✅ Checklist — Departure Preparation
Before You Fly —
Before You Fly —
30-Day Pre-Departure Checklist
A week-by-week action plan for the 30 days before you leave Jordan for North America. Don't leave anything behind — literally or figuratively.
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How to use this checklist
Click each item to mark it done (saves in your browser). Work through each phase in order — some items unlock others (e.g., you need your flight booked before you can finalize housing check-in timing).
30 Days Out
Documents, finances & housing- Confirm your I-20 / Study Permit is correct and signedYour name must match your passport exactly. Your program start date must be correct. Contact your DSO immediately if anything is wrong.
- Book your flightAim to arrive 5–10 days before orientation. For the US, do not arrive more than 30 days before your I-20 program start date.
- Confirm housingWhether on-campus dorms or off-campus, confirm your move-in date, get the address, and know who to contact on arrival day. Get the check-in instructions in writing.
- Open a North American bank account (if possible before arriving)Some banks (TD, RBC, Bank of America) allow international students to open accounts before arrival. This lets you transfer money in advance and get a debit card waiting for you.
- Transfer at least 3 months' living expenses to an accessible accountDo not carry large amounts of cash. Use a combination of a debit card, a Visa/Mastercard, and a small amount of USD/CAD cash (~$300–500).
- Get travel health insuranceMost universities require it. Get coverage that starts from the day you arrive — not the day term begins. Check if your university's student health plan covers the gap period.
- Make 3 copies of every important documentPassport, I-20/study permit, visa, acceptance letter, SEVIS receipt. Email scanned copies to yourself and a trusted family member.
2 Weeks Out
Packing, phone & connectivity- Get an unlocked phone or confirm your phone is unlockedYou'll want to get a local SIM card on arrival. Most Jordanian phones can be unlocked by your carrier. Alternatively, use an eSIM (Airalo works well for Canada and the US).
- Research SIM card options at your destinationUSA: T-Mobile and AT&T prepaid SIMs (~$35–50/month for unlimited). Canada: Freedom Mobile, Koodo, or Public Mobile (~$35–45/month). Buy at the airport or a store on arrival day.
- Download key apps before you leave (while on fast WiFi)Google Maps (download offline map of your city), WhatsApp, Uber, your bank's app, your university portal app, and JANA's community page.
- Pack strategically — weight limits are strictMost airlines allow 23kg per checked bag. Pack clothes for all seasons (especially if going to Canada or the northeastern US). Bring 3–6 months of any prescription medication — it's far cheaper and easier to bring from Jordan.
- Bring electrical adaptersNorth America uses Type A/B plugs (110V, 60Hz) — different from Jordan (230V, Type C/G). Bring a universal adapter or buy a pack of 3–4 North American adapters in Amman (much cheaper than buying there).
- Get your vaccinations up to dateMany universities require proof of meningitis, MMR, and hepatitis B vaccines. Check your university's immunization requirements — you may need a blood titer test to prove immunity.
1 Week Out
Final logistics & farewells- Contact your JANA chapter or community contact at your destination universityIntroduce yourself, confirm any welcome activities, and ask if anyone can help you with the first grocery run or airport pickup.
- Prepare your carry-on documents packCarry these in your hand luggage (NOT checked baggage): passport, visa, I-20/study permit, SEVIS receipt, acceptance letter, insurance card, $300+ cash. Never check your travel documents.
- Confirm flight details and check-in online 24 hours before departureDouble-check terminal, departure time, and baggage allowance. Take a screenshot of your boarding pass in case of connectivity issues.
- Notify your Jordanian bank of your travel datesCall or use the app to let them know you'll be using your card abroad — otherwise they may freeze it as a fraud precaution on your first transaction in North America.
At the Airport & On Arrival
Customs, SIM, and first day- At US/Canada customs: be prepared to show your documentsHave your I-20/study permit, passport, and visa ready before you reach the officer. Be honest about the purpose of your visit (studying). Customs officers may ask about your program, university, and funding.
- Buy a SIM card before leaving the airportMost major international airports have SIM card kiosks or phone stores. Getting a local number the first day makes everything easier (Uber, 2FA logins, calling your new landlord).
- Get to your housing safelyUse Uber, Lyft, or a pre-arranged pickup. Do not take unmarked taxis. Have your housing address in Google Maps offline before your flight lands.
- Report to your university's International Students Office within 5–7 days of arrivalThis completes your SEVIS check-in (required by US law). You will also get your student ID and access to your university's portal during orientation.
JANA Tip: Connect Before You Land
Message the JANA chapter at your destination university before you arrive. Many chapters organize airport pickup networks and first-week welcome events. You don't have to navigate the first day alone.