What documents do you need to bring for studying in the United States? The following documents are essential when traveling to the U.S. for study; missing even one can cause significant trouble throughout your entire study abroad process, or even affect your ability to study abroad successfully.
I. Legal Documents
1. Valid passport and visa (Please note: at the time of entry, your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining; the visa must also be within its validity period)
2. Student visa eligibility certificate (Form I-20) and your U.S. school admission letter
3. Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94)
Additionally, you should bring at least one official birth certificate or notarized copy, as well as a notarized certificate of no criminal record, as these may be required when applying for various identity documents and other paperwork in the United States.
II. Academic Documents
1. English test score reports such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.
2. Official transcripts from the most recent secondary school, college, or university you attended, along with corresponding certificates of enrollment or degree certificates.
3. Letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers used during your school application.
[If these documents are not in English, you must also prepare English translations of these files]
III. Contact Information
If you have the information for the contact person responsible for arranging your airport pickup locally, please keep it with you.
Also, do not forget to carry information such as the name, address, and phone number of your school in the United States for use in case of travel delays or emergencies.
IV. Immunization and Vaccination Certificates
Most schools will send you specific regulations and requirements regarding health and immunization certificates along with your admission letter. After obtaining your visa, you need to go to a designated hospital for a physical examination and vaccinations, and then obtain the corresponding medical report and an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (the yellow booklet recognized by the World Health Organization).
V. Other Documents
Medical Prescriptions and Medical Records
1) Upon entry, you must declare any medications you are carrying on your customs declaration form. Some medications may not be permitted to be brought into the United States.
2) If you take prescription medication regularly, it is best to carry a sufficient supply along with a prescription written in English.
3) If possible, carry your detailed and up-to-date medical records; this not only helps U.S. doctors better understand your recent and past diagnoses and treatments, but may also help avoid the extra cost of repeating these tests in the United States.
Several Passport Photos
1. Several copies of your domestic ID card and household registration (Hukou).
2. Several copies of your passport and visa.
Once you understand the above regulations, a final reminder: the following documents must be placed in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage:
1. Passport with visa
2. Airline ticket
3. Form I-20
4. U.S. school admission letter and other important documents issued by the school
5. Official transcripts from the secondary school, college, or university you attended, as well as certificates of enrollment or degree certificates
6. Immunization certificates and other health documents
7. Important addresses and contact information for your contacts
8. Credit cards, sufficient traveler's checks, and cash; it is best to have a small amount of U.S. dollar change
9. A pen, for convenience in filling out various forms
10. Other important documents, including your birth certificate, insurance card, marriage certificate, etc.