Once your legal stay in the United States is over, it’s time for you to leave the USA and return back to your home country. Leaving the USA in a timely manner is legally required and will also be helpful in all your future entries into the USA.
Do some preparation before getting ready to leave the US:
- Make a couple of photocopies of your I-94 and passport/visa and keep them in a safe space. Keeping a copy in your hand baggage is always useful. These duplicate documents can come in handy in case you lose your passport. If you are a visiting a parent or relative, it’s a good idea to give a copy to your family member. These documents may also be useful for your future visits to the US.
- Check with the airlines for luggage weight limits and prepare your luggage accordingly. It is always better to be informed and save yourself time and frustration, since most airlines do not allow excess weight unless you pay an additional fee.
- If you are carrying any gifts, make sure you are aware of the custom rules of your country so that you don’t have to face any issues at customs when you arrive.
- On the day of departure, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure time to allow for ample time to check-in, check your bags, go through airport security, etc.
Once You Reach the Airport
First, look for your airline checking counter.
The following are a few important things you must do and are required by the US immigration law:
- Hand your I-94 to the airline staff at the airline checking counter. When you do so, make sure that the airline person has taken out the I-94 stub. If they have not taken it out, ask them to do so.
Note
Effective May 6, 2007, international visitors will no longer be required to use the US-VISIT exit when they leave the United States. International visitors who received a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, upon arrival must still return the form to an airline or ship representative when departing the United States.
Once You Reach Your Destination/Home Country
- You may have to go through the immigration check counter
- You may be required to fill out customs and immigration clearance forms for your country
For Indian citizens, when returning to India, you will have to fill out a form called Arrival or Disembarkation form.
Travel from USA to India
Below is a travel guide for Indian visitors taking a return flight from the USA to India, especially suited for elderly people apprehensive about flying.
- Checklist of things to carry
- Immigration and customs process
- Airport rules and regulations
- Arrival process in India
