So, today I want to write a few words about documents. Recently, while talking to participants of the 2010 program, I noticed that not everyone understands well which documents are needed and for what, or what and when to obtain them. So, to avoid repeating the same thing 10 times, I will write everything clearly and completely so that there are no misunderstandings or questions. So, let's go.

1. Visa. A visa gives you the right to enter the USA with the ability to work for a certain period (J-1 Visa). Moreover, this visa is a so-called multi-visa, meaning that during the entire validity period of the visa, you can enter the USA as many times as you want. Theoretically, you can fly home to your parents for a weekend in the summer. True, there are some nuances; you need to clarify them with your sponsor. After the visa expires, you will not be able to enter the USA, but you can legally stay in the States for another month. This addresses the question of what to do if the visa expires on September 1st and how to travel... That seems to be all regarding the visa.

2. DS-form. This is a visa document that is issued directly in the States and sent to you in Russia (CIS). The DS-form gives you the right to apply for a visa at the US consulate. It also specifies the dates during which you can work in the USA. That is why I sometimes call the DS-form a work permit. After the DS-form expires, you can legally stay in the USA for a month without the right to work. This time is given for travel.

Thus, taking into account everything mentioned above, as well as the consulate's requirements, you can legally stay in the USA until October 1st +/- a couple of days.

3. Insurance. Well, everything is clear with this. It is better not to go without it; IEC.Exchange will provide it to you. Also, there are so many pitfalls in insurance that I don't see the point in writing everything now. I will just say: find out all the details. (I know from experience, I work part-time in an insurance company myself; it's a necessary thing, especially in the USA, but it's very complicated with a bunch of nuances. I will get additional insurance for myself.)

4. Offer. An offer is a job invitation. I have already written about it. I will say one thing: until IEC.Exchange confirms the offer, your coordinator will not give you the DS-form. And even if your flight is tomorrow, if the offer is not confirmed, then change your tickets... Without a confirmed offer, you cannot leave Russia.

5. I-94 card. You will be given this card to fill out on the plane. Upon passing customs control at the US airport, they will take it, make a couple of notes, and attach it to your passport. DO NOT LOSE IT!!!!!!!! Upon leaving the USA, they will take it from you at check-in for your flight and send it to the security service, where they will note your timely or late departure.

6. SEVIS. A system for tracking all exchange program participants. Upon arrival in the USA, within about a week, you must register in this system; otherwise, they may cancel everything and consider you an illegal immigrant. When registering, you will need your address, employer, DS-form number, etc. I don't remember everything =) You need to register via the internet. Also, theoretically, any change of your employer or change of residence should be reflected in this system.

7. Social Security Number. This is a social security number in the USA. Every person legally residing in the country with the right to work has one. For a student, you could say it's a passport in the States. It is required when applying for a job, for tax deductions, and for opening a bank account. In general, this is your ID. This card is issued for life; if lost, it will be restored. You need to apply for an SSN only after registering in the SEVIS system. The card takes from 2 weeks to be made and is sent to you by mail. That is, you must know exactly where you will be living during this time. Also, in the States, you will be offered to sell this card. In principle, if you don't really care about living in the States and you don't mind never returning there and don't mind suddenly seeing a bunch of loans in your name, then please, sell it. You will get a couple of thousand dollars for it and will never see America again.

8. Tickets. Almost all of you have electronic tickets. It is better to check tickets on the checkmytrip.com website because the info on checkmytrip.com and on exchange.iec.ru may not match, as it was in my case, for example. Electronic tickets are good because you don't need to take anything with you. You go to the check-in counter and just give them your passport. They will issue boarding passes for ALL flights. Check this. For yourself, and just in case, you can make a printout from the checkmytrip.com website.

Well, I don't think I forgot anything... if there is anything, add or correct, I will be glad if you find any mistakes =)