techboy

Just relax and check with your university's international/immigration services and read here what you can do after arrival Before asking questions you may want just to research here in the forum as so much useful information can be found. Good luck!

Hi, You may want to check this thread

Just for backup print all emails you received . It is very helpful if you are departing from small airports. Sometimes technology may fail.

I used flights.google.com and saved some flights to check prices. Give a try if you haven't done so yet. You may check dates and see how much tickets will cost in future.

Thank you TakeruK and shinigamiasuka for the information. Aetna university plan is way expensive for my spouse which is around 6k.

Hello All, Can you please share any ideas how to purchase insurance for dependents? Should one add a spouse and a child to his or own university insurance? It looks like cost doubles if added. Can couples purchase separate insurance? If yes, will it affect if couples decide to have a baby later? Thank you

I think you should not worry to travel. Here is how I'm going to travel. 1. From my home town to capital city about 6-7 hours. 2. To a neighboring country about 3 hours. 3. Then to via another country to NYJFK with 13 hours layover. About 24 hours! 4. NY JFK to Chicago 17 hours by bus 5. Chicago to my university about 2 hours by bus It will be my third visit to the US I will have plenty of time to travel before September Just make sure you have enough time between connections to at least find your gates to depart! Good luck!

I don't think it is a big issue. If you noticed the visa application still asks about your parents but has no field whether deceased or not. The form also asks if your parents are in the US. Your father is just like your mother is a parent. Father or mother just be honest and tell VO the truth saying your parents's saving is what you rely. That's it

I put self and funding for a year exceeded slightly my expenses. I brought bank statements, property documents etc, but VO just asked me what I would study and whether I have assistantship. I said "yes" nothing more. He said "you get your visa tomorrow". The interview lasted only one and half minutes they didn't even ask for my printed photo and SEVIS payment confirmation printout. I come from a country where many people get rejected

It's true, but if J-1 has a two year home residency and one completes a master's degree and wants to continue for a PHD then there is no way to adjust then getting "no objection" from a sponsoring side which rarely happens...

Just wanted to let you know that you may face much problem transferring your J-1 to something else if you wanna stay longer after your studies.

Thank you everyone for your detailed answers. Only three types of SSN usually issued http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/cards.htmbut I am concerned if I still need to check in to update my second temporary visit http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/cards.htm

Then I will just check with my school and see if I a required to reapply. Thank you both for your answers. Glad I won't be waiting for a month to get a SSN.

I found this presentation very helpful http://www.emich.edu/ois/pdfs/Tax%20presentation.pdf

Thank you, but I think I need to apply one since I received my SSN with a note with DHS authorization about 6 years ago.

I received my I-20 by DHL. Very surprised they didn't ask to pay for it now visa interview soon...

Should I apply for a new SSN as a new f-1 visa holder if I still have already one received previously?

Thanks fuzzy for the link! After reviewing it I have decided to apply for a F-1 though my second half will be jobless just learning something informally... I don't have funds available to cover the entire costs... Still F-1 has some freedom e.g. choosing health insurance and staying longer when needed etc

Still waiting for my I-20, visa and tickets. I need to get the latter as early as possible right after getting my visa. Costs will rise very quickly!

Hi, I would suggest including your past experience and why you are interested in edtech, your short and long term goals, etc.

I just want to say here that it depends on you not your university. If you look at professors' profiles working at prestigious universities majority of them studied at lesser known schools eventually reaching their goals... PS. I'm from a very poor country...so appreciate what you're given...

Hi, If you haven't contacted yet, you should definitely contact them. You may also want to contact faculty to find out more about TA opportunities. As I understand, you will still need to do so after or during your first semester. Good luck!

Hello, I am in the same boat. I received a "preliminary award letter which may be adjusted. hopefully not. I had to accept as a student said if I don't they may award to others who are in the "waiting list" or offered partial funding. So I strongly advise to accept. The preliminary award is worrying me tho...

I think they mean the highest degree you have earned. See they want to covert estimated cost into US meaning that international cost should be converted to give them an idea of how you afforded your last degree.

I wonder if this also applies to international applicants. I applied to the PHD in Ed policy and still haven't heard from them.