PREDEPARTURE PLANNING
You must have some certain documents as evidence of your legal status like:
- valid passport, issued by your country, with at least six months validity beyond your entry date; nonimmigrant visa placed inside your passport by embassy of USA in your country. Please see this link for more information 'Visa Information'
- Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019 form) for students and scholars;
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (form I-797 – paper receipt) and copy of SEVIS I-901 form (see SEVIS information for description of SEVIS form and fee);
- Arrival-Departure Record (I-94 form) and the Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059), which will be issued to you, usually on the airplane before landing, filled out by you and reviewed and stamped by the immigration officer at your point of entry into the United States.
You may have additional clearance procedures on arrival, in which case you will be directed to a private work station where a photograph and electronic (ink-less) fingerprints will be taken to verify your identity, and a short interview conducted and follow-up appointment scheduled to verify your plans.
Make sure that you have everything with you otherwise any missing document may make you return from the border of USA to your country!
These documents will define your legal status. They are necessary for your entry and stay in the United States, and for any temporary departure from and reentry into the country. It is extremely important that you keep these official documents valid at all times. Failure to do so may cause problems with your stay in the United States.
It is also a good idea to bring an official copy of your birth certificate, as this may be requested when applying for various forms of identification and other documents in the United States. If you are married and your spouse will accompany you, bring a copy of your marriage certificate or other proof of marriage. Be sure to obtain notarized translations of these certificates if they are not in English.
As you know USA is very strict about visa issues and they don't tolarate any missing document and suspicious situation.
To avoid from unwanted situations please have your important documents with you at all the time with a copy of them.
Certificates of Immunization and Vaccination
- You should ask the USA embassy or consulate whether you must have medical examination before entering the US. Make sure you do need this certificates or not as this might affect your requirements . You can get detailed information from major airlines or consulate of US in your country.
- Most Universities and colleges require proof of immunity to rubella and some other illness. Always best to check US embassy or consulate for certain information.
Prescriptions for Medication and Eyeglasses
You need to declare your medications you are carrying on customs forms. Some drugs may not be ok to brought into the USA. See benefit to say this again but check US embassy or consulate to get certain list of drugs allowed.
For your medicine, you should bring a copy of prescription(in English)
Although you may feel more comfortable using medications from home for headaches, colds, upset stomach, or minor injuries, aspirin, ointments, and other remedies are readily available in the United States. A pharmacist can advise you.
Medical and Dental Records
If possible, bring detailed and up-to-date medical and dental records for yourself and any dependents who are traveling with you. It is also a good idea to make sure that these records reflect recent visits to your local health care professionals for general examinations, blood tests, dental and eye checkups, x-rays, and so on. This will not only help your U.S. doctors get a better idea of recent or past diagnoses and treatments, but may also help you avoid repeating these tests in the United States at greater expense.
Academic Documents
Bring official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges, or universities. Additionally, bring any syllabi, catalogs, bulletins, course descriptions, or other relevant materials issued by the secondary school or university you have attended most recently. These records can be very helpful to the admissions office and academic departments if questions arise concerning academic credit or your placement in courses at your U.S. college or university.
Contact Information
Include with your documents the name, address, and telephone number of the individual at your U.S. university to contact in case of a travel delay or an emergency. Also include the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person at home and the name, address, and telephone number of your country's consulate in the United States or another entity, such as an educational mission or sponsoring agency.
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