Checklist for students going to US

[Recruiter]

If you are going to US for further studies this spring/fall, Congratulations!

Here is some quick checklist for you.

Make sure to double-check the visa stamp placed by the US consulate in your passport.

Check:

• If the visa stamp has your correct name and date of birth.
• Whether the visa shows the correct type -- F-1, M-1 or J-1.
• If the letter 'M' is included to 'indicate multiple entry' to the US. This will allow you to leave and return to the US after a short visit back home, or anywhere outside the country if required (for a wedding, holiday etc).
• Whether the name of your US University is accurately indicated.

If there is error in any of these categories, you should rush to the Visa Facilitation Services office in your city and request for the necessary change to be made from the nearest US consulate.

Do make a few photocopies of your passport, including the page that shows the US student visa so that, in case you lose or misplace your passport, you have proof that you have been granted a US student visa.

You may leave a couple of copies with your folks at home in India, in case of any future reference or need. In addition to your original passport, do carry a few photocopies of the relevant pages from your passport as well.

As a student, you are allowed to carry your full US tuition fee; however, this amount should not exceed $100,000. Don’t carry this kind of amount with you when you board the plane. Some guys on the way may take some of it from you. You know what I mean?! Carry traveler’s cheques, DDs or do wire transfers after you open a bank account in your destination.

To avoid lengthy currency exchanges at the airport, don't convert money just before your flight. Do it before hand, may be in Thomas cook like places.

It is recommended to take $200-$300 in cash for personal use, making sure to get bills in multiple denominations. Insist on a few one-dollar bills, as you'll need them when landing in the United States for tipping and luggage carts. If you carry traveler’s cheques, put them separately in your pocket and handbag. Don’t put these cheques in checked-in luggages, they may be lost or missed. If the luggages are missed in transit, it may take many days to get it backed.

Once you land in your college campus, make sure that you attend all the orientation sessions, meet with the student counselors and all. Don’t have high hopes that other Indian students in the campus might help you. You will be surprised to see that Americans are more willing to help. There are many recent campus tragedies in U.S. Just be safe. Know your environments, learn about locals, and just have fun!

That’s it for the beginners. Good Luck!

[Zimic]

Baggage

For travel to the US, the free baggage allowance is based on a 'piece' concept. Each airline has different regulations, but here's a general idea:

Two 'pieces' of checked baggage: The dimension of each?bag?is limited to 62 inches?or 157.5 centimetres(length+width+height), and the weight to 23 kilos each. Checked baggage may include lotions, creams, perfumes and other liquids.

One 'piece' of hand baggage: The dimension of carry-on baggage is limited to 45" (L+W+H); the weight must not exceed five kilos. Approximate dimensions of carry-on baggage is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 56 cm x 35.5 cm x 23 centimetres. Baggage seizers are often installed to test acceptable cabin baggage size at the check-in counters. Lotions, creams, perfumes and other liquids may NOT be included in your hand baggage.

The following items may be carried on board the aircraft in addition to baggage at no extra cost. Some airlines only allow 'one' of these personal items.

• Purse -- male or female
• Food (non-liquid) to be consumed on the flight?
• A laptop computer
• Coat or jacket
• Umbrella
• One item of reading material
• Briefcase
• Camera

The following items?may NOT be carried on board?an aircraft in addition to baggage at no extra cost:

• Gifts/ presents for loved ones and friends
• A large handbag
• Any item exceeding 36 inches in total dimension
• Musical instruments
• More than one coat or jacket

[G-MAT]

After completing studies in US

Students who complete studies have a "grace period" during which they may prepare to depart the United States. The grace period for F-1 students is 60 days. (F-1 students on Practical Training must depart the U.S. within 60 days of the EAD card's expiration date, or 14 months from the date of graduation, whichever is earlier.) The grace period for J-1 students is 30 days. Students who leave the U.S. during the grace period may not be permitted to return to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status, except as noted above.