Packing for the USA

While the thought of packing your bags for your new life in America may be a daunting one, here is a smart guide to packing to help you decide what you definitely need to bring, what to leave behind and what to buy once you arrive at your destination.

Essential documents you need to bring:

1. Passport(s)
2. Application for immigrant visa and alien registration. One copy for each applicant must be fully completed.
3. Birth certificate (long version with parent’s names) for yourself, spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age
   One original
   One photocopy
4. Adoption certificate (if applicable)
   One original
   One photocopy
5. Deed poll (if you have changed your name)
   One original
   One photocopy
6. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
   One original
   One photocopy
7. Divorce decree (if applicable)
   One original
   One photocopy
8. Military service record (for any service in any country)
   One original
   One photocopy
9. Police certificate(s) (required for each applicant over the age of 16—one for each country where applicant lived for at least one year after 16 years of age)
   One original
   One photocopy

What to pack

Each person is allowed two large suitcases with a total weight of 80 pounds (about 37 kilograms). You will most likely be charged extra for a third bag or any bags over the airlines’ weight limit. With these limits in mind, pack only what you really need and purchase the rest once you arrive in America.

Essentials Items:

1. Money
   ~$5,000 U.S. in cash or traveller’s cheques if you are traveling alone.
   ~$1,000 U.S. for each additional person traveling with you.
   ~Carry your traveller’s cheques with you in a money bag or secure area.
   Note: If bank drafts or money orders are deposited in a U.S. bank, the funds may not be available for up to 28 days.
2. Documentation
   All documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.) should be with you at all times while travelling. Keep them on you or in your hand-held luggage.
3. Credit Cards
   If you have one or more, bring them with you. Credit cards are useful and sometimes necessary for getting items you need.
   If you don’t have a credit card, you will want to get one. To get one in the United States, you will need to establish credit in the U.S. (which will take about 6 to 12 months).
4. Clothing
   Pack lightly.
   Find out what the weather is like in the area you are going to live and pack for that weather.
   Plan to purchase most of your clothes in the United States. Clothing is often less expensive in America than in many other countries.
5. Linen
   You will need sheets for your bed(s). (Bring extra sheets if you are travelling with your family.)
   You will also need to bring one or two bath towels. You can buy extra sheets and towels at stores near your apartment once you arrive in America.
6. Uniforms
   Because hospitals have different uniform requirements, you may want to wait until you arrive before you make any uniform purchases. There are numerous uniform outlets in every major U.S. city or online.
7. Personal Items
   Current résumé
   Skills checklist
   Copies of certifications
   Copies of diplomas
   Copy of your degree
   General reference books
   Pictures of friends and family
   Small items that will make you feel at home

Non-Essential Items:

Pack non-essential items sparingly. Remember, you can purchase most of what you need in America.
Purchase new small appliances once you arrive in the United States. It is likely your appliances will not conform to the U.S. standard voltage. Here is an example of what some household appliances cost:

Hairdryer $10 - $25
Curling Iron $10 - $15
Stereo/CD/Radio/ $50 - $300
19 inch Television $160 - $200
DVD player $100 - $300
VCR $80 - $200

Source: O'Grady Peyton International