US Entry Checklist for Interviews or Travel Purposes
Recommended Article: 【Studying Abroad】 2023-2024 Study Abroad Application and Scholarship Guide
Step 1. Passport
Step 2. Visa
Step 3. Flight and Accommodation
Step 4. Credit Cards
Step 5. Mobile
Step 6. Transportation
Step 7. Hospital
Step 8. Entry Onboarding
Step 9. Insurance
Step 10. Shipping Cargo
Step 11. School-related Procedures
Step 12. Financial Preparation
a. US Entry Checklist After Arrival
b. Contact information and jurisdiction for each overseas mission (embassy contact information)
Step 1. Passport
⑴ If you don’t have a passport:
① Apply at your local ward office (e.g., Gwanak-gu Office) and it takes approximately 2 weeks.
② Pick it up in person or have it delivered to your home (additional fee of about 5,000 KRW).
③ Old version passports will become invalid from 2028, so it is recommended to get the new version if possible.
④ There is a price difference of about 5,000 KRW between the 58-page and 26-page passports.
⑤ Passport photo: white background and standardized size.
⑵ If you already have a passport:
Figure 1. Passport Usage Guidelines
① It is recommended that the remaining validity period of your passport is at least 6 months from your departure date.
② It should have at least one blank page.
③ You must sign your passport.
④ If you frequently lose your passport, the validity period for reissuance will be restricted based on the number of losses and duration.
⑤ If you use a passport without a resident registration number as an identification, you must obtain a Passport Information Certificate.
Step 2. Visa
⑵ Application Method 1: Interview at the embassy followed by visa issuance
① Step 1. Obtain an I-20 form from your study abroad school.
② Step 2. I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) payment.
③ Step 3. Visa interview
④ Step 4. Visa issuance check: You can also check the issuance status within +1 to +3 days after the interview.
⑤ Step 5. Visa issuance (ref): You can receive your passport with the visa attached one week after the interview.
⑥ If you have a National Institute for International Education (NIIED) English Financial Guarantee Certificate, it becomes easier to obtain a visa.
⑦ Students with full funding can easily obtain a visa.
⑶ Application Method 2: Expedited application by submitting documents and reserving a date after application.
① If you request expedited processing for a US visa, interview waiver may not be granted.
⑷ Application Method 3: Travel Visa
① Agency: CIBT Visas (website for US citizens).
⑸ Application Method 4: ESTA(Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Visa Waiver Program (short-term visa-free entry program, VWP).
① Overview
○ An online application system developed by the US government.
○ After a simple travel permit application is approved, you can enter the US.
② Requirements
○ Must stay in the US for less than 90 days.
○ Citizens of certain countries, including South Korea, can enter the US for tourism, business, or transit purposes without applying for a visa.
Figure 2. Countries covered by Visa Waivers
③ Procedures
○ Usually takes 1 day, but can take up to 3 days.
○ You need to scan and upload your passport when applying.
○ Issuance: Issued via email.
④ Validity
○ Up to 2 years, but becomes invalid after your passport expiration date.
○ No limit on the number of entries to the US.
○ It doesn’t guarantee entry into the US, but allows boarding flights for US travel.
Step 3. Flights and Accommodation
⑴ Airplane Ticket
① Search on CheapOair (OneTravel), Naver Flights, airline websites, Interpark, or Skyscanner, etc.
② Consider travel management services like Corporate Traveler.
③ You can often purchase discounted tickets through airline websites.
④ TSA PreCheck: Part of the Trusted Traveler program, allowing expedited security screening for domestic travel in the US.
⑤ Be cautious when making connections at different airports.
⑥ Ways to Solve Ear Pain During Landing: Ear pain occurs when the external pressure becomes higher than the internal pressure upon landing, causing discomfort around the eardrum.
○ Priority 1. Yawning: Yawning opens the Eustachian tube, balancing the pressure in front of and behind the eardrum. Even without yawning, merely opening the mouth wide can open the Eustachian tube. Additionally, opening the mouth wide as if yawning can induce yawning.
○ Priority 2. Swallowing
○ Priority 3. Pinching the nose and trying to blow through it to apply pressure to the ears: This does not require much force; a slight opening in the eardrum allows the pressure to balance slowly. Overdoing it can harm the ears, so it should not be done excessively.
○ Priority 4. Belching silently
○ Priority 5. Special Earplugs: I have heard that they are sold in Japan, but I have not personally seen them.
⑵ Accommodation
Step 4. Credit Cards
⑴ Overview
① In the case of a hotel, there may be a safety deposit (e.g., New York City), so you must have a card in your name
② Cash
○ Purpose 1. Emergency funds for taxi fares, medical expenses, emergency medicine, etc.
○ Purpose 2. Tips (usually 10-20% of the service price).
○ Approximately $200-300 for a 3-4 day stay.
⑵ Examples
① VISA, Mastercard among Korean cards: There may be an overseas remittance fee
② Pay Pal: Can open a bank account in advance in Korea.
③ American Express
④ Security Card
○ Check cards can be used within the remaining balance.
○ There may be usage fees.
○ Can help build your credit score early.
⑤ Bank of America (BOA)
○ Offers both check and credit cards.
○ Lower entry barriers for international students.
⑥ Discover
○ Offers cards without a credit check.
○ Offers a referral bonus where you and your friend receive $100.
○ No credit check required, and after one year, you may receive about $400 in cashback.
⑦ PNC Bank
⑧ American Express Smile Card
○ Use a debit card for about a year to build your credit score and then apply for a credit card.
⑨ Chase Bank (Chase Freedom)
○ Available across the United States. Most popular.
○ A lower-tier card among major credit card issuers.
○ How to Open a Chase Bank Account: Requires I-20.
○ No storage fee if the deposit is $1,500 or more.
⑩ National City Bank
⑪ TCF Bank
⑫ Comerica Bank
⑬ UM Credit Union
⑭ flywire
⑯ Travel Wallet
○ While U.S. accounts can only be created in the U.S., Travel Wallet also provides a card and can be used like a U.S. account.
○ However, there are clear differences from a bank account, such as the lack of a SWIFT code.
Figure 3. Key Features of the Travel Wallet
Table. 1. Travelog vs Travel Wallet
⑰ Credit cards issued by grocery stores such as Kroger, Meijer, and Fresh Thyme
Step 5. Mobile
⑴ Method 1. Purchasing a new phone locally is the most affordable option.
① Instead of a South Korean number starting with +82, you receive a U.S. phone number starting with +1.
② If you buy an iPhone from an Apple Store, the price difference is not significant between domestic and international locations.
③ Termination of domestic telecommunications companies and activation of mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)
○ If you have an unlocked phone, choosing the 4th mobile carrier (MVNO) can also be a reasonable option.
④ Phones bundled with U.S. carriers might have a country lock when brought to Korea.
○ Types of U.S. carriers: Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T
⑤ Comcast / Xfinity: Bundled Internet and Mobile Service
⑵ Method 2. Bringing a phone from South Korea to the U.S.: Phone Roaming
① Enabling the use of text messages, calls, and data while abroad.
② The time display is adjusted to reflect the local time: set to Korean time upon arrival overseas, and back to Korean time when departing from abroad.
③ Mobile phone roaming can be easily set up at the service centers of each carrier located within the airport.
⑶ Method 3. Having both a South Korean and a U.S. phone number
① U-SIM can also be used by changing the USIM by country (ref)
② Recent smartphones use e-SIMs, allowing two e-SIMs to be used in one phone for different countries.
③ For dual-SIM phones like this, domestic phones often do not support this feature. It is usually only available on the same model purchased through international retailers. Therefore, purchasing from overseas is recommended.
④ An e-SIM can be obtained even a week before departure without any issues, and it costs about 40,000 won.
⑤ It is recommended to change the Korean plan to an affordable plan (e.g., 11,000 won plan) when departing for the United States.
⑷ Method 4. When you need to make a call urgently
③ Free international call app
④ Text Plus app
⑤ Dingtone
Step 6. Transportation
⑴ Overview
① Uber, Lyft, etc. are recommended to be prepared before entering the country.
② Driver’s License
○ Acts as an official form of identification in the USA.
○ Secretary of States (SOS): Booking an appointment is recommended.
○ Required documents: Korean driver’s license, international driver’s license, proof of residency, passport, I-20, SSN, or ineligibility letter.
○ Photo will be taken on-site.
○ International Driver’s License: Valid for one year. Available for online issuance. To facilitate smooth operations, the number of licenses issued per day is limited to 350. A photo is required. Delivered by mail.
③ Car rent: https://turo.com/ etc.
⑵ Example 1. Georgia
① Korean driver’s license can be transferred to international driver’s license
⑶ Example 2. California
① Uber, a shared vehicle service, is enabled
② Many people buy vehicles due to lack of development of public transportation
③ For practical reasons, both written and practical driving tests should be taken locally
④ The transportation in San Diego, CA can all be managed with an app called Pronto.
⑷ Example 3. Michigan
① An international driver’s license may be used as an identification card
⑸ Example 4. New York City
① Public transportation is advanced, so you don’t have to buy a car.
② Lyft is more popular than Uber.
Step 7. Hospital
⑴ A skincare treatment
⑵ LASIK, LASEK, Smile, LENS INSERTION (ref)
① LASIK(laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)
○ Characteristics: Cut the cornea surface with a knife, laser it, and cover it. About 1 million won
○ Advantage: Return to daily life in one day
○ Cons: My eyesight will deteriorate again after 10 years. If I rub my eyes incorrectly or exercise vigorously, my cornea may come off
② LASEK(laser epithelial keratomileusis)
○ Feature: Laser only. About 1 million won. Need to take good care of it for the first 6 months
○ Advantage: Eyesight is maintained almost permanently
○ Cons: Pain for 2-3 days after surgery. Slow vision recovery rate. Side effects such as light smudging and dry eyes
③ SMILE(refractive lenticule extraction, small incision lenticule extraction)
○ Features: About 3 million won
○ Advantage: No need for initial management
④ lens implantation
⑶ Essential Medications:
① Antipyretic analgesics
② Medicine for stomach aches
③ Wound ointment
④ Adhesive bandages
⑤ Oramedy (Oral medication)
⑥ Bacterocin (Antibacterial ointment)
⑦ Erythromycin (Antibiotic)
Step 8. Entry Onboarding
⑴ Miscellaneous: Passport
⑵ (COVID-19 Pandemic) US Entry Documents
Figure 4. Current US Entry Restrictions Due to COVID-19
① Document 1: Visa (see above) or ESTA (as mentioned above).
② Document 2: Vaccination certificate – Required. COOV app is also accepted. If you’ve received one of the two doses of the vaccine, you will be classified as an unvaccinated person. Vaccinated individuals are exempt from self-isolation.
③ Document 3: Electronic Customs Declaration Form – Required. Complete it onboard or at the airline counter.
④ Document 4: US CDC Pledge – Required. Complete it at the airline counter (preferred) or print and complete it in advance from the airline’s website.
⑤ Document 5: Reservation confirmations for accommodations and flight tickets – Recommended.
⑥ A negative COVID-19 test certificate is not required (source).
⑶ (COVID-19 Pandemic) Korean Entry Documents
① Document 1: Visa, but Korean nationality is obviously not required.
② Document 2: Electronic Customs Declaration Form – Required.
③ Document 3: Health questionnaire – Required. Complete it onboard. It is not required for US entry but is required for entry into Korea.
④ Document 4: Reservation confirmations for accommodations and flight tickets – Recommended.
⑷ (Current) U.S./South Korea entry documents
① Only a visa is required.
② The customs declaration form has been changed to optional.
⑸ Departure Procedure
① Departure inspection – Verification of purpose, return plans, passport status, etc.
② Board the airplane at least 30 minutes before departure.
⑹ Arrival Procedure
① US entry inspection – Questions about your purpose of visit, age, etc.
② X-ray examination of shoes, outerwear, bags, electronic devices, etc., either all at once or separately.
③ Testing liquids such as lens cleaning solution.
④ Luggage with padlocks may be cut open on the spot.
⑤ At US entry, you may or may not have to pick up your luggage at baggage claim, which can still be confusing.
Step 9. Insurance
⑴ Generally, the insurance provided by the school after studying abroad is sufficient.
⑵ Some schools require you to have their insurance to receive TA or RA-related benefits.
⑶ Consider separate insurance for drivers and travelers.
Step 10. Shipping Cargo
⑴ Method 1: Sending cargo by ship
① Hyundai Merchant Marine: Widely used due to its affordability
② DHL: Expensive
③ Takes about 2 to 3 months
⑵ Method 2: Sending cargo by airplane
Step 11. School-related Procedures
⑴ Step 1. Register your official school email.
⑵ Step 2. Admission Letter (I-20; International F-1)
① The admission letter sent by the school you were accepted to.
② It takes about 3-4 weeks after submitting the relevant documents.
③ You need an I-20 form to apply for the F-1 non-immigrant student visa, which is commonly applied for by international students.
○ In contrast, students with a DS-2019 form can apply for a J-1 visa.
④ When the school sends the I-20, they also send an admission acceptance letter.
⑤ This document includes information about the admitted school and program, course duration/schedule, school contact details, and signature.
⑥ Schools usually send the I-20 by mail.
⑦ The SEVIS ID is printed on the left side of the received I-20.
⑧ You must have this SEVIS ID, which starts with N, to pay the SEVIS fee.
⑨ On the day of the visa interview, you must bring the printed SEVIS I-901 payment confirmation receipt.
⑶ Step 3: Visa Issuance (ref): The following explanation is focused on the F1 visa.
① Apply and get approval to study at an SEVP-approved institution: Once admission is approved, the Designated School Official (DSO) will issue the Form I-20.
② Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: This fee, which must be paid before applying for a visa, is required once entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
③ Apply for a visa through the U.S. Embassy: Follow the U.S. Embassy procedures to complete and submit the DS-160 online visa application form, and print and save the received information.
④ Schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy: Nearly all countries require an interview before officially approving a U.S. visa.
⑤ Visa interview
○ Supplies
○ Appointment confirmation
○ Appointment receipt
○ DS-160 confirmation (This refers to the confirmation document, not the DS-160 form itself which is prohibited from being brought.)
○ SEVIS fee payment receipt
○ I-20
○ TOEFL score
○ Passport
○ Two photos of yourself: Must have been taken 6 months ago
○ Caution: The following are reasons why a U.S. visa might not be issued after the visa interview:
○ If the applicant is from a country banned by the U.S. from visa issuance: Not applicable to South Korea.
○ If the applicant fails to sincerely prove financial stability.
○ If the applicant states intentions to stay in the U.S. indefinitely: At the current time, visa extension is not possible.
⑥ Visa Approval Confirmation: Online verification site. If the visa has been issued, a visa stamp will be present in the passport.
⑦ After visa approval: Once the U.S. visa is approved, you can travel to the U.S. within 30 days before the start date of the program.
⑧ Upon arrival, you must present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 to receive approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enter the United States.
⑷ Step 4. (Not for all) U.S. Entry Card I-94: A document automatically generated upon entry (ref). Electronic Form I-94.
⑸ Step 5. (Not for all) EAD Card: In the case of OPT/STEM OPT.
⑹ Step 6. Student ID Registration (e.g., MCard, Buzzcard).
⑺ Step 7. Submitting Vaccination Information by Vaccine
① Method 1. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency > Vaccination Helper > Vaccination Management > Electronic Civil Service > Vaccination Certificate
○ After obtaining an English vaccination certificate, the process is completed by uploading the file and making a simple electronic entry.
② Method 2. Use the immunization form provided by the school: Visit a hospital and request a doctor to fill out the form.
③ Troubleshooting: “Please provide the expanded version of the same form showing the dates you received each dose.”
○ MMR vaccine: If the antibody test result is negative, adults can receive additional doses.
○ Polio vaccine: Adults cannot receive this vaccine.
○ Computer records of vaccination may not exist before 2002.
○ Previous vaccination records can only be supplemented by providing proof of vaccination at a vaccination institution, such as a maternal and child health record book, in cases where records are incomplete.
○ Vaccination standards and laws: Appendix, English translation document.
⑻ Step 8. Housing: A vaccination certificate may be required. Submit only if requested.
⑼ Step 9. Attend webinars, seminars, and orientation sessions organized by the school.
Step 12. Financial Preparation
⑴ Apply for Scholarships After Enrollment.
⑵ Close all investment products.
⑶ Open an overdraft account – It’s advantageous to open it when your credit score is highest.
⑷ Cancel Korean health insurance.
⑸ Cancel private pension.
⑹ Secure retirement pay from your previous job.
Input: 2023.01.16 00:35