Packing for F-1 students and F-2 families: documents, timing and what to bring
Starting a degree in the U.S. is exciting, and the first trip is the one where paperwork matters most. This guide is for F-1 students and for F-2 spouses and children traveling with them. It covers the documents to hand-carry, when you can arrive, and what to pack. For weather and clothing, see the guide for your region in our newcomer packing guide.
General information only, not legal advice. Your school’s designated school official (DSO) is the best source for your own documents and dates. Rules can change, so check the official pages linked below before you travel.
Your packing checklist
Tick items as you pack. Your ticks stay on this device only. Share the list, print it, or set reminders below.
F-1 documents (hand-carry)
- Passport
- F-1 visa (not needed for Canadian citizens)
- Original Form I-20, signed
- SEVIS fee (I-901) payment receipt
- Acceptance letter
- Proof of funds
- DSO name, phone and email
- School address
F-2 family (hand-carry)
- Each family member’s own Form I-20
- F-2 visas
- Marriage certificate, with certified English translation
- Children’s birth certificates, with certified English translations
- Copy of the F-1 student’s I-20 and visa
- Children’s vaccination and school records, in English
Other papers
- Diplomas and transcripts (originals and copies)
- Your vaccination and medical records, in English
- Health insurance details
Student essentials
- Laptop and charger
- Phone that works in the U.S., or a plan for a U.S. SIM or eSIM
- Cash for the first few days, plus a card that works abroad
- One smart outfit for interviews or events
- Medicines and an English prescription
Traveling with children
- Car seat: bring one or plan to buy on arrival
- Toys and snacks for the flight
F-1 students: documents to hand-carry
Keep these in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. You show the first three to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when you arrive.
- Passport, valid for your entry.
- F-1 visa in your passport (Canadian citizens do not need a visa).
- Original Form I-20, signed by you and your DSO.
- SEVIS fee (Form I-901) payment receipt. Check that the SEVIS ID on it matches your I-20.
- Acceptance letter from your school.
- Proof of funds: bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, the same kind you used for your visa.
- Your DSO’s name, phone and email, and your school’s address.
When you can arrive
As a new F-1 student, you can enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date on your Form I-20. If you arrive earlier, CBP can refuse your entry. Plan your flight for a date inside that window, and tell your school when you will arrive.
F-2 spouses and children
- Each family member needs their own Form I-20 from the school and their own F-2 visa. F-2 dependents do not pay the SEVIS fee.
- Hand-carry proof of relationship: your marriage certificate, and birth certificates for children, with certified English translations if they are in another language.
- Only children under 21 can hold F-2 status.
- Bring a copy of the F-1 student’s I-20 and visa, in case you travel separately.
- For children starting school: vaccination records and recent school records, translated into English. U.S. schools usually ask for both to enroll.
Other papers worth packing
- Originals and copies of your diplomas and transcripts. You may need them for your school, and later for work authorization such as OPT.
- Your vaccination and medical records, in English. Many universities ask for proof of certain vaccinations before you can register.
- A copy of your health insurance details, if your school does not provide it.
What students should pack
- Your laptop and phone, with chargers. Check that your phone works in the U.S., or plan to get a U.S. SIM or eSIM on arrival.
- Enough cash for the first few days, plus a debit or credit card that works abroad. Tell your bank you are traveling.
- Clothes for the first season in your region, and one smart outfit for interviews or events.
- Medicines for the first weeks, in original containers, with an English prescription.
- Leave out bedding and kitchen items: buy them after you see your room. Many U.S. dorm beds are a special “twin XL” size, so check before you buy sheets.
Families with children
- Children must ride in a car seat or booster seat that meets U.S. rules. Many families buy one on arrival. Airlines often let you check one free.
- Pack a few favorite toys and snacks for the flight, but declare all food when you arrive.
Good to know
- F-2 spouses cannot work in the U.S. Ask the DSO what study is allowed for F-2 family members.
- Declare all food at customs, and report cash over $10,000. See the newcomer basics.