Upon Entering the US
Entry Documents
Welcome! As a guest in the United States, it is important that you cooperate fully with the Immigration officer, and answer all questions clearly and respectfully. The officer may ask for some general details about your visit. You will also show the officer the documents listed below. You are entering the USA as a J-1 Exchange Visitor. You will need to show the following documents to the Immigration officer.
1. Passport
2. D2 2019 Form
3. J-1 Visa ( from US Embassy or Consulate in your home country)
4. I card ( given to you on the plane by the flight attendant)
Make at least two photocopies of all your documents listed above and keep them with you in case your originals are lost or misplaced. We also suggest that you make a list of document numbers, expiration dates, etc., as you may need to refer to this list if you need to replace lost documents. You should keep these copies safely stored away from your originals.
Collecting Your Bags
After passing through Immigration, you will go to the baggage claim area, where your bags will arrive in the carousel. If you bags have been damaged or lost, report it immediately to the airline and get a property Irregularity Report, as you will need this for insurance purposes.
Protecting Yourself and Your Property
Always keep your property close to you, especially in crowded areas like airports, bus terminals, and train stations. Make sure that you keep all valuables; cameras, wallets, passports and other documents, money, etc., with you at all times. You must stay alert by being aware of your surroundings and avoiding uncomfortable situations. Listen to your PII representative at orientation for sensible advice pertaining to your safety.
Safety Tips in the United States
You have to remember that are a foreigner in a new country. Until you get used to where you are living you will be giving off clear signs of this. In every large city worldwide there are people who can try to take advantage of others through some sort of theft, swindle or trick. There is little chance that you may encounter someone like this, yet you should always take precautions. Once you arrive in the U.S. you will be given an orientation about your city by a PII representative. Feel free to ask questions about where to go and where not to go. At orientation, we will advice you about overall safety, specifically about the general area where you will be living. If we can help you in any other way let us know!