General preparation for traveling to the USA
  1. 1- Determining the purpose of your trip
  2. Before traveling, it is important to clearly define the purpose of your visit, as this will determine the type of visa you will apply for.
  3. 1. tourist visa (B1/B2)
  4. Obtaining a visa:
  5. DS-160 Questionnaire: Complete the DS-160 form at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/.
  6. Visa Fee: Approximately $180, payable prior to appointment for interview.
  7. Make an appointment for an interview: Schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Consulate.
  8. Interview Documents:Passport (valid for at least 6 months). Proof of submission of DS-160 application form and payment of fee. Photo according to embassy standards. Documents confirming intent to return (real estate documents, employment references, etc.). Travel plan, including hotel reservations and tickets.
  9. Necessary actions before arrival
  10. 1.Health insurance: It is recommended to take out insurance to cover possible medical expenses.
  11. 2.Cell Phone: Purchase a prepaid SIM card (e.g. T-Mobile, AT&T).
  12. 3.Transportation: Decide if you will rent a car (international license may be required).
  13. 4.Customs regulations: Find out what you can bring into the U.S., including restrictions on food and medicine.
  14. 2.Study Visa (F-1)Obtaining a visa
  15. Enrollment: Obtain proof of enrollment from a U.S. educational institution (Form I-20).
  16. SEVIS Fee: Pay the SEVIS fee (approximately $350) through https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html.
  17. DS-160 Questionnaire: Complete and submit the DS-160 form.
  18. Visa Fee: Approximately $180.
  19. Schedule an interview: Schedule an interview at the consulate.
  20. Documents for the interview: Passport with a valid expiration date. DS-160 questionnaire and SEVIS payment. Form I-20. Letter of Enrollment. Proof of financial solvency (bank statements). Documentation of intent to return home upon completion of studies.
  21. Required pre-arrival activities
  22. Health insurance: Students often require compulsory insurance, which can be provided by the university.
  23. Housing: Book housing in advance if the university does not provide a dormitory. Use websites such as Zillow or Apartments.com.
  24. Cell phone and internet: Get a SIM card or look into contract tariff offers.
  25. Document preparation: Take all originals and copies of documents such as I-20, passport, and insurance.
  26. What to do upon arrival:
  27. Register with the university: Notify the institution of your arrival in the United States.
  28. Social Adjustment: Find out about opportunities for student clubs and adjustment programs.
3. Employment Visa (H-1B)Obtaining a Visa
Job Offer: Get a formal offer from an employer willing to file an H-1B visa petition.
I-129 Petition: The employer must file Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Petition Approval Notice: Once the petition is approved, receive a Form I-797.
DS-160 Questionnaire: Complete the DS-160 form.
Visa Fee: The fee is approximately $190.
Make an appointment for an interview: Schedule an appointment at the consulate.
Interview Documents: Passport. DS-160 application form and proof of payment. Form I-797 (notice of approval of petition). Contract with employer. Documents proving qualifications (diplomas, certificates, etc.).
Required pre-arrival activities
Health insurance: Work visas require insurance before you start work.
Cell phone and internet: Get a SIM card or a contract with a mobile operator.
Housing: If your employer does not provide housing, find temporary or long-term accommodation.
Transportation: Decide whether you will rent a car or use public transportation, depending on the location of the job.
What to do when you arrive:
Obtain a tax number: Get a Social Security Number (SSN) from the nearest Social Security Administration office.
Getting Started: Notify your employer of your arrival and go through the company's paperwork process.
Financial matters for all types of visas
Opening a bank account: Prepare documents to open an account in the U.S. (passport, visa, proof of address).
International Transfers: Use systems such as Wise or PayPal to transfer funds to the US.
Credit History: In the US, credit history is important for renting a home, getting credit cards and loans. It is recommended to open a credit card right away and use it for small purchases with regular bill payments.
Additional tips for all visas
Documents: Make copies of all important documents (passport, visa, insurance, etc.) and keep them separately.
Plan for the first days: Make a plan of action for the first days after arrival (how to get from the airport, where to stay, what to do in case of force majeure).
Vaccinations: Check to see if vaccinations are required to enter the U.S., especially in a COVID-19 pandemic.
This guide covers the basic aspects of preparing for travel to the U.S. on tourist, study and work visas so that your adjustment process is comfortable and organized.
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