United States Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to United States for your studies.
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This is only an example. Use it to plan your own steps.
Getting Ready to Study in the US
The main steps before you fly: your visa, your money, your travel and your first days.
Entry Date Rule
What to Prepare
- Visa and papers: Form I-20, the student record fee, the online visa form (DS-160) and the interview.
- Money: Proof of how you will pay for study, living and travel.
- Travel: A flight that follows the entry date rule.
- Arrival: Contact your university as soon as you land.
When to Do What
After your admission
Get your Form I-20, then pay the student record fee (SEVIS I-901 fee) so the US government lists you as an international student.
Up to 365 days before your course
Fill in the online visa form, pay the visa fee if you must pay it before your interview, and go to the interview.
After you get the visa
Book your flight and plan where you will live.
Up to 30 days before your start date
Travel to the US and contact your university.
Your University's Rules
Each university sends its own steps for arrival and course start.
Read your admission email and your university's international student pages.
Pre-Departure Checklist for the US
Tick these off before you fly.
Papers
Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond the time you plan to stay in the US.
Form I-20
Signed by you and your university.
Student visa
Check your name and date of birth match your passport.
Fees
Student record fee
USD 350 (US dollars). Print the receipt.
Visa fee
USD 185. Pay it before your interview, if you must. It cannot be refunded or moved to another person.
Travel
Flight
A flight that follows the entry date rule.
Copies
One set for your family, one for your university.
Reminder
Staying Safe and in Touch
Save these numbers before you travel.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in United States
Call 911 in an emergency. For mental health or crisis help, call or text 988.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
Your university's international office
Contact them as soon as you land, and if you will be late.
Tips Before You Leave
Pay the student record fee before you book your interview
Make your social media accounts public before you apply, so the visa officer can see them
Do not buy tickets until you have your visa
Make two sets of copies of your papers
Tell the officer about all food when you land
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Questions Before You Fly to the US
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Complete Guide to United States
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