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Resources > Section 17 > Orientation > Living in the US

#167Pre-Departure Checklist

Introduction
Pre-Departure Checklist

Before arriving in the United States, participants must ensure that they have plans for when they arrive in the country in order to facilitate a smooth transition into their program. Listed in this section are pertinent information that will help you plan for your arrival in the US.

Part 1 Plan early
Part 2 I got my visa approved, what’s next?
Part 3 Right before departure
Part 4 Packing list
Part 5 Administrative duties
Part 6 Board, fly, and land
Part 7 What to note?
Part 8 I wanna ask...

www.fusia.net/predeparture

Part 6 Board, fly, and land
Pre-Departure Checklist

Arrive in the US at least 48 hours and within 30 days of your program start date, giving you enough time to settle down and prepare for your internship.

1 Board. Arrive at least three hours before your flight, allow ample time to pass through security, and arrive at the gate at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure (especially for international flights).

• Check in and present the required documents
• After checking in, proceed to the security checkpoint
• Avoid walking barefoot though the metal detector (wear socks)
• Wash your hands after touching door handles, gate bench armrests, etc.
• Be interviewed when checking your luggage and right before boarding

2 Fly. CDC no longer requires masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs, but passengers are still recommended to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. If transiting via another country, be sure to meet the country’s entry requirements.

• While flying, remember to wear masks
• Before sitting down, use wipes to sanitize areas around your seat and airplane surfaces
• Sleep on your own neck pillow
• Before landing, complete Form 6059B if you haven’t done so
• Ensure that you leave no belongings on your seat

3 Land. After landing, get off the plane, follow the line for non-citizens, and wait your turn for a brief interview given by the CBP. Expect an interview given by a CBP official who will ask you questions, review your documents, authorize your status in the I-94 system, and put an ink entry stamp in your passport. While most participants will clear US immigration after their documents are reviewed by a CBP officer, a few will be directed for a secondary inspection.

• When it is your turn, proceed to the counter
• Form DS-2019 (original) or proper signatures may be issued Form I-515A
• Hand the CBP Declaration Form 6059B to the CBP officer
• Luggage inspection may or may not be required
• Put your phone away until exiting the airport

4 Exit. Outside airports, off-boarding passengers may be approached by people who offer cab services. DO NOT USE these services as you can easily get scammed. Instead, take a real cab/taxi or Uber/Lyft. The medallion/driver's license should be clearly visible when entering the cab. If Uber/Lyft, wait inside the airport until the app shows that the driver has arrived.

• Take a legit taxi/cab or Uber/Lyft
• Avoid any persons approaching you offering taxi services
• If alone, text FUSIA the license plate and driver’s badge information
• Pay what’s on the meter plus a gratuity (e.g., 15%)
• Text FUSIA so we know that you are safe

www.fusia.net/predeparture

Part 7 What to note?
Pre-Departure Checklist

1 CBP inspection. The CBP inspection is to validation the identity and confirm personal details, nationality, fingerprints, make sure the documents are of the visa type, that they are genuine, and that the visa is in line with the purpose of traveling, as well as detect fraud and security threats. Examples of questions asked by the CBP officer:

• What is the purpose of your visit to America?
• Where are you visiting in the US?
• How long is your duration of your stay in the US?
• Where do you plan to stay in the US?
• Can you give me a copy of your Form DS-2019 (and other documents)?
• Where is your internship?
• What do you plan to do in the US during your stay?

2 Admissibility. Passing the visa interview doesn’t guarantee entry to the US. All participants attempting entry to the US are subject to inspection by CBP officers who determine the admissibility and duration of stay for travelers to the US. The CBP officers have the right to deny foreigners’ entry to the US for various reasons. It is exchange visitors’ responsibility to convince the inspecting CBP officer to grant entry by presenting necessary documents and answering questions properly. If the CBP officer is not convinced, they may deny entry and/or conduct a secondary inspection to determine admissibility to the US.

3 I-515A. Be sure to hand carry Form DS-2019 (original) and other documents presented at the visa interview. If missing Form DS-2019 (original), participants may be requested to go through the Noncompliance Termination Procedure (I-515A). If the CBP officer has questions, participants may suggest them to contact their designated FUSIA officer’s mobile for confirmation.

4 Admission stamp. Occasionally, CBP may write “F-1” instead of “J-1” on exchange visitors’ entry stamp. Red eye flight passengers’ admission stamp date may not be updated. Take a quick look when the passport is returned at the counter.

www.fusia.net/predeparture

Instructions