Before you leave your home country, take time to double-check that you have gathered all the documents listed below for your travel to the United States.
Everyone arriving in the United States passes through an inspection by聽聽officers. 聽To learn more about required U.S. entry documents, especially if you are on an F鈥1 or M鈥1 visa, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's.听
Certificate of eligibility.听Confirm you have the I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the school or program you will be attending. Also, check聽that this document has been signed by the Designated School Official (DSO), that聽your name is spelled the same as it is in your passport, and that聽your birthdate is correct.
Passport and nonimmigrant visa.聽Ensure that聽your passport is current before travel. Note that citizens of聽some countries are required to have at least six months validity remaining on their passport before their entry into the United States.听Hand-carry your passport and certificate of eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) with you at all times during your travel.听
Contact information.聽Have the name and phone number of your international student adviser on campus, in case you need to call him/her upon arrival in the United States. Have phone numbers and a calling card to contact family or friends at home if you become stuck in transit and need to let them know you are ok. When arriving in the United States, calling cards can be purchased at most convenient stores and are recommended for new students who may not have a mobile phone or other means of communication for the first few days.听
Birth certificate and marriage certificate. Be sure to obtain notarized translations of these certificates if they are not in English if you are traveling with a dependent spouse or child. Note that your spouse and child must also have their own student or exchange visa and certificate of eligibility.听