Predeparture Checklist

							Predeparture Checklist
If you are returning home or moving to another city in the U.S., you will need to make extensive arrangements to prepare for your departure. This checklist provides a listing of things to consider before you leave.
U.S. Immigration Requirements

Check the ending date on your immigration document (I-20 section 5 or DS2019 section 3). If the end date is after the date you finish your studies or program at U-M, download and complete the appropriate departure form and submit it to the U-M International Center, so that your SEVIS record can be updated. You may need to meet with a U-M International Center advisor during this process. If you have international student/scholar health insurance, check with the U-M International Center Health Insurance office to find out your health insurance end date. If that end date is after the date that you will leave the U.S., visit the U-M International Center and complete an insurance cancellation form. File any medical insurance claims if they are still outstanding. Pay the balance that you owe. Leave copies of the forms with your sponsor or the U-M International Center Health Insurance office, in case there are questions about payment.

Health Insurance

U-M Student Accounts

Clear your student accounts so that your transcripts and/or diploma can be released. Order transcripts if you will need them. Order and pay for extra transcripts so you will not need to find U.S. currency to pay for them after you return home. Make arrangements to have your diploma sent to you if you do not receive it before departing. Leave your permanent home address with your department, faculty advisor and others who might wish to be in contact with you. Return University keys including department or dormitory keys. Give the U-M Alumni office your permanent home address. Ask them to put you on their mailing list.

Change of Address

Fill out Forwarding Address forms at the Post Office. Request Change of Address postcards from the Post Office, and send them to your friends (optional). Close your bank accounts. If you have a safety deposit box at the bank, remove the contents. Purchase travelers checks if you will need them. Clear all of your accounts. You may leave money with an entrusted friend if you have outstanding bills that you cannot take care of before you leave. Notify the Ann Arbor Public Library at 734.994.2333 if you have a card there. Settle accounts with businesses, utilities and publication (including newspapers, time payments, insurance, diaper service, credit cards).

Bank Accounts

Other Accounts

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Last reviewed: 3/06

Phone

Contact the phone company to disconnect your telephone (you will need to return your telephone set if you have leased it). Call your long distance phone company to ensure that all of your bills have been paid to date. Contact your cell phone company to cancel your cell phone account.

Car

If you are selling your car to a dealer, ask for a photocopy of both sides of the assigned title and keep it in your files. If you are selling to an individual, it is strongly recommended that you go to the office of the Secretary of State with the buyer and witness the complete transfer and notarization of the title. Then, remove your plates and turn them in for cancellation. If you’ve asked someone to sell your car on your behalf, sign a Power of Attorney form and leave it with the person who is selling the car.

Housing

If you live in U-M Family Housing, notify them of your intentions to vacate at least 45 days in advance. Leave a forwarding address with the landlord so that he can return what is left of your security deposit. Be sure to check with him/her about any necessary procedures that may be required of you before you leave.

Shipping Your Belongings

Determine shipping regulations to your home country by asking the Post Office. (Every country has different requirements, and they change from time to time) Ask about special rates for mailing books. Check with the airline that you will be using to fly home and ask about specific regulations on the weight and size of suitcases, excess baggage, and air freight costs. If you are not checking your baggage through to your final destination, be sure to ask what the baggage regulations are for your immediate stops. The regulations can vary by country and by carrier. If you plan on sending your belongings home surface mail (by sea) you will need to determine the regulations of the size, weight, and content of the boxes. Consider the length of time it will take for the parcels to arrive, and insurance for any potential damage to equipment, books, etc. Consult your embassy or consulate to determine what customs regulations you will need to consider when taking your belongings home.

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Travel Arrangements

Purchase airline tickets. It is usually most convenient to buy tickets through a travel agency. The agents can also help you to find the lowest fare. Some charge a fee for this service. Don’t forget to ask about student discounts and special fares. If you prefer to purchase your airline tickets yourself, you can do so through the web. A few useful web sites are listed below: o o o Travelers Net Priceline Lowest Fare

Check with your airline to find out: o o o Baggage limits per person (including infants) Fees for additional luggage Fees for baggage that is overweight or oversize. (This fee can be expensive. It may be less expensive to pack your belongings in two, separate bags than to pack everything into one bag that requires this fee.) How early you must arrive at the airport. (Be sure to arrive early, especially if you expect to have a lot of baggage.)

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Make arrangements for transportation to the airport. If traveling with children, prepare for their needs and comfort. Some airlines provide diapers and bottles for babies. (Inquire in advance). Plan to bring a few small toys if you are traveling with children.
Transportation to the Airport

Make arrangements for transportation to the airport. Be sure to arrive early especially if you have a lot of baggage. Airline companies suggest that passengers arrive one to two hours ahead of the scheduled departure time for continental and overseas flights, respectively. Ask how early you should arrive before your flight. Also, remember that all carry-on packages, purses and bags are subject to search. X-ray machines used to search baggage will not damage most camera film. Arrange for the transfer of prescription, medical, optical and dental records, and children's school records. Your Social Security number will remain on record even if you are not in the United States. You need not notify the Social Security Administration that you are moving, but keep your Social Security card in case you ever return to the United States.

Medical, Dental, and Other Important Records Social Security Card

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Visa Requirements (if traveling to another country)

Entry Visas: You may need an entry visa if you will be entering a country other than your country of citizenship. For information about visas, contact the consulate of the country in question. Inquire how long it will take to obtain a visa (time frames vary considerably from country to country, so allow for plenty of time). The U-M International Center, 734.764.9310, can provide addresses of the nearest consulates and advice about obtaining visas. The Electronic Embassy web site can also provide information. Photos: Photos for visa applications can be obtained for all ages, including infants, at U-M Photo Services. Photos are also available at Kinko's Copy Centers, but there are no services available for infants. Passports: Be sure that your passport has not expired. If you need to have it renewed, contact your own embassy or consulate. The U-M International Center can provide addresses of the nearest consulates and advice about obtaining visas. The Electronic Embassy web site can also provide information. Travel with Children: Children born in the U.S. to parents who are not U.S. citizens may obtain a U.S. passport. Birth certificates for persons born in Washtenaw County are obtained from the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office, located at 200 N. Main, Ann Arbor. You may want to get several copies of the birth certificate. You will need to show a valid driver's license or other state-issued identification.

Health and Immunizations (if traveling to another country)

For general information concerning immunization requirements for any country of destination, contact the Washtenaw County Public Health Department at 734.484.7200 for the Immunization Clinic hours. If you need immunization shots before traveling, you can get them at University Health Services at 207 Fletcher St., 734.763.1418. Immunization shots are available to students and spouses, but are not available to children under the age of 10. To obtain immunization shots, you must first schedule a consultation appointment. After the consultation, you may receive the shots on a walk-in basis. If you need certified proof of immunization shots for your travel, contact the Immunization Clinic at U-M Hospital. They will certify immunization records if the inoculations are given by a private physician or clinic and are properly recorded on an International Vaccination Report.

Last reviewed 3/06

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