Resources >

Pre-Arrival Guide

Congratulations on receiving your visa! This document provides essential information about flight tickets, related pre-arrival requirements, and and related preparations for your trip.

Return www.fusia.net/flightticket

Part 1 Planning for Your Trip

After successfully getting the visa, purchase your flight ticket (though some may purchase before) and start planning your trip. Ensure you arrive within 30 days before the program start date.

Administrative Duties

1 You may buy flight tickets before or after a successful interview; in either case, allow for flexible options for changes.
2 You must arrive in the US within 30 days before the program start date, ideally 48+ hours prior to account for jet lag.
3 Late arrival requires completing , paying an additional program amendment fee, and signing the required forms.
4 Ensure ticket & passport names match and get transit visas in advance. Consider the duration, layovers, and total travel time.
5 Purchase tickets directly from airlines, downloading the airline app, and signing up for travel advisories.
6 Upon arrival, remain in the US until SEVIS validation and travel validation are finalized, or your program may be canceled.
7 If visiting another place & transiting via the US, ensure a transit visa isn’t required, or that you have ESTA or travel visa.
8 Program deferment is not allowed. If your delay is more than 10 days, we may cancel your program without a refund.

How It Works?

Ensure all pre-departure requisites are completed, attend the orientation, and address any pending submissions 72+ hours before departure:

www.fusia.net/flightticket

Part 2 Getting Ready for Your Trip

Start preparing and packing early to ensure anything missed can be recovered at the last minute. Generally, we do not recommend paying for housing until after arrival, though you may schedule appointments and plan ahead.

Key Points

1 If you intend to drive in the US, check state requirements to see if you need IDP. Read .
2 If your phone uses eSIM, sign up for a US plan before arrival. Read .
3 Stay in an Airbnb or hotel first and commit to payment after personally inspecting the premises. Read .
4 Download necessary mobile apps (e.g, uber, lyft, local subway map), converter/plug adapterm, etc. in advance.
5 Create loss/theft call list and take photos of equipment serial #s, IDs, credit cards (one set with you, one with parents).
6 For medications, ensure they are accompanied by the original prescription or packaging for over-the-counter drugs.
7 Inform family doctor of travel plans, request emergency medication and get vaccinations.
8 Get some cash, notify bank/credit card companies, apply for overseas ATM withdrawals & set withdrawal limits.
9 Begin packing at least 3 days before departure to allow time to acquire any items that may have been overlooked.
10 Checked in 48 hours before departure, have a TSA-lock, and pack within luggage allowance.
11 If carrying over $10,000 in cash, you will be required to declare it and fill out fin105.
12 Do not bring fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products, plants, animal products, firearms, or counterfeit goods.
13 You will need to submit CBP Form 6059B. You may complete it ahead of time or before landing. Be honest.
14 Click HERE & HERE for additional information from CBP and TSA.

What to Bring?

Carry On Bag

1 Passport with valid J-visa, DS-2019 (with consular stamp), DS-7002 (signed), offer letter, boarding pass.
2 Wallet with cash/credit/bank cards, student ID, LPR ID, re-entry ID (nonlocals), and IDP driving permit (if applicable).
3 Additional documents for the visa interview, e.g., SEVIS fee receipt. See .
4 Ziploc bags for liquids, TSA locks, wipes/tissues, medicine with prescription (in original container), hand sanitizer
5 Phone*, power bank, laptop, power cord, iPad, eye-glasses, and a few days worth of necessities (in case of lost luggage).

*Bring an extra phone if you have one. We require a fully functional phone and a qualified mobile plan throughout. If your phone is lost or broken, you will be required to fix or replace it within 72 hours.

Checked Bags

1 Clothes. Formal (1); business (5+ days); underwear, socks, and casual (7+ days)
2 Sneakers; dress shoes; scandals; belts; umbrella; glasses (if applicable)
3 Gym/outdoor. Swimsuit, caps and goggles; gym clothes
4 Winter. Coat/jackets (2); winter shoes; tights/warm socks; gloves; scarves/hats
5 Converters; plug adaptors; toothbrush/paste; deodorant/perfume; makeup/skincare; shampoo; lotion; etc.

What Else I can Bring

1 Name and contact information for the Responsible Officer (RO) at your program
2 Photo(s) of your family and friends to alleviate you when you feel homesick
3 A spare phone if you have one

www.fusia.net/flightticket

Part 3 Board, Land & Fly

Arrive at the airport early, hand-carry required documents, and prepare for the CBP interview upon arrival in the US. Do not use your phone until you exit customs. Never use gypsy cabs at the airport.

Key Points

Before landing, ensure you have completed the form and gathered all your belongings. Upon arrival, proceed to the CBP counter for a brief but important interview. The officer has full authority to deny admission so be seiorus and be sure have enceary docuemtns (uust like uvsa interviw)

1 Expect questions about your trip and program similar to your visa interview.
2 Upon request, present your passport & DS-2019 form to the officer. Canadians applying for J-1 status, refer to .
3 Fingerprinting is required, and a photograph may be taken.
4 Once your passport is returned, quickly check for a stamp with D/S and J-1 (not F-1). If it’s missing, inform the officer.
5 If any issues arise or the officer cannot verify your information, you may be directed to secondary inspection.
6 If required docs (e.g., DS-2019, DS-7002) are missing, you may be issued I-515A.
7 After clearing CBP, proceed to customs & submit CBP Form 6059B and show your luggage for inspection if requested.

Remember, the CBP officer has the authority to deny admission, so take the interview seriously and be honest. Ensure you have all necessary documents and be prepared for potential delays.

Most travelers entering the US will no longer receive a physical stamp in their passport, so if there’s no stamp, it is okay.

What to Note?

I Have Exited Customs. What’s Next ?

1 After clearing customs, text ADMIN to let us know of safe arrival.
2 Do not take gypsy cabs (use medallion taxis or Uber/Lyft).
3 Do not buy eSIMs from airport booths unless they are a known provider.
4 Check if I-94 is available. If yes, quickly verify if it is correct; if not, report it to CBP Deferred Inspection Site at the airport.
5 Do not leave the country until the SEVIS validation process is completed and travel validation is granted.
6 Complete post-arrival tasks within 7 days of the program start date. Read .

What if I Receive an I-515A?

An I-515A is issued by CBP to EVs lacking proper entry documentation, such as an original DS-2019 during initial entry or a missing travel signature on the DS-2019 when re-entering the US. If issued, you are granted temporary admission to the US, usually for 30 days, to address the issue. Failure to comply can lead to termination of your SEVIS record.

Step 1 Notify FUSIA immediately and provide a copy of the directive.
Step 2 Submit the original documents to the I-515A Processing Team as instructed in the directive. Click DHS for details.
Step 3 Once processed, they will return the documents to us.
Step 4 If mailing is involved, send the original documents back to us and include the necessary UPS fee.

www.fusia.net/flightticket