For new immigrants who have successfully obtained a U.S. immigrant visa and are about to start a new life in the United States, the first landing is crucial. In addition to making sufficient life and psychological preparations before arrival, there are certain documents that must be carried when entering the U.S. In this issue of the "Immigrant Life" column, Visas Consulting Group presents a comprehensive guide for your first U.S. landing, for the reference and safekeeping of our immigrant friends:
Before Entry
I. Important documents that must be carried for landing include:
1. Passport and immigrant visa;
2. Medical examination report and chest X-ray;
3. The unopened consular document packet;
4. Sufficient living expenses;
5. If you need to rent a car in the U.S. and have not yet obtained a U.S. driver's license, you need to prepare the original Chinese driver's license (both main and copy) and the original ID card.
II. To handle school enrollment procedures for children, the following documents need to be prepared in China:
1. Proof of enrollment and transcripts for children (in both Chinese and English);
2. Standard vaccination certificate in both Chinese and English (for those under 18);
3. Original birth certificate (original notarized document).
III. Other documents that may be needed:
1. Notarized birth certificate;
2. Notarized marriage certificate;
3. Academic or degree certificates, professional training certificates, and transcripts;
4. Proof of employment from domestic employers, letters of recommendation, and personal resume;
5. Immunization records or relevant health records.
Upon Entry
For many new immigrants, the series of English forms required during entry and the questioning by customs officers are the first challenges upon stepping onto U.S. soil. Please remember to comply with U.S. government regulations and be honest and objective when answering questions.
I. Filling out the Customs Declaration Form
Before entering the U.S., flight attendants will distribute these forms to passengers on the plane. However, those entering with an immigrant visa or Green Card do not need to fill out the I-94 form. When declaring the items you are carrying, it is best to be truthful, otherwise, you will be penalized if discovered. After getting off the plane, you will be guided to the immigration inspection counter.
At this stage, you will queue for inspection based on the type of entry visa you hold. You should stand in the line for "citizens/residents" if you hold an immigrant visa or Green Card. When it is your turn, please hand over your passport, the packet provided by the consulate, and the customs declaration form filled out on the plane to the immigration officer for inspection. As is customary, the immigration officer will ask you some questions; just answer them calmly and truthfully. After the officer finishes asking questions, they will take fingerprints for all family members. The entry date will be stamped on the immigrant visa page (this endorsement makes your immigrant visa valid for one year, and you can use this visa to enter and exit the U.S. before the Green Card is issued).
II. Claiming Luggage, Submitting Customs Declaration, and Inspection
Follow the signs in the corridor to the Baggage Claim area and find your flight's luggage carousel according to the computer screen or signs. Collect your luggage here. When queuing for customs inspection, it is best to choose the shortest line. Do not look around or hesitate, and do not switch lines just because another line is moving faster, as this may make you appear suspicious and lead to a thorough search. Smile, be sincere, and answer questions when asked, but do not talk too much to avoid unnecessary trouble.
When inspecting luggage, hand over your customs declaration form and documents. If customs requests to open your luggage for inspection, open it immediately without hesitation. If the customs officer signals you to pass, do not doubt it; take your luggage and leave immediately. According to U.S. law, customs officers do not have the right to open your luggage privately, but if they ask you to open it and you refuse, they have the right to open it. If any prohibited items are found in your luggage, they will be confiscated on the spot, and you will have to spend effort putting your packed luggage back in order. However, if you are lucky, you may pass through quickly. Keep an eye on your luggage and documents at all times and do not leave them unattended to prevent theft. If you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash, you should proactively declare it to customs and fill out the corresponding form to avoid unnecessary trouble.
After Entry
After experiencing the initial freshness and joy, there are still many things to do in this brand-new land to get your life on track as soon as possible. The most important ones include:
I. Opening a bank account and applying for a card
II. Setting up phone service
III. Taking the driver's license test
IV. Buying a car
V. Purchasing medical insurance
VI. Applying for a Social Security Number
VII. Understanding American society and actively participating in community activities
As a professional institution for U.S. investment immigration, Visas Consulting Group provides professional and thoughtful services that permeate every small detail of the investor's immigration process to the United States. When clients land in the U.S. for the first time, the Visas Consulting Group Customer Service Center will provide comprehensive landing and settlement assistance services, including assisting in arranging airport pick-up for the first entry; assisting in handling bank account opening procedures; assisting in applying for a Social Security card; assisting in booking hotels; assisting in booking flights to the U.S.; assisting in contacting driving schools and providing information on driver's license exams; assisting in contacting moving services; assisting in contacting real estate agents and helping with renting or buying a home; assisting in contacting school districts and helping with children's school enrollment procedures, etc. For inquiries, please call: 400-138-2929.