Living in USA – Departure checklist

If you’ve successfully obtained your U.S. visa, congratulations on crossing one significant milestone! Now, as you prepare for your departure, it’s akin to taking another crucial step.

Upon experiencing it firsthand, I realized that there aren’t many resources that highlight the must-haves and essential preparations when embarking on a journey to the U.S. The so-called “need-to-know” details often get overlooked amidst the plethora of information.

For those planning a one-year stay in the U.S., here’s a shared checklist for the preparations required before departing.

When is it possible to depart for the U.S.?
For F1 visas, entry is only allowed within 30 days of the academic program’s start date.

The departure date should be adjusted based on the specified date in the document, as it varies depending on the type of visa. This recommendation is applicable to different visa types.

VISA Type	Document
F1	I-20
H1	I-797
J1	DS-2019

What is the necessary documents for the U.S. boarding process?
Visa, Passport, Original Documents, Ticket

Before arriving at Airport with your plane ticket, there are essential items you must remember to bring. To go through the U.S. boarding procedures, you’ll need a passport with a visa stamp that has a validity period of at least six months.

Make sure to carry original documents such as I-20, I-797, DS-2019, issued by the relevant institution. Fortunately, vaccine confirmation certificates are no longer required.

What is the required documents for U.S. entry procedures?
Visa, Passport, Original Documents

The immigration process upon entry can be quite unpredictable. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, the wait times can vary, so it’s best to keep a relaxed mindset. In some cases, I’ve seen people wait up to 3 hours if they are delayed.

For those who hold F1 visas and went through the boarding process, it’s advisable to keep documents such as SEVIS payment receipts and the original Letter of Acceptance in your bag to show at immigration.

Immigration officers typically ask various questions based on the submitted documents. Questions may include inquiries about your occupation in Korea, the purpose of your visit, and your plans while in the U.S.

Tip: If you are traveling with young children, it’s often helpful to signal to the staff managing the immigration line to expedite your processing. Communicating this to the line attendants can make the process smoother.

Tip: Since waiting can be continuous, I recommend arriving about 30 minutes before the expected wait time and using the restroom. This is especially recommended for those traveling with young children.

(Option) What documents are required after entering the United States?
Visa, passport, original documents, I-94

When obtaining a driver’s license or similar, the I-94 document is generally required. In simple terms, think of the I-94 as a document managing records of entry and exit from the country.

It’s recommended to obtain one when you have the time.

US Departure Checklist – Packing
You should not bring anything that does not align with the issued visa.

Check	Items	Content
	Passport/Visa/Documents	Check passport validity and visa duration; original documents are essential (keep 2-3 copies).
	Flight Tickets	Verify ticket validity, one-way/round-trip, and ensure the correct name.
	Dollars	Bring approximately 1-2 million won for convenience, even if you don’t plan to open a U.S. account immediately.
	Credit Cards	Prepare VISA, MASTER, AMEX cards in your name.
	Insurance	Purchase insurance covering the entire duration from departure to return (for travelers, students, residents, etc.)
	International Driver’s License	Mandatory for car purchase or rental (some places offer immediate license exchange based on the country).
	Medications	Digestive aids, cold medicine, personal prescription medications (for children, syrup, fever reducers).
	Nail Clippers	Essential but can be challenging to find, so bring your own.
	Cosmetics, Clothing	Liquid items are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
	Glasses, Contact Lenses	Prepare extra as buying in the U.S. can be expensive and styles may not match.
	Toiletries	Towels can be expensive, bring personal toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.
	Elective shaver / Hair dryer	Check if they are compatible with 110V.
	Stationery	Your own stationery is preferable for both the price and the unique style (Especially if you are from East-Asia).
	Hat/Sunglasses	Essential, especially for those visiting sunny places like California.
	Umbrella	A compact, foldable umbrella is recommended.
	Electric Blanket/Heating Pad	U.S. lacks floor heating, so if you’re sensitive to cold or need heating, it’s a must-bring