There is a LOT to remember and keep track of before and after you arrive in New Jersey. Use this checklist as a reference to make sure nothing gets lost in the process. Please note this may not be a comprehensive list, but rather a helpful guide.
Getting Started:
- You will need a valid passport
- You will need a valid visa that allows study, such as the F-1
- Take extra passport photos
- Determine if you need to visit a doctor and/or receive vaccinations before arrival
- Arrange air or land transportation
- Make arrangements with a responsible person and forward your mail to them while you are in the United States, if necessary
- You will need your I-20/DS-2019 form if on the F or J status (pack this in your carry-on bag)
- Your I-94 card (given after arrival)
- Your admission letter (given by your school in NJ)
- U.S. currency or travelers checks
- Be familiar with the health insurance information provided by your school/program
Before You Travel:
- Make two sets of copies of important documents (i.e. passport, visas, insurance card). Leave one set of copies with a trusted person and bring an extra copy with you.
- Fill any necessary prescriptions and bring them with you in your carry-on bag.
- Reconfirm flight with airline at least 48 hours in advance and check baggage weight limits.
- Agree upon communication schedule with family, especially for arrival.
- Be sure to inform the International Student Services Office at the school/program you will be attending of your travel plans, and make arrangements for transportation from the airport to campus.
- Review CDC guidelines for COVID-19 information
Documents and Legal Items –
We recommend having printed/paper copies and electronic copies of each. Pack paper copies of documents in your carry -on luggage:
- Valid passport
- Valid visa that allows study
- Supporting financial documents to show funding
- Airline tickets
- Banking information and credit card
- Insurance information
- Photocopies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance card, etc.)
- Extra passport-sized photos
- Phone card
- Emergency contact information (both for your home country and in the U.S.)
- Contact information of person you are meeting in the airport
- Luggage lock and tags
- Your I-20 form
- Your I-94 card (if current student; otherwise given at arrival)
- Your admission letter
- U.S. currency or travelers checks
Packing Basics:
- Clothing for all four seasons (shorts, short-sleeve shirts to pant, boots, and sweaters, clothes that can layer easily)
- Bath towel and shower shoes
- Phone and computer chargers
- Camera
- Specific or special toiletries (you can buy generic items in NJ)
- Anti-bacterial hand lotion
- Jacket and umbrella
- Eye glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and cleaning solution, and eye bring prescriptions
- First aid kit (including: motion sickness medications, laxatives, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids, pain relievers, decongestants, antiseptics, and bandages)
- Prescription medicines and written prescriptions
- Laptop
- Comfortable shoes
- Backpack
- Snacks and water for trip
At the Airport:
- On the plane, you will complete the Form 1-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- At port of entry, present your passport with visa, I-94, and sealed envelope to CBP inspector.
- Present your I-20 and original financial documents, which should be sealed in an envelope marked “For presentation at port-of-entry.”
- If placed into secondary inspection, this may delay your entry into the U.S. Please speak with your school before arrival to prepare for this situation.
- Once you reach New Jersey, call the contact person at the school/program you will be attending to notify them of your arrival and start making your way to campus. You can read more about transportation options here – http://studynewjersey.us/live-nj/transportation/
We look forward to meeting you in New Jersey!
Have Questions?
For more information about Study New Jersey, partnership opportunities and/or membership with Study New Jersey contact us for more information.
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