Posted by annisleung on Mar 2, 2009 in
Preparation
- Legal documents
- Cash
- US$500-2000 emergency funds, with some $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills suggested
source: http://www.sxc.hu/
- Clothing
- Top – tee, shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, tank top, bras, scarf, jacket, coat
- Bottom - jeans, pants, skirts, underwear
- Formal – suit, dress
- Foot – socks, shoes for causal, formal and exercise
- Personal/First Aid Medicines
- a basic first-aid kit – pain killer, alcohol wipe, antibiotic ointment, band-aid, etc.
- personal medicine for asthma, allergy, diabetics, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
- Toiletries
- Mouth – toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Face – facial wash, facial cream, shaving cream, razor blades, cotton swap tips
- Hair – hair gel, shampoo, conditioner
- Body – shower gel, body lotion, perfume/cologne, deordorant
- Personal items
- hair dryer, hair brush, nail clipper, towels, tissues, sanitary pads
- Bedding
- blanket, sheets, pillow and pillow case
source: http://www.sxc.hu/
- Electronics
- cell phone, laptop computer, digital camera, iPod / MP3 player
- Stationery
- Backpack / school bag
- Food
- snacks – chocolate, crackers, bottled water
- Kitchen stuff
- a set of silverware, knife, chopsticks, bowl, plate, rice cooker (my personal preference)
- Travel adapter plug sets – with different legs and 120V~240V compatible
Tags: I-20, Things to bring
Posted by annisleung on Feb 23, 2009 in
Preparation You have just received the admission letter and your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) in the mail. Congratulations! You have been accepted for admission to one of the US colleges or universities. Now what? Don’t be too excited. This is just the beginning towards the college education in the US because you will need to apply for a student visa in advance of entering America.
What is I-20?
I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) is a United States Department of Homeland Security document issued by your college or university providing information of the student, school, degree, cost of living and studying, and a student tracking number (SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System – number.) The US Embassy will issue a student visa based on the information on I-20.
Types of Student Visas (for non-immigrant status)
- F1 is for student attending full-time academic or language-training program
- F2 is the dependent of F1
- M1 is for student attending full-time vocational program
- M2 is the dependent of M1
- J1 is for student attending international educational and cultural exchange program between US and other countries.
- J2 is the dependent of J1
Required Fees
- SEVIS I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee – $100. Payment options.
- Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee for Form DS-156 (non-refundable): $131.00. Contact your local US Embassy to locate the local bank for the payment.
Required Documents
- Form DS-156 – Nonimmigrant Visa Application – completed and signed
- Form DS-158 – Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant – completed and signed
- Form DS-157 – Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application – required for some applicants; completed and signed
- I-20 form
- A valid passport (at least 6 months before expired)
- SEVIS I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee receipt
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee receipt
- A 2″ x 2″ photograph. See photo requirements.
Supported Documents
- Financial evidences, income tax documents, from the sponsors (parents or yourself) to show sufficient funds to cover the tuition and living expenses during the entire period of study.
- Transcripts, diplomas and certificates from previous attended schools.
- Test scores from TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
- Admission letter issued by the college or university
Requirements
- High proficiency in English; unless admitted in English as a Second Language program.
- No intention to abandon the permanent residence in your home country
More information, please visit U.S Department of State.
Tags: I-20, SEVIS, student visa, US Embassy