explore, teach and
learn the things that help them come alive.
For example, people run marathons, thanks to running Meetups; they write,
thanks to writing Meetups. Because at Meetups, people welcome each other.
They talk, help, mentor, and support each other – all in pursuit of moving their
lives forward. Learn more on the Meetup HQ Blog.
Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas
The Boys & Girls Club has a proud, tradition of developing boys and girls into
well-rounded adults and productive, responsible citizens. Over the years, they
have adapted to meet the changing needs of youth in a changing and increasingly
hazardous society. The Boys & Girls Club has developed solutions and alternatives
to many of the pressures and problems today’s kids face. They intervene with
positive life-shaping programs that provide a positive alternative to destructive
personal behavior.
International Friendship Outreach
IFO is a local ministry offering opportunities for social and cultural interaction
between Americans and internationals who study, work, or live in central
Arkansas. They also sponsor a number of social events and outings during the
year.
Places of Worship
You can find a listing of places of worship in the area by visiting Yellow Pages.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Little Rock area across a wide
range of organizations, including food banks, homeless shelters, hospitals,
animals shelters, and more. Please note that volunteer opportunities for you and
your family are also available at Heifer.
21 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Entertainment & Recreation Establishing Credit
According to Kiplinger.com Little Rock is #1 in the top 10 Great Places to live in Transferring Credit from a Foreign Country
2013. “Set between the Ouachita Mountains and the Arkansas River and known It is unlikely that you will be able to utilize good credit history that you may have
for its rolling hills and ubiquitous trees, Little Rock offers far more than a lovely built in another country when you get to the U.S. Most countries do not allow
setting.” credit reports to transfer from country to country. There are legal, contractual,
and technical reasons that prevent a person’s credit report from being transferred
Little Rock provides plenty of opportunities for between countries.
outdoor excursions like:
However, it is very likely that good credit habits in another country will also help
• Hiking your credit standing in the U.S. There are many factors that go into credit scores
• Running in the U.S., but if you simply pay all of your credit obligations on time and as
• Cycling agreed, that behavior will help your credit standing.
• Boating
• Fishing Because you will not be able to transfer your credit reports to the U.S. credit
• Hunting bureaus, you will need to work on establishing your new credit history. A good
way to start is to open a new credit card. You’ll want to keep the balances on this
Little Rock is also known for their many cultural credit card low enough so that you can pay off the balance each month. If you
offerings, such as its: are unable to obtain a credit card due to your lack of U.S. credit history, you can
apply for a secured credit card. These cards allow you to charge only up to the
• Museums amount that you have deposited. Regardless of the type of credit card you open,
• Fine art galleries being on time with all of your payments is the most important factor towards
• Repertory theater building your credit history here in the U.S.
• Symphony orchestra
• Arkansas Arts Center It may take about 6 months to establish your credit history and get a credit score.
As time passes and you continue to use your credit card responsibly, you will see
Be sure to roam the downtown River Market, your credit score rise. As your credit score gets into higher ranges, more credit
especially from May through September, when the may become available to you and at better terms. When utilizing your access to
Farmers Market is filled with fresh produce from credit, keep these tips in mind: only apply for credit that you need and always
our local farms. You may also enjoy eateries ranging pay your bills on time. These are essential for healthy credit.
from food trucks to fine dining.
What is a Credit Score?
You can enjoy live music at one of the local night A credit score is a number representing
clubs or Verizon Arena, when artists are scheduled to the creditworthiness of a person, the
perform. Or take the family out to a baseball game, it likelihood that person will pay his
is after all, America’s favorite pastime! or her debts. Lenders, such as banks
and credit card companies, use credit
To discover all of the amazing things you can do in scores to evaluate the potential risk
Little Rock, visit www.littlerock.com/things-to-do posed by lending money to consumers.
Widespread use of credit scores has
made credit more widely available and
cheaper for consumers. Sometimes the
credit score is referred to as a FICO
score.

2 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 23 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES

How Do I Find Out My Credit Score?
As a result of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003,
each legal U.S. resident is entitled to a free copy of his or her credit report once
every twelve months, provided by credit bureaus. A credit bureau is a company
that collects information from various
sources and provides consumer credit
information on individual consumers
based on their borrowing and bill
paying habits. You may obtain your
credit report from one of many credit
bureaus, including the following:
• Equifax, Inc.
• Experian
• TransUnion
The results of not paying this debt on time are that the company will charge a
late payment penalty (generally a percentage of the outstanding charges on the
credit card or a flat fee) and report the late payment to credit rating agencies.
Being late on a payment is sometimes referred to as being in “default.” The late
payment penalty itself increases the amount of debt the consumer has.
When a consumer has been late on a payment, it is possible that other creditors,
even creditors the consumer was not late in paying, may increase the interest
rates the consumer is paying. This practice is called universal default.
If you have a concern over credit card debt, you can seek the services of the Heifer
Employee Assistance Program. The EAP can advise you on finding resources to
help with credit card debt relief. EAP information will be provided during your
benefits orientation.

How to Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report

The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies—Equifax,
Experian, and TransUnion—to give you a free copy of your credit report each
year if you request it.

• Go online or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your free credit reports

each year.
You also can write a request and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Obtaining a Credit Card
Many banks and financial institutions offer credit cards and can provide an
application. Credit cards will ask for confidential information, such as a Social
Security number, so be very careful in this process. Although credit card
companies send unsolicited credit card applications to you in the mail, it may
be best to go through a bank or credit union to obtain a credit card. Be careful to
shop wisely for rates and terms of credit card agreements.

Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt results when a client of a credit card company purchases an
item or service through the card system. Debt accumulates and increases via
interest and penalties when the consumer does not pay the company for the
money he or she has spent.

24 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 25 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Identity Theft and How to Protect Against It
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft, the stealing of personal information (Social Security numbers,
bank account numbers, etc.), is a common problem in the United States. This
personal information can be used to open a bank account or apply for a credit card
in your name. Every precaution should be taken to protect personal information.
How to Protect Against Identity Theft:
Buying a Car
Financing
In order to buy a car, a loan from a bank may be needed, or it may be financed
through the dealer. Many car dealers may provide financing, with approved
credit, through their own in-house finance company. You may also pay for
the car with cash or check. The car dealer or bank will need personal
information, proof of employment, and proof of auto
insurance.

• Shred financial documents and Insurance

paperwork with personal information Auto insurance is required by law.
before you discard them. Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• Protect your Social Security number. must be in the car at all times. You
Don’t carry your Social Security card can find a complete listing of car
in your wallet or write your Social insurance providers in the area by
Security number on a check. Give it out visiting Yellow Pages. Examples
only if absolutely necessary or ask to include the following:
use another identifier.
• Don’t give out personal information on • A llstate – 1-800-255-7828
the phone, through the mail, or over • State Farm – 1-800-782-8332
the Internet unless you know who you
are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, Vehicle Registration
and anti-virus software to protect your home computer and keep them The vehicle will need to be registered with the state of Arkansas. Once regis-
up-to-date. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s OnGuardOnline site for tered with the state, a license plate will be issued that will attach to the back of
more information. the vehicle. Sales tax on the vehicle will be paid to the state at this time. You
• Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden will also need to obtain a license registration renewal sticker annually from
name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. either the Arkansas State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or online. The
• Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts Arkansas DMV’s Little Rock branch may be reached by phone at (501) 682-
and billing statements. 4692 and is located at 1900 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.
• Inspect your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you,
including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.
• Review LegalShield when you set up your employee benefits, this service
can help protect you against identity theft.
What to Do if You Suspect You are a Victim of Identity Theft
There are resources to help consumers learn how to protect themselves from
identity theft, and what to do if you believe you have been a victim of identity
theft.

• Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Site

• Identity Theft Victim’s Guide

26 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 27 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
Selecting a Cell Phone Plan Severe Weather
Before selecting a cell phone plan, it’s important to understand the different Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on Earth. Each year,
types of plans that are offered. Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000
tornadoes, and an average of 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes. And, this on top
Contract Plans of winter storms, intense summer heat, high winds, wild fires and other deadly
weather impacts. It is important to be educated about the different types of
Contract plans typically require a Social Security
severe weather most commonly affecting the U.S. and also in Arkansas, and how
number or large deposit and a commitment of 1-2
to be prepared for these types of severe weather.
years. Free or reduced price phones may be offered,
and phones previously purchased may not be allowed
to join the plan. Once a contract is signed, you will Education and Preparedness Resources
be obligated to pay for the entire contract period and Tornadoes are common in Arkansas, and knowing what a tornado is and how
will likely be charged a high fee if you don’t. Contract to take safety precautions during severe weather that may trigger a tornado is
plans may include data, and phones will work on important.
Wi-Fi.
• T he National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s publication
Prepaid Plans called, “Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Lighting-Nature’s Most Violent
Storms”
Prepaid plans allow for you to have a phone at a lower monthly cost, allows for
more flexibility, no contract required, and no credit check required. Unlocked • The American Red Cross
foreign phones do work with these plans. Check with each cell phone provider • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
to learn about their individual plans. Click HERE for more information on pre-
paid plans. What is a Tornado?
A tornado is a rotating column of
Other points to consider include: air ranging in width from a few
yards to more than a mile and
• Most cell phone plans do not come with international calling, so be sure whirling at destructively high
to ask about international calling plans if you want to use your phone to speeds, usually accompanied by
call home. a funnel-shaped cloud.
• If you have an unlocked phone from your home country, check with the
cell phone provider to see if it is compatible with their service. Tornado Causes and
Environmental Signs
Providers Thunderstorms develop in
warm, moist air in advance of
Many cell phone providers have retail stores where you can purchase phones,
eastward-moving cold fronts.
select a plan, and handle any other service needs.
These thunderstorms may
produce large hail, strong winds,
You can find a complete listing of cell phone providers in the area by visiting
and tornadoes.
Yellow Pages online. Examples include:
Environmental signs include a
• AT&T – 1-866-246-4852
dark, greenish sky, wall clouds,
• Sprint – 1-866-275-1411 large hail, and a loud roar;
• T-Mobile – 1-800-866-8453 similar to a freight train.
• Verizon – 1-800-256-4646

28 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES 29 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
 Reporting Emergencies
Tornado Watch & Tornado Warning
Stay tuned to a radio or television station for local weather updates, or connect to Emergency Help- Dial 9-1-1
a free weather app on your phone for Tornado Watches, and Tornado Warnings. • 911 is the phone number for all emergency help such as fire, police and/or
ambulance response. EMERGENCY
If a siren sounds, it means to stay inside and find immediate shelter.
• 911 should only be called to report a fire, a crime in progress, medical
help or to report suspicious activities such as screams, calls for help or
911
Tornado Watch: Advises people of an area in which a tornado may
occur due to an impending storm or other unstable weather conditions. gunshots.
• 911 should NOT be called to report situations that are not emergencies;
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been seen and persons in that area check the Yellow Pages for local non-emergency numbers.
should seek immediate shelter. Please be aware that tornadoes can occur
rapidly thus making it impossible for the National Weather Service to For step-by-step instructions on how to report an emergency, please visit
issue warnings for every tornado. www.wikihow.com/Report-an-Emergency

Please be aware that tornadoes can occur rapidly thus making it impossible for
the National Weather Service to issue warnings for every tornado. Non-Emergency Help- Dial 3-1-1 NON-
• 311 is the NON-Emergency number to call to report situations to the EMERGENCY

Tornado Preparation & Safety Precautions authorities such as barking dogs, traffic problems, and road hazards. 311
• *Please note, this number may not work in all areas, check the Yellow
If you are in an automobile during a tornado, leave the vehicle for a sturdier
Pages for local non-emergency numbers. Other non-emergency phone
structure. If one is not available, seek shelter in an empty ditch and lie down
numbers may be found in the Yellow Pages also.
with your hands covering the back of your head and neck. If you are at home, it
is best to go to the basement or cellar. If one is not available, find a small room
in the middle of your home, such as a bathroom or closet. The safest rooms have
the most walls between them and the outside. If you are in the headquarters
building, you are required to enter the nearest mechanical room once tornado
sirens have been activated. Heifer’s Security and Emergency Procedures can be
found in the Employee Handbook.

Conduct drills with your family in the home; make sure each member knows the
correct procedures if they are at work, school, or outdoors when a tornado hits.
Put together an emergency storm kit including a transistor radio, flashlight,
batteries and simple first aid items.

NOTE: A weekly Tornado siren test occurs every Wednesday at noon, if storms
are in the area the test will be postponed until the following week.

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Additional Resources
For additional information on life in the United States, please visit the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

For additional information about Arkansas and Little Rock, visit the following
sites:

• littlerockchamber.com/relocation
• arkansas.com
• movoto.com/guide/little-rock-ar/moving-to-little-rock
• Newcomers-Guide-Relocating-To-Little-Rock
• metrolittlerockguide.com

Heifer’s Intranet, The Corral, is another great resource where you can find
company announcements, a calendar of events happening at headquarters and
around the world, an employee directory, a document library, and much more.

If you have suggestions for additional resources that might be helpful to other
readers, please send those to any member of the Human Resources Team or to
the Legal Services Department.
H E I F E R I N T E R N AT I O N A L
1 W O R L D AV E N U E
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202
W W W. H E I F E R . O R G
888.548.6437

32 RELOCATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES