"8 Required Tasks for Busy Student Travelers"
Over the next few weeks, there are 8 important tasks for you to accomplish: START TODAY!!
1. Receive your I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Students) from the Office of International Programs and Services. Please review your I-20 or DS-2019 carefully. If you find any mistakes, please contact IPS for correction. Phone: (906) 487-2160, fax: (906) 487-1891, or e-mail: ips@mtu.edu.
2. Pay $100 Enrollment Deposit online Husky Hub. (Not applicable to Graduate or Exchange students).
3. Contact your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy to ask how to get an F-1/J-1 international student visa.
4. Review Preparing for your F-1/J-1 Visa Interview.
5. Schedule F-1 or J-1 Visa Interview at the US Embassy or Consulate nearest your home to obtain your US entry visa. In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own policies and procedures. Take your valid passport, the documents you received from IPS, and evidence of financial support. Be ready to prove to the consular officer that you intend to return to your home country once you complete your academic program at Michigan Tech. For specific application instructions call the embassy or consult the embassy website. Visit the Department of State.
6. Submit On-Campus Housing Request or make other housing arrangements (see Off-Campus Housing).
7. Purchase airline ticket (and make all other arrangements for departure from your home through arrival at MTU, Houghton, MI (airport code CMX...must travel through Minneapolis (MSP).
REQUIRED ARRIVAL TIMES:
- Summer ESL students, June 21-25, 2009
- Fall all students August 10- 20, 2009
- Fall ESL only no later than August 18, 2009
8. Submit Itinerary Form (travel arrangements) to IPS on your Husky Hub three (3) weeks before the required arrival date and by:
- Summer ESL students, June 1, 2009
- Fall all students (including ESL), July 15, 2009
Last but Not Least:
Establish a file to keep copies of all your immigration documents. IPS also keeps copies of some documents for a limited time only so you must keep your documents until you permanently depart the US.
Items to carry and keep with you at all times
You should carry some basic information and documents in your carry-on bag. It is also a good idea to carry some essential items with you (change of clothing, medications, toiletries, etc) just in case your luggage is misplaced. Review Permitted and Prohibited Items listed at the Transportation Security Administration.
(___) a. Passport (keep a photo copy in your carry-on luggage)
(___) b. I-20 or DS-2019 (keep an additional photo copy in your carry-on luggage)
(___) c. I-94 (receive on plane). For nonimmigrant visitors entering the United States with a visa, there is a requirement to fill a Form I-94 (white form). This form has two specific perforated sections to it. The visitor or the carrier representative fills out Form I-94 upon arrival in the United States. The bottom section of Form I-94 is a departure coupon and must be returned to U.S. officials upon exiting the United States The departure portion of Form I-94 and passport is to be in the applicant’s possession at all times until the applicant departs the United State. For instructions, visit US Customs and Border Protection. View sample Form I-94
(___) d. All documents from acceptance packet
(___) e. Airplane tickets
(___) f. Emergency contact information (your family, IPS/MTU emergency phone numbers, etc.)
(___) g. Prescriptions
(___) h. US Currency, and/or Travelers Check to pay for initial expenses; bank draft account information and/or credit card for tuition, fees, housing payments, etc. (see banking information).