What to Bring With You

Table Of Contents

Documents to bring #

Passport, DS-2019 and J-1 Visa: The three most important things to bring with you to the airport are your passport, DS-2019 and J-1 Visa. You will not be able to get into the United States without these. You should carry these documents with you—not in your checked luggage—and you should also have a copy of each item with you.

You will receive a few forms during your flight to complete by the time you arrive, including your I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) and your Form CF-6059 (Customs Declaration Form). Once off the plane, you will immediately go to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to gain admission to the U.S. You will tell the CBP officer you are a J-1 Exchange Visitor when you present the following documents: valid passport including your J-1 visa, DS-2019 form, I-94 and CF-6059. You may also be fingerprinted and photographed at this time.

When CBP’s inspection is complete the officer will stamp your DS-2019 form as well as stamp the bottom portion of your I-94 and staple it to your passport. For up-to-date information on clearing Customs, please visit  http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/

Clothing and Essentials: #

Remember that you will have to carry everything that you bring with you, so think about your packing list! You also might want to buy things in the United States – so it is best to bring the essentials and leave extra space for your purchases! Most airlines will allow you to check two bags and carry-on one small bag, but make sure to check your airline’s website for their regulations regarding numbers of bags and weight and measurement requirements. Some U.S. airlines now charge a fee for checked baggage, so pack light and smart! We also recommend packing a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage, in case your luggage is temporarily lost.

In addition to your standard clothing, toiletries, and what is on your Placement Agreement, some ideas of what you should bring include:

  • Electronics and Chargers: Bring necessary electronic devices such as your smartphone, laptop, or tablet, along with their chargers and adapters if traveling from a different country with different plug types.
  • О Rain jacket or poncho
  • An outfit for nice occasions
  • A gift from your home country (for new friends or host organizations)
  • Prescription medication (if applicable)
  • Glasses or extra contact lenses (if applicable)
  • Luggage lock and key
  • A secure wallet or purse to hold your important papers and money while traveling
  • Money – As one of our sponsorship conditions, you are required to have access to $1000 when you arrive in the United States to help you live and in case of an emergency. We recommend having this in the form of credit or debit cards.
  • Pack all important documents in your carry-on bag. Pack copies in your checked luggage.
  • Bring a change of clothes and anything else you might need in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed.
  • Before you travel, always check with your airline about luggage restrictions.
  • All prescription drugs should be clearly marked and accompanied by a prescription from your doctor. Bring any prescriptions in your carry-on luggage.
  • Do not bring articles made from protected species or perishable foods such as cheese, fruit, or nuts.
  • Don’t bring valuables.
  • Driver’s license or an international driving permit (if you have one).
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