Everyone has their own story when coming to the United States. You may be coming for travel, for college, or to start a new life. You may even be a United States citizen or a permanent resident. No matter who you are and what your story is, it is important to be prepared and ready to enter or re-enter the country.
Have Your Passport and Documents Ready
When entering the US after staying in a foreign country, you will always need to have documentation ready. If you are a U.S. citizen who is coming back from vacation in another country, you will need a valid passport or enhanced driver’s license to re-enter the country. If you are a permanent resident, have your valid Resident Card—also known as “green card”—on hand. If you are a student, visitor, or if you are transiting between countries, you will need to apply for a special visa ahead of time. If you are planning to become a permanent resident within the United States, be prepared with all necessary documentation and your immigrant visa.
Make Sure You Can Stay Legally
The immigration process will not be the same for everyone. The United States gives out different visas depending on whether you are a family member of a U.S. citizen, employee, adoptee, former U.S. government employee, etc. No matter your reason for immigrating to the U.S., you will need to have the legal paperwork ready to enter and stay. This paperwork includes, but is not limited to, a valid passport, marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of sponsor, police clearance, etc.
In order to legally stay in the United States and reduce legal problems, make sure to stay only as long as the Arrival/Departure Record date. This date will be stamped onto your passport upon arrival. If you are offered a “Duration of Status,” make sure that you adhere to any and all conditions of your specific visa. If you are a refugee, the U.S. grants asylum to immigrants under certain circumstances if you file Form I-589. In summary, you should be able to stay in the United States with few issues as long as you are maintaining the rules and regulations of the country, as well as your individual visa requirements.
Prepare Yourself for the Culture Shock
Depending on the country you are coming from, moving to or visiting the U.S. can be quite a shocking, new experience. In order to make your experience smoother and more positive, do what you can to research the United States and its cultures. For example, you may want to practice the imperial system to get good at quickly converting km to miles, or grams to pounds. Learn the differences between the states which often have their own traditions and cultures. From Thanksgiving turkeys, to tipping waiters, to American football, to driving on the right side of the road, if you do a little bit of research ahead of time, you will fit in in no time!
Entering or reentering the United States can sometimes be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. The more prepared you are with the necessary documentation, the easier it will be. In order to make your stay more enjoyable, be prepared to meet your visa requirements, live the law of the land, and explore all the wonderful—though, perhaps, different—parts of American culture.
Read this next: How to Make Frequent Business Travel Easier
