USA Pre-Departure Checklist for Nepali Students 2026–2027

Do not arrive too early

EducationUSA states that a new student may not enter more than 30 days before the start date on Form I-20 or DS-2019. The school may require arrival on a narrower date for housing, orientation or placement. Book travel only after visa issuance and after confirming the school’s expected arrival plan.

Travel documents in hand luggage

EducationUSA tells students to carry the passport and certificate of eligibility during travel and to confirm that Form I-20 is signed and matches the passport. Keep originals accessible and store secure digital copies separately.

• Passport and valid student visa.
• Signed Form I-20 for the school being attended.
• SEVIS fee payment record.
• Admission and funding or scholarship records.
• School address and DSO or international-office contact.
• Academic and health records requested by the institution.
• Dependent identity and civil records where applicable.

Use the I-20 and SEVIS guide for a final record check.

Housing transport and communication

Confirm the full address, move-in time, deposit status and whom to call outside office hours. Plan transport from the airport and keep enough accessible funds for the first days. Activate an international roaming or temporary communication method and share the itinerary with family.

Insurance and medical preparation

Follow the university’s immunisation, tuberculosis screening, health form and insurance deadlines. Understand when coverage begins, which providers are in network and how emergency care works. Carry medication in original packaging and check U.S. and airline restrictions. Do not stop or replace prescribed treatment without medical advice.

Answer with accurate documents

At the port of entry, follow CBP instructions and present the current documents. Know the school, programme and destination address. Entry is decided by CBP; a visa permits travel to seek entry but does not guarantee admission. After entry, check the electronic Form I-94 information and report any error through official channels.

First-week priorities

1. Complete the international-student check-in.
2. Attend DSO and academic orientation.
3. Confirm local address, phone and emergency contacts.
4. Register for the required full course of study.
5. Review employment, travel and status-maintenance rules.
6. Open banking and communication services carefully.
7. Keep the I-20 and passport secure.

Review the F-1 process guide and financial documents guide before departure.

Carry the preparation into class

Download the course schedule, check required placement or orientation tasks and understand academic-integrity expectations. SAT, GRE, GMAT or English-test preparation helped support admission; university study now requires independent reading, participation and time management. Ask for tutoring or language support early instead of waiting for difficulty.

One offline and one secure backup

Arrange documents in the order they may be needed: identity and entry papers first, school and funding records second, health and accommodation information third. Save encrypted digital copies in a secure service accessible without the phone number being replaced after arrival. Leave copies and emergency contacts with a trusted family member.

Record the passport, visa and SEVIS document numbers separately but never share them in public messages. Know how to contact the airline, bank, insurer, housing office and DSO. A good checklist reduces panic during disruption but does not replace instructions from an official at the airport or border.