{"id":21,"date":"2026-10-16T09:31:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T09:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/clearway-guide-2\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T03:51:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T03:51:14","slug":"clearway-guide-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/clearway-guide-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The 90-Day Checklist Before Arriving in the United States"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"21\" class=\"elementor elementor-21\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1b10a5 cw-article-document cw-article-lang-zh e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b1b10a5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca5acfc cw-article-title elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ca5acfc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The 90-Day Checklist Before Arriving in the United States<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f6a1d6 cw-article-excerpt elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f6a1d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Working backward: what to finish at 90, 60, and 30 days out, and in the final week.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b53feee cw-article-body e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b53feee\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a425c89 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a425c89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Who this is for:<\/strong> Students coming to the United States (F\/J), workers (H-1B\/L-1, etc.), and accompanying family members.<br><strong>How to use it:<\/strong> \u4ee5&#8221;\u51fa\u53d1\u65e5&#8221;\u4e3a D-Day \u5012\u63a8\u3002\u6bcf\u4e2a\u9636\u6bb5\u7684\u4efb\u52a1\u6700\u597d\u5728\u8be5\u9636\u6bb5\u7ed3\u675f\u524d\u5b8c\u6210\u3002\u7b7e\u8bc1\u7c7b\u4e8b\u9879\u53d8\u5316\u8f83\u5feb\uff0c\u8bf7\u4ee5\u7f8e\u56fd\u56fd\u52a1\u9662\u3001DHS \u548c\u5b66\u6821\/\u96c7\u4e3b\u7684\u6700\u65b0\u901a\u77e5\u4e3a\u51c6\u3002<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77e6c47 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"77e6c47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\u4e00\u3001\u51fa\u53d1\u524d 90 \u5929\uff1a\u628a&quot;\u6700\u6162\u7684\u4e8b&quot;\u5148\u542f\u52a8<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-110e69e cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"110e69e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The priority at this stage is dealing with matters that have long waiting times and cannot be expedited.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd3a36b cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bd3a36b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Visas and Immigration Status<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80480c9 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"80480c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Check your passport's expiration date. It is advisable to have at least 6 months of validity remaining after your expected entry date. If not, renew your passport first.<\/li><li>Obtain your status documents: an I-20 or DS-2019 for students, or an I-797 approval notice for work visas. Check the spelling of your name, date of birth, and program start and end dates, making sure they match your passport exactly.<\/li><li>Students should pay the SEVIS fee first, then complete the DS-160 and schedule a visa interview. The F-1 visa application fee is $185, and the SEVIS fee is $350; these must be paid before the interview. idp<\/li><li>Schedule your visa interview as early as possible and monitor embassy appointment availability. In recent years, interviews have sometimes been suspended or waiting times have increased sharply.<\/li><li>\u4e86\u89e3 2026 \u5e74\u7684\u65b0\u89c4\u3002\u81ea 2026 \u5e74 9 \u6708 15 \u65e5\u8d77\uff0cDHS \u5df2\u7528\u56fa\u5b9a\u5165\u5883\u671f\u9650\u53d6\u4ee3\u539f\u6765\u7684&#8221;\u8eab\u4efd\u6709\u6548\u671f&#8221;\uff08D\/S\uff09\u6a21\u5f0f\uff0c\u9002\u7528\u4e8e F-1\u3001J-1 \u7b49\u7b7e\u8bc1\u3002F \u7c7b\u7b7e\u8bc1\u7684\u671f\u9650\u5c06\u6309\u5404\u81ea\u9879\u76ee\u7684\u957f\u5ea6\u6765\u786e\u5b9a\uff0cF-2 \u5bb6\u5c5e\u7684\u505c\u7559\u671f\u4e5f\u4e0d\u80fd\u8d85\u8fc7 F-1 \u4e3b\u7533\u8bf7\u4eba\u3002\u8bf7\u5411\u5b66\u6821\u56fd\u9645\u5b66\u751f\u529e\u516c\u5ba4\u786e\u8ba4\u4f60\u7684\u5177\u4f53\u5b89\u6392\u3002 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.outlooktraveller.com\/News\/planning-to-study-in-the-us-heres-how-the-new-visa-rules-could-affect-you\">outlooktraveller<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.applyboard.com\/blog\/us-student-visa-duration\">applyboard<\/a><\/li><li>Organize your social media account information. The DS-160 asks for accounts used over the past several years. Answer truthfully and keep your information consistent.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3141c8 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d3141c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Finances and Documents<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c9f0fa cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2c9f0fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Prepare proof of funds in the amount required by your I-20 or employer, and check whether the funds must have been held for a specified period.<\/li><li>Collect diplomas, transcripts, employment certificates, notarized birth documents, and other records. Arrange any required English translations in advance.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ade249b cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ade249b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Housing Research<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-687d242 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"687d242\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Research average rents, commuting options, and safe areas in your destination city. Students can compare on-campus housing with off-campus rentals.<\/li><li>Join groups for incoming students or local Chinese communities to gather firsthand information.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b49aa1e cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b49aa1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\u4e8c\u3001\u51fa\u53d1\u524d 60 \u5929\uff1a\u9501\u5b9a&quot;\u4f4f\u3001\u884c\u3001\u4fdd&quot;<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e70131 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9e70131\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Flights<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f54869 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f54869\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Buy your flight after receiving your visa, or choose a ticket that allows refunds or changes.<\/li><li>Students should note entry-date restrictions: first-time entry is generally not allowed more than 30 days before the program start date.<\/li><li>Choose a flight that arrives during the day if possible, and allow enough time for connections and immigration processing. At least 3 hours is recommended when connecting from an international to a domestic flight.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82cc126 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"82cc126\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Confirming Housing<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4de467c cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4de467c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>\u7b7e\u79df\u7ea6\u524d\u52a1\u5fc5\u89c6\u9891\u770b\u623f\uff0c\u6216\u8bf7\u53ef\u4fe1\u7684\u670b\u53cb\u4ee3\u770b\u3002\u8b66\u60d5\u8981\u6c42\u5148\u6c47\u5927\u989d\u62bc\u91d1\u7684&#8221;\u623f\u4e1c&#8221;\uff0c\u8fd9\u662f\u6700\u5e38\u89c1\u7684\u9a97\u5c40\u3002<\/li><li>Confirm the move-in date, deposit, whether utilities and internet are included, and what furniture is provided.<\/li><li>If you cannot move in when you arrive, book 3 to 7 days of temporary accommodation.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8c8ce9 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c8c8ce9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Health and Insurance<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c4cb603 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c4cb603\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Complete any vaccinations required by your school or employer, such as MMR, meningococcal, or hepatitis B vaccines, and obtain vaccination records in English.<\/li><li>Have dental and eye examinations. Dental care and prescription glasses are expensive in the United States, so prepare a spare pair of glasses.<\/li><li>Confirm your health insurance: students should learn about their school's plan (SHIP) and waiver requirements, while workers should confirm when employer coverage begins. If there is a gap before you start work, buy short-term travel medical insurance.<\/li><li>For medication you take regularly, ask your doctor for a prescription or diagnostic statement in English.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2336248 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2336248\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Driver's Licenses and Identification<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-905669e cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"905669e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Arrange a notarized English translation of your driver's license. Some states let newly arrived residents drive with a foreign license for a short period. Rules vary by state, so check in advance.<\/li><li>If you plan to obtain a U.S. driver's license, download and read your state's DMV written-test handbook ahead of time.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0c69fb cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b0c69fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. 30 Days Before Departure: Arrange Money, Communications, and Affairs Back Home<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4c5f87 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a4c5f87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Banking and Currency Exchange<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e45fcad cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e45fcad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Prepare $1,000 to $2,000 in cash for transportation, deposits, and meals during your first few days. Note: anyone entering with more than $10,000 must declare it.<\/li><li>Get a Visa or Mastercard credit card with no currency conversion fee to use as your main payment method during your initial arrival period.<\/li><li>Look into U.S. banks that allow you to book an account-opening appointment in advance, such as Chase or BoA. Some banks let students book online before arriving on campus.<\/li><li>Confirm your home-country account's international transfer process and annual limits. Activate online and mobile banking, and link a phone number you can keep using long term.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-572ecf3 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"572ecf3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Communications<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e71dddf cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e71dddf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Switch your Chinese mobile number to a low-cost number-retention plan so you can continue receiving verification codes by text.<\/li><li>Choose a U.S. mobile plan. You can first buy an eSIM or prepaid SIM to get online immediately after landing, then switch to a long-term plan after arrival.<\/li><li>Check that your phone supports U.S. network bands and enable its eSIM functionality.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fad6552 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fad6552\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Planning Your Luggage<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62e5d1a cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"62e5d1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Check your airline's baggage allowance. Checked bags are generally limited to 23 kilograms each.<\/li><li>Bring: plug adapters (the United States uses 110V Type A\/B outlets), commonly used medicines, one formal outfit, clothing suitable for the local climate, and a small amount of seasonings from home. Note that meat and products containing meat are prohibited from entry.<\/li><li>Do not bring: large cookware or large quantities of daily necessities. These are easy to obtain from Target, Walmart, or Amazon in the United States.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92bc418 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"92bc418\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Document Backups<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eeb4eb2 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"eeb4eb2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Scan your passport, visa, I-20\/DS-2019\/I-797, admission letter or job offer, vaccination records, and academic credentials. Keep one copy in cloud storage and another in your email.<\/li><li>Print a paper backup and keep it separate from the originals.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-151777f cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"151777f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Affairs Back Home<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19756fd cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"19756fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>If needed, arrange a notarized power of attorney so family members can handle property, banking, social insurance, and other matters on your behalf.<\/li><li>Deal with subscriptions, memberships, leases, vehicles, and other affairs in your home country.<\/li><li>Tell your bank about your travel plans to reduce the risk of your card being frozen because of transactions away from home.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e563731 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e563731\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\u56db\u3001\u51fa\u53d1\u524d\u4e00\u5468\uff1a\u6700\u540e\u786e\u8ba4\u4e0e&quot;\u968f\u8eab\u6587\u4ef6\u888b&quot;<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7d2722 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d7d2722\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Carry-On Document Folder: Keep It With You, Never in Checked Baggage<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df7505e cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"df7505e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Passport with a valid visa<\/li><li>Original I-20 \/ DS-2019 \/ I-797 documents. A student's I-20 must have a DSO signature that is still valid.<\/li><li>Admission letter or offer letter, and proof of funds<\/li><li>Proof of address or lease, and phone numbers for your school or company contacts<\/li><li>SEVIS fee payment receipt<\/li><li>Vaccination records and documentation for prescription medication<\/li><li>A small amount of cash and a credit card<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c4b7eba cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c4b7eba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Pre-Departure Checks<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9a8a6e cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f9a8a6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Check in for your flight and confirm your seat and baggage allowance.<\/li><li>Save screenshots of your airport pickup arrangements or transportation plan after arrival, such as Uber\/Lyft or an airport bus.<\/li><li>Keep offline copies of your accommodation address, landlord's phone number, and temporary hotel information.<\/li><li>Download the apps you need: Google Maps, Uber\/Lyft, your bank's app, your school or company app, and WhatsApp.<\/li><li>Fully charge your phone and bring a power bank. It must be carried with you, not placed in checked baggage.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6de9c9 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c6de9c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preparing for Your Day of Entry<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0f6326 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f0f6326\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Be familiar with common border questions: why you are coming to the United States, the name of your school or employer, where you will stay, and how long you will stay. Give brief, truthful answers.<\/li><li>Within a few days of entering, download your electronic I-94 from the official CBP website and check your admission category and authorized period of stay. This is especially important under the new 2026 rules. If you find an error, contact your school or lawyer promptly to have it corrected.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c93e059 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c93e059\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>A Preview of Your First Few Days After Arrival<\/strong>(Know What to Expect)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-486c65b cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"486c65b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Students: report to the international student office within the required period to activate your SEVIS record.<\/li><li>Get a U.S. phone number, open a bank account, and apply for an SSN if you are eligible to work.<\/li><li>Locate nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, emergency departments, and urgent care facilities.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7d5e4d cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e7d5e4d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Appendix: Common Misconceptions and Official Resources<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37729ff cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"37729ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Common Misconceptions<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70911ea cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"70911ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><strong>A visa's validity<\/strong><strong> = <\/strong><strong>the length of your permitted stay<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> Incorrect. Your actual permitted stay is determined by the date on your I-94; a visa is only permission to seek entry.<\/li><li><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><strong>Enter first and provide the documents later<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> You may be asked to show original documents such as your I-20 and proof of funds when entering. You must carry them with you.<\/li><li><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><strong>A rental recommended in a group must be reliable<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> Rental scams are very common. Do not transfer money before viewing the property and signing a formal lease.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a88130 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9a88130\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Official Resources<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39f823f cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"39f823f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>U.S. Department of State visa information: travel.state.gov<\/li><li>Student visas and SEVIS: studyinthestates.dhs.gov<\/li><li>I-94 lookup and download: i94.cbp.dhs.gov<\/li><li>Visa appointments and waiting times: the official U.S. embassy website for your country<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c78a4dc cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c78a4dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>This checklist provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about visa status, follow guidance from your school's international student office, your employer's immigration lawyer, or official notices.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7945ba4 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7945ba4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Prefer Not to Figure It All Out Alone? Contact Clearway<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fa1f72 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1fa1f72\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Over 90 days, you need to work on several things at once: visas, housing, insurance, banking, and luggage. A mistake in any one of them can affect your trip. The closer departure gets, the more information there is, the more confusing it becomes, and the harder it is to tell what is reliable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2863561 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2863561\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Clearway<\/strong>focuses on planning and coordination before your arrival in the United States. We can help you:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54949aa cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"54949aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><strong>Organize your timeline:<\/strong> Turn this checklist into a personalized plan based on your status category, whether student, worker, or family member, and your departure date, with reminders about what to do at each stage.<\/li><li><strong>Check key documents:<\/strong> Before departure, help you check essential materials such as your carry-on document folder for missing items and inconsistent information.<\/li><li><strong>Coordinate arrival arrangements:<\/strong> Help connect you with housing, airport pickup, phone, banking, and other early-arrival services so you can avoid unnecessary detours after landing.<\/li><li><strong>Flag common pitfalls:<\/strong> Help you identify rental scams, fake agents, unreasonable charges, and other common traps so you do not get scammed before you even leave.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6250c9 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c6250c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Starting 90 days before departure, take each step with clarity and peace of mind.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c586f18 cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c586f18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Clearway: A Clearer Path to the United States.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75309bb cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75309bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Clearway provides arrival planning and coordination of everyday affairs, not immigration legal services. For legal questions involving visa applications or maintaining status, consult a licensed immigration lawyer or your school's international student office.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-561f01e cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"561f01e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u8054\u7cfb\u4eba\uff1aClearway Support Team<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dde9ff cw-article-block elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3dde9ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u7535\u5b50\u90ae\u4ef6\u5730\u5740\uff1ayuchen.consulting@gmail.com<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Working backward: what to finish at 90, 60, and 30 days out, and in the final week.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_canvas","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_cw_guide":"1","_cw_article_key":1,"_cw_title_en":"The 90-Day Checklist Before Arriving in the United States","_cw_excerpt_en":"Working backward: what to finish at 90, 60, and 30 days out, and in the final week.","_cw_body_en":"Who this is for: Students coming to the United States (F\/J), workers (H-1B\/L-1, etc.), and accompanying family members.\nHow to use it: Count backward from your departure date, or D-Day. Aim to complete each stage's tasks before that stage ends. Visa-related matters change quickly; follow the latest notices from the U.S. Department of State, DHS, and your school or employer.\n1. 90 Days Before Departure: Start the Tasks That Take the Longest\nThe priority at this stage is dealing with matters that have long waiting times and cannot be expedited.\nVisas and Immigration Status\nCheck your passport's expiration date. It is advisable to have at least 6 months of validity remaining after your expected entry date. If not, renew your passport first.\nObtain your status documents: an I-20 or DS-2019 for students, or an I-797 approval notice for work visas. Check the spelling of your name, date of birth, and program start and end dates, making sure they match your passport exactly.\nStudents should pay the SEVIS fee first, then complete the DS-160 and schedule a visa interview. The F-1 visa application fee is $185, and the SEVIS fee is $350; these must be paid before the interview. idp\nSchedule your visa interview as early as possible and monitor embassy appointment availability. In recent years, interviews have sometimes been suspended or waiting times have increased sharply.\nUnderstand the new rules for 2026. Since September 15, 2026, DHS has replaced the previous duration-of-status (D\/S) model with fixed admission periods for visas such as F-1 and J-1. The period for F visas will be determined by the length of each program, and an F-2 dependent's stay cannot exceed that of the principal F-1 applicant. Confirm your specific arrangements with your school's international student office. outlooktravellerapplyboard\nOrganize your social media account information. The DS-160 asks for accounts used over the past several years. Answer truthfully and keep your information consistent.\nFinances and Documents\nPrepare proof of funds in the amount required by your I-20 or employer, and check whether the funds must have been held for a specified period.\nCollect diplomas, transcripts, employment certificates, notarized birth documents, and other records. Arrange any required English translations in advance.\nHousing Research\nResearch average rents, commuting options, and safe areas in your destination city. Students can compare on-campus housing with off-campus rentals.\nJoin groups for incoming students or local Chinese communities to gather firsthand information.\n2. 60 Days Before Departure: Finalize Housing, Travel, and Insurance\nFlights\nBuy your flight after receiving your visa, or choose a ticket that allows refunds or changes.\nStudents should note entry-date restrictions: first-time entry is generally not allowed more than 30 days before the program start date.\nChoose a flight that arrives during the day if possible, and allow enough time for connections and immigration processing. At least 3 hours is recommended when connecting from an international to a domestic flight.\nConfirming Housing\nBefore signing a lease, view the property by video or ask a trusted friend to visit. Beware of a \"landlord\" who asks you to transfer a large deposit first; this is one of the most common scams.\nConfirm the move-in date, deposit, whether utilities and internet are included, and what furniture is provided.\nIf you cannot move in when you arrive, book 3 to 7 days of temporary accommodation.\nHealth and Insurance\nComplete any vaccinations required by your school or employer, such as MMR, meningococcal, or hepatitis B vaccines, and obtain vaccination records in English.\nHave dental and eye examinations. Dental care and prescription glasses are expensive in the United States, so prepare a spare pair of glasses.\nConfirm your health insurance: students should learn about their school's plan (SHIP) and waiver requirements, while workers should confirm when employer coverage begins. If there is a gap before you start work, buy short-term travel medical insurance.\nFor medication you take regularly, ask your doctor for a prescription or diagnostic statement in English.\nDriver's Licenses and Identification\nArrange a notarized English translation of your driver's license. Some states let newly arrived residents drive with a foreign license for a short period. Rules vary by state, so check in advance.\nIf you plan to obtain a U.S. driver's license, download and read your state's DMV written-test handbook ahead of time.\n3. 30 Days Before Departure: Arrange Money, Communications, and Affairs Back Home\nBanking and Currency Exchange\nPrepare $1,000 to $2,000 in cash for transportation, deposits, and meals during your first few days. Note: anyone entering with more than $10,000 must declare it.\nGet a Visa or Mastercard credit card with no currency conversion fee to use as your main payment method during your initial arrival period.\nLook into U.S. banks that allow you to book an account-opening appointment in advance, such as Chase or BoA. Some banks let students book online before arriving on campus.\nConfirm your home-country account's international transfer process and annual limits. Activate online and mobile banking, and link a phone number you can keep using long term.\nCommunications\nSwitch your Chinese mobile number to a low-cost number-retention plan so you can continue receiving verification codes by text.\nChoose a U.S. mobile plan. You can first buy an eSIM or prepaid SIM to get online immediately after landing, then switch to a long-term plan after arrival.\nCheck that your phone supports U.S. network bands and enable its eSIM functionality.\nPlanning Your Luggage\nCheck your airline's baggage allowance. Checked bags are generally limited to 23 kilograms each.\nBring: plug adapters (the United States uses 110V Type A\/B outlets), commonly used medicines, one formal outfit, clothing suitable for the local climate, and a small amount of seasonings from home. Note that meat and products containing meat are prohibited from entry.\nDo not bring: large cookware or large quantities of daily necessities. These are easy to obtain from Target, Walmart, or Amazon in the United States.\nDocument Backups\nScan your passport, visa, I-20\/DS-2019\/I-797, admission letter or job offer, vaccination records, and academic credentials. Keep one copy in cloud storage and another in your email.\nPrint a paper backup and keep it separate from the originals.\nAffairs Back Home\nIf needed, arrange a notarized power of attorney so family members can handle property, banking, social insurance, and other matters on your behalf.\nDeal with subscriptions, memberships, leases, vehicles, and other affairs in your home country.\nTell your bank about your travel plans to reduce the risk of your card being frozen because of transactions away from home.\n4. One Week Before Departure: Final Checks and Your Carry-On Document Folder\nCarry-On Document Folder: Keep It With You, Never in Checked Baggage\nPassport with a valid visa\nOriginal I-20 \/ DS-2019 \/ I-797 documents. A student's I-20 must have a DSO signature that is still valid.\nAdmission letter or offer letter, and proof of funds\nProof of address or lease, and phone numbers for your school or company contacts\nSEVIS fee payment receipt\nVaccination records and documentation for prescription medication\nA small amount of cash and a credit card\nPre-Departure Checks\nCheck in for your flight and confirm your seat and baggage allowance.\nSave screenshots of your airport pickup arrangements or transportation plan after arrival, such as Uber\/Lyft or an airport bus.\nKeep offline copies of your accommodation address, landlord's phone number, and temporary hotel information.\nDownload the apps you need: Google Maps, Uber\/Lyft, your bank's app, your school or company app, and WhatsApp.\nFully charge your phone and bring a power bank. It must be carried with you, not placed in checked baggage.\nPreparing for Your Day of Entry\nBe familiar with common border questions: why you are coming to the United States, the name of your school or employer, where you will stay, and how long you will stay. Give brief, truthful answers.\nWithin a few days of entering, download your electronic I-94 from the official CBP website and check your admission category and authorized period of stay. This is especially important under the new 2026 rules. If you find an error, contact your school or lawyer promptly to have it corrected.\nA Preview of Your First Few Days After Arrival (Know What to Expect)\nStudents: report to the international student office within the required period to activate your SEVIS record.\nGet a U.S. phone number, open a bank account, and apply for an SSN if you are eligible to work.\nLocate nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, emergency departments, and urgent care facilities.\nAppendix: Common Misconceptions and Official Resources\nCommon Misconceptions\n\"A visa's validity = the length of your permitted stay\": Incorrect. Your actual permitted stay is determined by the date on your I-94; a visa is only permission to seek entry.\n\"Enter first and provide the documents later\": You may be asked to show original documents such as your I-20 and proof of funds when entering. You must carry them with you.\n\"A rental recommended in a group must be reliable\": Rental scams are very common. Do not transfer money before viewing the property and signing a formal lease.\nOfficial Resources\nU.S. Department of State visa information: travel.state.gov\nStudent visas and SEVIS: studyinthestates.dhs.gov\nI-94 lookup and download: i94.cbp.dhs.gov\nVisa appointments and waiting times: the official U.S. embassy website for your country\nThis checklist provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about visa status, follow guidance from your school's international student office, your employer's immigration lawyer, or official notices.\nPrefer Not to Figure It All Out Alone? Contact Clearway\nOver 90 days, you need to work on several things at once: visas, housing, insurance, banking, and luggage. A mistake in any one of them can affect your trip. The closer departure gets, the more information there is, the more confusing it becomes, and the harder it is to tell what is reliable.\nClearway focuses on planning and coordination before your arrival in the United States. We can help you:\nOrganize your timeline: Turn this checklist into a personalized plan based on your status category, whether student, worker, or family member, and your departure date, with reminders about what to do at each stage.\nCheck key documents: Before departure, help you check essential materials such as your carry-on document folder for missing items and inconsistent information.\nCoordinate arrival arrangements: Help connect you with housing, airport pickup, phone, banking, and other early-arrival services so you can avoid unnecessary detours after landing.\nFlag common pitfalls: Help you identify rental scams, fake agents, unreasonable charges, and other common traps so you do not get scammed before you even leave.\nStarting 90 days before departure, take each step with clarity and peace of mind.\nClearway: A Clearer Path to the United States.\nClearway provides arrival planning and coordination of everyday affairs, not immigration legal services. For legal questions involving visa applications or maintaining status, consult a licensed immigration lawyer or your school's international student office.\n\ud83d\udce9 [Enter contact details here: website \/ WeChat \/ email]","_cw_category":"prep","_cw_minutes":6,"_cw_scene":0},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cw-prep"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":288,"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21\/revisions\/288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ycclearway.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}