Whether you’re going abroad or flying to your next destination, you’ll need to bring travel docs. These documents include your medical report, invitation letter, and police clearance certificate.
Police clearance certificate
Whether applying for a green card or traveling to the United States, you will probably need to obtain a police clearance certificate. This is an official document issued by a concerned police authority. Police clearance certificates can be requested online or in person.
The process to obtain a police clearance certificate may take several weeks, depending on the police department and country you are in. The process may involve fingerprinting for a criminal background check. The fee for the certificate is only sometimes waived.
The State Department’s website lists police clearance certificate issuing authorities and information on how to obtain the certificate. If you live in the United States, you will not need a police certificate.
If you are willing to apply for a green card from another country, you must obtain police certificates from the countries where you have lived or stayed for the past six months or more. If you are going to apply for a green card as a spouse of a U.S. citizen, you will need to obtain a police certificate from the country in which your spouse lives.
If you do not have a police certificate, you must write a sworn personal affidavit. This affidavit must state why you cannot obtain a police certificate and how many attempts you have made to obtain one. It is best to have your affidavit notarized.
The U.S. State Department has a webpage that lists the police clearance certificate issuing authorities and fees in each country. The website also has a tab titled Police, Court, and Prison Records that lists the procedure to obtain records. It also has a page titled Reciprocity by Country that shows whether a country’s police authorities require submission of a Police Certificate Request form.
Invitation letter
Getting a U.S. travel document can be a challenging process. There are many requirements to fulfill before a visa is granted. However, there are also ways to simplify the process. One of these is a letter of invitation.
An invitation letter is a written document that enumerates a visitor’s visit to the United States. It provides information on the purpose of the visit, the visitor’s residence, and the date that the visit will take place. A good invitation letter can benefit a visitor’s chances of getting a visa.
Invitation letters can be formal or informal. For example, you might want to invite someone to a family reunion or graduation at Wesleyan University. You may want to use a formal invitation letter or write a more informal letter; it all depends on the situation.
While there are no guarantees, an invitation letter can increase the chances of getting a U.S. visa. A letter of support can also enhance your chances. It is a way to show that you will financially support a visitor. It is good to ensure you have proof of your financial resources.
The invitation letter also indicates that you have a place to stay during the visit. It should also include details on the visitor’s expenses while in the United States. If your visitor travels with a spouse, including details about the spouse’s expenses is also a good idea.
You can also use a letter of invitation for U.S. travel documents to confirm that you are meeting someone you know. While it may not guarantee a visa, it indicates that you will stay in the U.S.
Form I-20/DS-2019 with travel signature
A Form I-20/DS-2019 with a travel signature is required for international students to reenter the United States. This document will confirm the student’s status.
A Form I-20/DS-2019 is optional if the student is merely staying in the U.S. However, if a student plans to travel overseas, they must request a travel signature from the school or university.
Students who travel overseas should discuss their plans with their ISSS advisor. The travel signature may be valid for six months or a year, depending on their academic status. Travelers should also carry a copy of their receipt notice for their post-completion OPT.
If a student is a J-1 exchange visitor, they must have a valid Form I-20/DS-2019 with a travel sign. This is available from the International Student and Scholar Services office or a J-1 Exchange Visitor Sponsor. J-1 Exchange Visitors can have their Form I-20/DS-2019 shipped to them or arrange for their form to be picked up from the ISSS office.
Similarly, F-1 students must have a travel signature on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 when they reenter the U.S. The documents must be valid for at least six months. A valid passport must be carried, as well. Applicants for post-completion Academic Training must also carry a valid passport and a valid visa. If a student has any problems with their travel documents, they should request a new travel signature.
It may take ten business days to process a travel signature request during peak periods. If a student requests a travel signature urgently, they should include special requests. The travel signature request form can be found in the ISSS Link.
Proof of accommodation
Depending on the country in question, you may be required to submit proof of accommodation for your visa application. You might only get your money back if you provide proof of accommodation. Some countries have stricter requirements than others, so please check with your local consulate or embassy.
The proof of accommodation is not just about the size of the room. It is also about what you are paying for it. You might have a one-bedroom apartment, but the embassy might not approve of you staying there. If you’d like to avoid that scenario, please ensure a comprehensive rental agreement with all the relevant details. You will also have to get the seal of approval from the landlord, which will likely come in handy during the inspection process.
You may also be required to provide proof of your financial means. For example, you should be able to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your vacation. Alternatively, you may need to prove you have a solid job once you get home. You may also be required to provide proof of your family’s financial health.
If you are a Schengen traveler, you may have to submit proof of accommodation as a hotel reservation. If you need more money to shell out for a hotel, you may want to get a dummy hotel reservation from a travel agent. The same goes for your local town hall if you are going to live in the area. You should also be able to show that you are eligible for local government benefits. If you are planning to visit a family member, make sure you bring a copy of their passport and your own to prove you have a legitimate connection.