Before Traveling to the USA

Important Travel Documents - Spring 2021

Important Travel Documents - Spring 2021

ASU wants to ensure your travels to the U.S. are as smooth and supported as possible. We have created the ASU Travel Pack to accompany you through your Port of Entry to the U.S. and to your final destination at ASU. In this travel pack, you will find three important letters: 

  • Letter from Fragomen: Proof of legal counsel.
    If you encounter any difficulties upon entering the U.S., please show this letter to U.S. Customs. It is a letter confirming that you have legal representation as an international student at ASU by immigration attorneys at Fragomen. 

Please download, print and read each of these letters carefully. Remember to bring them in your carry-on luggage during your travels. 

If you have any questions throughout your journey, please contact us at globallaunch@asu.edu or +1 602-550-5131. We look forward to seeing you soon at ASU. 

 

You will need the documents below to travel to and attend ASU:
  • Passport If your passport is expiring soon, contact your embassy to renew it up to 6 months before the expiration date.
  • I-20 is valid for 18 months.
  • F-1 Visas can only be issued outside of the U.S. by a U.S. Consulate or Embassy
  • I-94 is your "Arrival/Departure Record" in the U.S. immigration system, it is stored electronically or stapled in your passport when you enter the U.S. 

Immigration SEVIS and Student Visa

Immigration SEVIS and Student Visa

International students who plan to study in the Intensive English Program must obtain an F-1 visa. Click here to learn more about the SEVIS and Student Visa steps.

Before Traveling to the U.S.
  • Receive your SEVIS Form I-20
  • Process SEVIS Form I-901 and pay your SEVIS fee (Click here for more info)
  • Apply for your DS-160 Online Non-immigrant visa application
  • Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate (Find a location)
  • Pay the visa application fee
  • Prepare for visa interview
  • Prepare documents for travel
You will need the documents below to travel to and attend ASU:
  • Passport If your passport is expiring soon, contact your embassy to renew it up to 6 months before the expiration date.
  • I-20 is valid for 18 months.
  • F-1 Visas can only be issued outside of the U.S. by a U.S. Consulate or Embassy
  • I-94 is your "Arrival/Departure Record" in the U.S. immigration system, it is stored electronically or stapled in your passport when you enter the U.S. 

Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist 

ASU ID and Email Accounts

ASU ID and Email Accounts

Your ASURITE ID, given to you after you applied to Global Launch, is used to access ASU's online student services at MyASU. Your ASURITE must be activated online, along with your ASU email (yourname@asu.edu). This email is your official university address, to receive all important information about the Pathways program and ASU. Please reference this document for more instructions and information. 

If you do not have an ASURITE User ID and activation code, please call (480) 965-2437. If you need help with the activation process, contact the University Technology Office (UTO) Help Desk at 1-855-278-5080. 

Please review the computer security guidelines.

Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist

Housing and Dining

Housing and Dining

Global Launch students have several options for housing.  Please see the Housing page on our website for more information.

Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist

MMR Immunization

MMR Immunization

You must submit your measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization form before you can register for classes. The form is included in your admission packet. Visit the ASU Health Services website for more information. 

Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are billed to your MyASU account (http://my.asu.edu).  Charges may change if a schedule change is made.  Full payment of tuition and fees is due no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 5th day of classes.  If you have unpaid charges on your account, you will receive late fees until your charges are paid.

If you are sponsored by your government or another organization, you must submit your financial guarantee letter to the Sponsored Student Office no later than the 10th day of classes or you will be responsible for full payment of tuition, fees and health insurance.

If you have past due charges on your account, you will not be allowed to register for the next session and may be expelled after the last day of the current session. 

To access online billing:

  • Go to my.asu.edu, and click "My finances"
  • Select "Make a Payment"

You will need between $2,000 and $3,000 USD for living expenses and incidentals for the first few weeks of your program. Please be sure to have access to these funds, but you should not travel with large amounts of cash. Instead, carry a smaller amount of cash and use a credit card or purchase traveler's checks before traveling to the U.S.

Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist

Travel Arrangements and Arrival

Travel Arrangements and Arrival

After purchasing your airplane ticket, click here to view the transportation options from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Students can choose between:

  • Taxis

  • Rideshares

  • Public transportation

Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist

Orientation and Welcome Events

Orientation and Welcome Events

All students must attend the Intensive English Program Orientation week and welcome events.

In addition to check-in and registration, these events will help acquaint students with university resources, meet other international students, and learn how to get involved on campus.

Details will be provided upon arrival.

Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist 

Identification (ID) Cards

Identification (ID) Cards

Students have the option to obtain the Sun Card or the Pitchfork Card when they arrive at ASU. The Sun Card is an official ASU student photo ID that allows you to complete in-person transactions and gain access to library and other services. The Pitchfork Card is two cards in one — it is an ASU student ID card and a MasterCard® check card.

Read more to understand the main differences between the Sun Card and the Pitchfork Card.

Get your Sun Card or Pitchfork Card as soon as you arrive at ASU. It is also highly recommended that you obtain an Arizona state ID card. Or, if you want to drive in the U.S., you need to get an Arizona driver license (instead of an Arizona state ID card).

 Review the Pre-Arrival Checklist