Essential Checklist: What to Do Before and After Landing in the U.S.

Essential Checklist: What to Do Before and After Landing in the U.S.

 

Traveling to the U.S. for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. This is because, in preparation to travel to any place, especially internationally, there are key things to set in place. Down to documentation, dealing with immigration, and even vital concepts like your health need to be considered before boarding your flight and even after landing.

Here, we will discuss some key steps to take before departing for the U.S. and what you should do upon arrival to ensure a seamless stay or visit.

Factors to set in place before you travel to the U.S

1. Ensure your valid documents are ready
2. Secure your accommodation
3. Prepare your finances
4. Take care of your health

Factors to set in place after landing 

1. Handle immigration and documentation
2. Learn the local options for transportation
3. Set up your internet and communication

Factors to put in place before you travel

1. Ensure your valid documents are ready

Source; Technext

Before you decide to travel to the U.S for any reason, be it education, be it vacation, or a short visit, there are certain documents you must have in place. The first is a valid passport, and then a visa, your school documents, I-20/DS-2019, flight ticket and travel itinerary, copies of important documents, and a work permit if employed. The visa you get is dependent on your reason for going to the U.S.

If you are a business visitor, you must apply for a B-1 Visa, or if you’re a tourist you will need to apply for a B-2 Visa. If you have been accepted to study in the US, you must apply for an F-1 or M-1 Visa. After ensuring your documents are ready, the next step is to ensure that the place where you will stay upon arrival is ready.

2. Secure your accommodation 

Source: Airbnb

The second thing to set in place before you land in the U.S is to have an accommodation. The last thing you want is to get to the U.S and have no place to stay. This will lead to stress and embarrassment, so ensure you get the address of where you will stay. 

You could stay with a friend, a relative, or stay in a hotel. As a student, you could stay on or off campus, or you could stay in a rented apartment. Keep in mind that to stay in a rented apartment, you have to have more documents as a foreigner to show your capability of paying rent. This is because you don’t have US credit records, so you have to show documents such as an international card,  documentation that shows you’re employed, and, in some cases, you’ll pay a higher security deposit.

3. Prepare your finances

 

Source: Travel Bug Tonic

Before you land in the U.S, another key factor to set in place is your finances. This is quite imperative because before your visa will be approved, especially as a visitor or tourist, you need to have a certain amount of money to show that you are financially capable. And as a student on scholarship, you will be required to have a sponsorship letter. This sponsorship letter will show that the school will be funding you.

To be on the safe side, especially as a visitor,  you need to draw up a travel budget. This travel budget should entail your airfare, lodging, transportation, food and drink, and activities. You should also ensure you have some USD in hand. You could exchange some naira for dollars in the bank before traveling.

Also, it’s paramount as a student for you to open a U.S. bank account (you’ll need a passport, a visa, proof of address, and you will furthermore deposit funds and set up online/mobile banking.)

4. Take care of your health

The last thing you want is to arrive in the U.S and fall sick, so that’s why it’s paramount to get your health stable before traveling. It’s important to get tested and treated for endemic diseases in Nigeria, such as yellow fever, malaria, and typhoid. It’s also imperative to get vaccinated and eat healthily to stay on track. This is so vital as you don’t want to add to your financial burdens or sponsor financial burden immediately you land in the U.S.

Factors to set in place after you land

1. Handle immigration and documentation

After arrival in the U.S, the next thing to do is to follow instructions and get to the immigration officer. 

You would be asked questions like your purpose of visit, declare your items, and ensure to comply with any instructions given. It’s also important to have in mind that there might be delays along the way. Also, ensure all your documents are stamped before you leave the airport. 

2. Learn the local options for transportation

After arrival in the U.S, it’s necessary to have a transportation plan as you will need to move around. If you don’t have any relatives or friends coming to pick you up, you need to use an Uber, a shuttle, or a taxi. 

P.S: You could download the transportation apps on your phone.

7. Set up your internet and communication

The last detail you need to set in motion is to settle your communication issues.

You need to get a U.S. SIM card to communicate with friends and family. You can use mobile carriers such as AT&T, T- mobile, or Verizon. You could also use international roaming for the first few days of your arrival.

Extra tips for students

1. Ensure to keep a digital backup of all your files.
2. Ensure to report to your school’s international office. (It’s important to maintain your visa status)
3. It’s also imperative to register your U.S address with your school within the ten days of arrival.

In conclusion, traveling to the U.S can come with its hurdles, but you must get the most important things sorted out, and ensure to abide by any instructions given as you board your flight. Also when you reach the U.S, it’s imperative to join a community, hence you could read this: The importance of community to the African immigrant experience.