Pre-Arrival Guide

Introduction   |  Before You Arrive   |  Arrive in Miami   |  Arrive at FIU

Before You Arrive

Obtaining Your Student Visa

You need a student visa (F1) to enter the United States to study. In order to obtain your visa, you must apply for it at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You will need various documents to support your visa application, and visa procedures vary from one consulate or embassy to another, so you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate near your home. However, the following documents are always required:

• A current, valid passport
• The I-20 Form
• Your letter of acceptance
• A letter from your bank, your parent's bank or your sponsor's bank. This is your financial documentation.
• SEVIS payment receipt

Buying Your Airline Ticket

Miami is an international metropolis and the Miami International Airport is one of the largest in the world. Most major airlines fly to Miami or have convenient connections from other U.S. cities at convenient times and good prices.

Packing for Your Trip

Although Miami is known for its beaches and outdoor activities, it is also a cosmopolitan city offering great theater, music concerts, opera, art festivals, and museums. You will want to bring a swimsuit, but you might also want to bring a jacket and tie or a nice dress for those special occasions.

If you're coming in September or October, you should bring a sweater. It is very hot and humid from April to August. Other than that, the weather in Miami is sunny year round, so bring light casual clothes and enjoy our tropical climate.

If you're planning to stay in the dormitories, you may want to bring a small pillow and a set of sheets for your first night. Later you will have plenty of time to shop for towels, sheets, pillows or anything you might need.

A final note: You might want to bring your favorite CD's and some typical music from your country to share with your new friends, as well as postcards, pictures, or some typical items from your part of the world.

Money

Do not carry a large amount of cash, but bring a small amount of cash in American currency to pay for your first expenses in the U.S. (taxi or shuttle transportation to F.I.U., phone calls, tips for baggage handlers, taxi drivers, etc.). The rest of your money should be in traveler's checks.

Banking

During Orientation Day, representatives from a local bank will be available to help you open a bank account. There are several options available to students at very low prices. There are also Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) on campus to access your money.

Insurance

All international students are required to buy health (medical) insurance at time of registration. Health insurance is a condition of acceptance at FIU's E.L.I.

Immunization

All international students must show proof of immunization against measels, mumps and rubella at time of registration. If you cannot show proof of immunization in English, you must get your immunization at our Wellness Center (Health Clinic) for a nominal fee.

Pre-landing

Just before landing in the U.S., the flight attendants will hand out some forms (among them the I-94 Form) that you must fill out for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs. Remember that you cannot bring certain items into the U.S. (for example, fruits, vegetables, drugs, and firearms) You will also have to declare the value of the items you're bringing into the U.S. Follow the directions on the forms. If you have a question, ask the flight attendant.

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