Stony Brook University Graduate School

Travel Advisory

Below, in section 1 is a recent press release issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that provides students and exchange visitors with travel tips to assist them with entering the United States . Section 2 is a detailed travel advisory prepared by Stony Brook University for new and current students in F-1 or J-1 status.

Section 1: ICE Press Release: http://www.grad.sunysb.edu/international/Sevis%20Travel%20Reminder.pdf

Section 2: Stony Brook Travel advisory

CONTENTS:

SHOULD I TRAVEL?

PRE-DEPARTURE DOCUMENT CHECK

STRATEGIES FOR A SUCCESSFUL RE-ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES

1. OBTAINING YOUR NEW SEVIS FORM I-20 OR DS-2019

All new Stony Brook students must be issued a SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 prior to their arrival. Information on obtaining this form should be sent to you once you have been admitted to a full time program of study. Beginning September 1, 2004 , first time F-1 or J-1 status seekers will need to pay the $100 SEVIS I-901 Visa Fee prior to visa issuance from a US embassy or Consulate.

2. TRAVEL WITHIN THE UNITED STATES

Many students think that their passport and visa documents are only needed when traveling abroad. WRONG! If you are planning a trip within the United States by car, bus, train or air plane, to U.S. cities near or far, it is essential that you have your passport and visa documents with you. Since September 11, 2001 , there has been heightened security not only at all border crossings, but also at bus terminals, train terminals, and airports throughout the United States . Police from multiple agencies; federal, state and municipal, may be patrolling these areas. People may be stopped and questioned randomly. Therefore, students are urged to be sure to have their passport, immigration documents (I-94 card and Form I-20 or DS-2019), and Stony Brook ID card with them for ALL distance travel, even travel within New York State . In addition, be sure that your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 has an authorizing signature for travel no older than six months .

If you are applying for a change of non-immigrant status, have an immigration petition or EAD card application pending, be sure to carry your USCIS receipt notice (green Form I-797). This notice proves that you have an application pending with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A person without valid travel documents can be arrested, threatened with deportation and taken into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody.

3. TRAVEL TO CANADA OR MEXICO

For travel to Canada or Mexico, first check to see if a tourist visa will be required to enter either country. Information on Canadian tourist visas is available in the International Services office and on the Canadian government website . You will need to have your passport, immigration documents (I-94 card and Form I-20 or DS-2019), and Stony Brook ID card with you when you travel, and be certain that your Form I-20 or DS-2019 has an authorizing signature not more than six months old . If you have already been issued or will soon be issued a SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019, then the signature will not need to be updated.

Last year, The U.S. Department of State announced new rules for non-immigrants who use the "automatic revalidation of visa" benefit [22 CFR 41.112(d)] to re-enter the United States after a 30-day or less visit to a "contiguous territory" (Canada, Mexico, and, in the case of F and J non-immigrants, the "adjacent islands other than Cuba") without having to obtain a new visa prior to re-entry.

First, citizens of "state sponsors of terrorism" (as designated in the State Department's annual "Patterns of Global Terrorism" report) are no longer eligible for the automatic revalidation of visa benefit. The most recent State Department report was released on June 1, 2004 , and lists the following countries as state sponsors of terrorism: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba. This means that a person who is a citizen of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, or Cuba in the United States in any non-immigrant classification can only enter Canada and return to the United States only IF he or she has an unexpired multiple-entry U.S. visa in the passport for his or her current status.

The second change affects individuals who choose to apply for a new U.S. visa while in Canada or Mexico. Under the new rule, ANY non-immigrant (not just someone from the 7 countries listed above) who chooses to apply for a new visa while in Canada or Mexico will no longer be eligible for the "automatic revalidation" benefit during the course of that trip, but will have to wait until the visa is approved in order to re-enter the United States. If the U.S. visa application is denied, that individual will not be permitted to re-enter the United States, and will instead have to return to his or her home country. See Section 8 of this article, "Applying for a New U.S. Visa at a Consulate Abroad" for additional information on the visa application process.

However, non-immigrants traveling to Canada or Mexico for less than thirty days and returning to the United States (other than citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba) who do not intend to apply for a new U.S. visa can still make use of the automatic revalidation benefit, and re-enter on their expired U.S. visas, as long as they have a valid, unexpired passport, their I-94 card, and a valid and signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT I-94 CARDS: F-1 and J-1 students with expired U.S. visas who are traveling to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands for up to 30 days, who will not be applying for a new U.S. visa while there, AND who will be resuming their studies upon their return should NOT surrender their I-94 card. Canadian or Mexican nationals returning to their home country should surrender their I-94 card as they enter their country, and obtain a new I-94 card the next time they enter the United States. Canadian nationals should be sure to carry with them their financial documentation that verifies the information on their SEVIS Form I-20 when getting ready to return to the United States.

4. TRAVEL ABROAD

SHOULD I TRAVEL ABROAD?
Whether or not to travel abroad is a personal decision. With the conflict in Middle East and U.S. homeland security issues continuing to be of concern, there is uncertainty in some quarters regarding the advisability of long-distance travel. Any student who feels uncomfortable or concerned about their travel plans in a time of uncertainty may prefer to cancel or defer those plans. No one is capable of predicting the future.

Students whose U.S. visas have expired and who will need to apply for new U.S. visas abroad should anticipate longer waiting periods to obtain a new visa, closer scrutiny of their visa documents, in person reviews, and possible security clearances. You are urged to check with the U.S. consulate or embassy where you will apply for the visa, or its web site link: http://travel.state.gov/links.html BEFORE leaving the United States to determine that particular post's policies and procedures, because much has changed in the past eight months. You should start the visa process at the earliest possible time upon your arrival back in your home country. You will want to purchase your airline tickets well in advance for your flight back to the United States. Please see our most recent travel advisory at:

http://www.grad.sunysb.edu/International/Summer%20Travel%20Advisory.doc

5. PRE-DEPARTURE DOCUMENT CHECK

PASSPORTS
When was the last time you checked the expiration date in your passport? In order to re-enter the United States, your passport MUST be valid at least six months into the future. Passports may be renewed at your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. You can obtain address and telephone numbers of US embassies and consulates at http://www.embassy.org/embassies/

SEVIS FORM I-20 OR DS-2019
You must travel using your new SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019. However, be sure to save all of your previous I-20s (or DS-2019s - IAP-66s), as they represent your immigration "history" in the United States. If you will need to apply for a new visa, check the front of your I-20 or DS-2019 carefully to be sure the field of study, level of study, and source of funds are still correct. If you will need a new I-20 or DS-2019, you must provide updated proof of financial support, unless current information is already on file. Allow 30 days for the International Services office to prepare new SEVIS Forms I-20 or DS-2019 for you.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION APPLICANTS

If you were required to go through the special registration process within the past twelve months because you are male and from one of the 25 designated countries, there is a special exit procedure that you must follow before you can depart the United States. Generally, this exit procedure will take place at the airport where your overseas flight will depart. The exit procedure can add several hours to your departure schedule, so be certain to allow plenty of extra time so that you do not miss your flight! You should have been given information regarding the exit procedure when you went through your special registration inspection. Further information on Special Registration is available on the USCIC website at:

http://www.ice.gov/graphics/enforce/imm/imm_sr.htm

I-94 ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARD
You will need to surrender your I-94 card upon your departure from the United States . You will be issued a new I-94 card upon your re-entry to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will now issue new admission numbers each time a non-immigrant enters the United States. However, your SEVIS number (printed at the top right of your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019) will not change. SPECIAL NOTE: F-1 and J-1 students with expired U.S. visas who are traveling to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands for up to 30 days AND who will be resuming their studies upon their return should NOT surrender their I-94 card. Canadian or Mexican nationals returning to their home country should surrender their I-94 card as they enter their country, and obtain a new I-94 card the next time they enter the United States. Canadian nationals should be sure to carry with them their financial documentation that verifies the information on their SEVIS Form I-20 when getting ready to return to the United States.

U.S. VISA
Check your U.S. visa stamp inside your passport. Has your visa stamp expired? If it is still valid, is it for multiple entry, or have the entries been used up? Finally, is the category for which the visa was issued the status you currently hold (for example, if your visa is F-2, are you currently in F-2 status or did that status change after you entered the United States?) If you are in F-1 or J-1 status and traveling to Canada, Mexico, or islands adjacent to North America, you do not need a valid U.S. visa as long as you have been maintaining your status, have a valid passport and Form I-20 or DS-2019 and are entering those countries for tourist purposes and your stay will be 30 days or less (you DO need a valid U.S. visa if you are a citizen of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, or Cuba). However, travel to all other countries will require that you have a valid U.S. visa before you may re-enter the United States. This is especially true if you changed your non-immigrant status while in the United States (for example, changed from F-2 to F-1). This will mean applying for a new visa at the U.S. consulate in the country you will visit. Be sure to see section 8, "Applying for a New Visa at a U.S. Consulate Abroad."

STONY BROOK ID CARD
Carry your current Stony Brook ID card with you as additional supporting documentation of your student status.

LETTER OF GOOD STANDING
This is a letter issued by your academic department that verifies that you are a student at Stony Brook and that you are maintaining valid status. It is required for a travel signature on your Form I-20 / DS-2019 and for a new visa application. Any international student traveling outside the United States who will be applying for a new F-1 or J-1 visa should request such a letter from your department at least ten days prior to travel.

MAINTAINING STATUS
Have you been maintaining the conditions of your non-immigrant status? If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, this means maintaining full time registration each semester at the school you are authorized to attend (12 credits for G1 and G3 graduate students and all undergraduates; 9 credits for G2 ,G4 or G5 graduate students in). Maintaining status also means reporting changes of address to the IS office (or by noting the change in your SOLAR account) within ten days, refraining from unauthorized employment, not letting your Form I-20 or DS-2019 expire, and following the appropriate procedures for school transfer and extensions. J-1 Exchange Visitors are also required to have health and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance for both themselves and their J-2 dependents. If you think you may have violated the conditions of your status, be sure to speak to an advisor in International Services BEFORE departing the United States, as you may risk being denied permission to return.

STONY BROOK TRANSCRIPT
Have an official copy of your SB transcript with you if you will be applying for a new student visa abroad, to show the consular official that you have been making satisfactory progress towards your degree. An increasing number of consulates are beginning to ask for transcripts when students come to renew their student visas. In addition to the transcript, also have with you a printed copy of your current course registration, stamped by the Registrar's Office.

FOREIGN VISA
If you are visiting a country other than your own, you may need a visitor's visa to enter. You can also find out about entry requirements for other countries by pointing your web browser to http://www.embassy.org/embassies/

FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION
Evidence of financial support that appears on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is required if you will be applying for a new student visa abroad, OR if you are a national of Canada or Mexico who is traveling home to Canada or Mexico for the summer. In some cases, immigration officials at ports of entry may ask to see your financial support documentation.

PRACTICAL TRAINING
If you have completed your studies and have applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with you, as well as your SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, in order to re-enter the United States . If you are on OPT and will need to obtain a new F-1 visa before returning to the United States, it is strongly advised that you have with you a letter from your employer, verifying your employment status. USCIS regulations state that an F-1 on authorized practical training may depart the country temporarily and re-enter the United States to "resume" employment, which means not only must you have a job offer, but employment must have already commenced. Students are warned that visa issuance for individuals on practical training can be highly problematic, since you may have a hard time proving that you do not intend to immigrate to the United States. Such students are urged to discuss their situation with an International Student Adviser in the IS office before they travel.

6. U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
IF YOU ARE LEAVING STONY BROOK PERMANENTLY

IS staff are often asked what the immigration requirements are if a student will no longer be continuing at Stony Brook, either because the student is returning to his/her home country, or is beginning Practical Training, or because the student is going to begin study at a new school.

Regardless of your plans, retain your old Form I-20s or DS-2019s! These forms represent your immigration history in the United States and should be kept in a safe place as you would any important document. In addition, you must complete a Departure Record and update your address on the University SOLAR System . If you were employed on or off campus during the current year, be sure to give your supervisor your forwarding address. This will allow tax documents, including W-2 forms, to be sent to you when they become available in January of the following year.

The U.S. federal regulatory process for transferring your F-1 status from Stony Brook to a new school requires that you notify the IS office of your intent to transfer. If you have already been issued a SEVIS Form I-20 by Stony Brook, there is a "transfer out" process for your SEVIS record which must be followed, or else your new school cannot issue you a SEVIS Form I-20. Also, it's important that you follow your new school's instructions for reporting to its International Student Office at the beginning of your semester there.

Students who will be ending their studies in May but have no plans to apply for practical training (F-1), academic training (J-1) or continue at a new school or in a new field or level of study, or seek a change of non-immigrant status must depart the United States within sixty days of graduation or completion of their academic program if they are in F-1 status, or within thirty days if they are in J-1 status.

7. APPLYING FOR A NEW VISA AT A U.S. CONSULATE ABROAD

Remember when you applied for your U.S. visa the first time? Applying for a new visa to replace the one that has expired in your passport requires you to present similar documentation, but anticipate some changes in the process.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Any student who is traveling outside the United States whose U.S. visa has expired will need to renew it at a U.S. visa issuing post abroad before the student can return to the United States. In most cases, the visa application will be filed at a US consulate in your home country. It is important to note that the summer period is an extremely busy time at visa issuing posts due to large numbers of travelers and reduced embassy staff who may be taking vacation. Also, in the event of any protests, security threats, health concerns (such as SARS) or terrorist attacks that are judged to be threatening to U.S. embassy or consulate personnel, government officials at those posts may temporarily close or alter their operational hours. It is advisable to check with the U.S. consulate or embassy, or its web site link: http://travel.state.gov/links.html for the most current information, although keep in mind that information on the web site might not necessarily be up-to-date. Some visa issuing posts that previously only accepted visa applications by mail or through an approved "drop-off" facility now may require an in-person appearance by the visa applicant.

Allow plenty of time for the visa application process, and begin the process as soon as possible after you arrive home.

Nearly all U.S. consular posts overseas have their own web sites. The initiative is part of an effort to disseminate information on visa application procedures specific to the individual posts. Information on consular post policies, procedures and documentary requirements can be obtained via these web sites which may be accessed from the State Department's main web page at: http://travel.state.gov/links.html . The consulate web sites are a valuable resource for international students and scholars.

The State Department has also prepared two information sheets about student visas on its web site which may be useful to you as an international student. They may be obtained at
http://travel.state.gov/what_consuls_look_for.html
http://travel.state.gov/foreign_student_visas_handout.html

SECURITY CONCERNS AND SPECIAL REGISTRATION
Individuals from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria will not be eligible to obtain a new non-immigrant visa unless it can be determined that the individual does not pose a security risk.

Males between the ages of 16 and 45 from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen who will need to renew their U.S. visas while abroad will be required to undergo security checks that may lengthen the processing time for their visa applications by as long as two weeks, and possibly longer.

These same individuals will be subject to " Special Registration " upon their return to the United States. "Special Registration" is part of the legislation passed by the U.S. Congress since the attacks of September 11, 2001. The U.S. government developed a National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) to help monitor the arrivals and departures of foreign nationals. Although many aspects of NSEERS systems has been suspended, visitors may still be subject upon arrival.

Individuals subject to "Special Registration" are fingerprinted, photographed and questioned under oath upon entry into the United States . This list can be expanded at anytime with the publication of additional countries in the Federal Register.

TECHNOLOGY ALERT LIST AND SENSITIVE AREAS OF STUDY
Students who are considered to be researching / majoring in "sensitive areas of study" as determined by the U.S. government may also be required to undergo security clearances before a visa can be issued.

There is a document called the " Technology Alert List " that visa officers consult for this purpose.
China, India, Israel, Pakistan and Russia have received special mention by the U.S. State Department.

But even if you are not a citizen of one of the countries listed above, your field of study (especially if it is in the sciences, technology or engineering) might require your visa application to undergo a security clearance REGARDLESS of the country you are from. Such clearances can add weeks to the amount of time needed for visa approval. There are fifteen broad subject areas listed on the Technology Alert List, with detailed specializations within each broad area. Updated information on the Technology Alert List may be available at: http://travel.state.gov/visa_telegrams.html

If you find that your visa application is delayed due to a need for the consulate or embassy to send your file for review based on your field of study, please notify the IS office by e-mail, fax or telephone of the situation.

SEVIS REQUIREMENTS
Consular officials are required to verify your record in the SEVIS system before a visa can be approved. This is also true for any dependents. There have been data transfer problems of some SEVIS records between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) that have resulted in lost information. If the consular official is unable to access your record in SEVIS and you have a SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019, please contact the IS office by e-mail, phone or fax to alert us to the problem.

VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for a new visa, you will need to complete application form DS-156 "Non-Immigrant Visa Application" and DS-158 "Contact Information and Work History for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicant." If you are male, you must also complete the DS-157, the "Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application." Note that consular officers reserve the right to require a DS-157 from any applicant for any visa classification. You may download these forms at: http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/c4456.htm . These forms are also available as paper copies at any U.S. visa issuing post abroad.

You will also need one photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. You will need to have sufficient currency to pay the required visa fees, or a receipt showing that you have paid the visa fees. You will need your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 and a letter of good standing from your department.

You will also need to show the embassy / consulate proof of financial support, binding ties to your home country which you have no intentions of abandoning, and that you plan to return to your home country upon the conclusion of your studies. Some U.S. consulates will ask you how you plan to use your U.S. education in your home country. Many consulates will ask you to present copies of your academic transcripts to prove that you have been maintaining student status in the United States, and that you have been making satisfactory progress in your program. Plan to have copies with you, but do not present it to a consular officer unless specifically asked to do so.

VISA APPLICATIONS IN CANADA OR MEXICO
New U.S. State Department regulations that took effect in April 2002 state that any non-immigrant who chooses to apply for a new visa while in Canada or Mexico (but is not a citizen of either of those two countries) and whose visa application is subsequently denied will not be permitted to re-enter the United States. International students should consider this matter carefully when applying for a U.S. visa in Canada or Mexico . See Section 3 for further details.

8. STRATEGIES FOR A SUCCESSFUL RE-ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES

Procedures at the U.S. ports of entry will be different to accommodate new SEVIS requirements as well as special registration requirements. Immigration and customs are now managed by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (BICE) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You will see BICE officers at all U.S. ports of entry. You may also be required to go through a pre-inspection procedure at certain airports abroad.

The IS office encourages students to have their current Stony Brook ID card with them as back up identification. However, when you give your documents to the BICE inspector at your U.S. port of entry or pre-boarding checkpoint, you should initially present only your passport, I-94 card (which was distributed on the airplane), and signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019. Your Stony Brook ID card and other materials should be presented for "supporting documentation" purposes, if you are asked to produce additional documentation.

SEVIS
BICE officials are required to record your arrival data into SEVIS at the time you enter, and return your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 to you, after they have stamped it. However, not all BICE officials will have access to SEVIS at their booths in the "primary lanes." Depending upon the port of entry, some students may be directed to a secondary inspection area or "student lanes" so that their data can be entered into the SEVIS system. BICE is advising that processing at land, sea, and air ports may take more time, so travel and connecting flight plans should take this into account.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION
Individuals subject to "special registration" will be directed to a separate area following their initial immigration inspection where they will be fingerprinted, photographed and questioned under oath. This may add significant delays to the amount of time spent at the airport. If traveling on a connecting flight, allow plenty of time.

Additionally, the USCIS has the discretion to require any foreign national, regardless of nationality, to undergo special registration if they are considered a national security risk. The discretionary factors relating to national security risk may include dual citizenship with one of the designated countries, a foreign national's unexplained trips to certain designated countries, other instances of unexplained travel, previous visa violations, people who by their "behavior, demeanor, or answers" demonstrate that they should be monitored while in the United States, and characteristics determined by intelligence profiles. Because of the broad and discretionary nature of the criteria, many non-immigrants could be subjected to special registration.

DOCUMENT PROBLEMS
In certain cases, if there is some problem with your documents, you may be issued a 30-day entry on your I-94 card and issued a Form I-515, usually with instructions to see your international student adviser. Examine your I-94 card carefully as you leave the immigration booth. F-1 students and J-1 students should have their I-94s marked "D/S" by an inspector which means “Duration of Status”, along with a stamp indicating the date you entered the United States. If you notice, while still at the port of entry, that an expiration date is written on the I-94 instead of "D/S", bring it to the attention of the inspector. Otherwise, come to the International Services office as soon as possible.

9. KEEPING YOUR VALUABLES SAFE WHEN YOU TRAVEL

Items left unattended for even a very brief period have become a premium target for theft. Every traveler should remain on constant alert as they traverse through all airports.

10. TRAVEL RESOURCES

There are many sources of information on travel destinations, including the web, travel agencies, visitors bureaus, and local book stores. The IS office has many helpful travel links on its website at http://www.grad.sunysb.edu/international/immlinks.html as well as printed material on New York City and other destinations available in the office for reference.

11. SALES TAX REFUNDS?

Students sometimes ask if it is possible for them to receive a refund of the sales tax they paid for goods and services in the United States upon their departure. In the U.S., sales tax on goods and services is set by each of the fifty states, and state entities (such as cities and counties), not by the U.S. government. Each state and state entity determines what the sales tax will be (always a percent of the purchase price) and what items will and will not be assessed a sales tax.

Therefore, it is not possible for an overseas visitor to obtain a refund of the sales tax for a purchase made in the U.S. upon their departure. The best "official" explanation comes from the U.S. Customs Service, which is reprinted below. Go to:

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/visitingtheunitedstates.ctt/visitingtheunitedstates.doc.

"Foreign visitors to the United States frequently confuse the state sales tax with the value-added tax (VAT). The state sales tax is a small tax on purchases or services, calculated at the time of purchase, which individual states assess and which the U.S. federal government neither determines nor receives. The VAT, on the other hand, is a national tax commonly applied in foreign countries that is included in the actual sales price rather than at the time of purchase. The United States does not have a VAT, and the federal government cannot refund state sales taxes.

State taxes are generally not charged to diplomats or employees of some international organizations who have been issued a tax-exemption card. This card must be presented at the time of purchase in order for sales taxes to be waived.

Also, many states do not charge tax on items shipped out of state. Ask about state sales-tax policies in the state where you make your purchases."

12. SHIPPING BOOKS AND OTHER ITEMS OVERSEAS

A very inexpensive way to send large quantities of books overseas is to use the U.S. Postal Service's M-bags (large, canvas duffel bags) for "bound, printed matter." For more information, visit the Postal Service's website at: http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub51/pub51.html and scroll down to "M-Bags." The rates are sometimes about half the usual parcel post rate. Each bag needs to weigh at least 11 pounds and no more than 66 pounds with all boxes addressed to the same recipient. Books are packaged by the sender in small boxes, with the destination address clearly written inside and outside each package. Take the boxes to any major post office and ask for an "M-Bag". Your boxes of books are then placed in the huge canvas sack (a.k.a. the "M-Bag"), the bag is closed and addressed to your destination, and the postage is affixed to the bag tag. The bag can be shipped via air or boat (economy), and the books should go from the point of mailing to the destination post office without even being taken out of the bag. This tends to increase the likelihood of their safe and intact arrival. Even if one of the packages breaks open in handling, the contents stay in the M-bag.

13. SHIPPING COMPANIES

If you choose not to use the U.S. Postal Service's M-Bags, or if you are shipping items other than books, you may want to use the services of the following companies to ship large items overseas. Call or write to them for information:

International Sea and Air Shipping Corp.
8 Connerty Court
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
(732) 390-0322

American Baggage Inc.
236 Pleasant St., Methuen, MA. 01844
(800) 752-6773 (USA and Canada) or (978) 975-0142
e-mail: AmerocamBaggage@discount-shipping.net
http://www.discount-shipping.net

ABACO International Shippers, Inc.
4201 West Wrightwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60639
(312) 342-7100
(800) 621-4504

Lynch International
34-37 65th St., P.O. Box 1112
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 672-8900

Emery Air Freight Corp.
Broome County Airport
(800) 443-6379
http://www.emeryworld.com

Federal Express International
(800) 463-3339
http://www.fedex.com

United Parcel Service
(800) 742-5877
http://www.ups.com

Permission granted by International Student and Scholar Services, Binghamton University, State University of New York to modify their "Travel Extra, published April 2003.

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