Transportation

What Should I Consider When Buying Airline Tickets?

This can be broken down into three parts:

Most credit cards issued in Taiwan include travel insurance. Be sure to use a credit card in your own name when purchasing tickets. If you are under 25, you may have a parent help you pay (please check with your respective bank’s credit card benefits for details).

Price is certainly important, but sometimes discounted mileage tickets become available, and business class can often offer great value! Another key point is Global Entry, which is one of the entry options under the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program. With Global Entry, you can use automated kiosks to enter the U.S. without having to stand in line at customs (no more testing your English speaking skills!). The Global Entry ID number can also be entered when booking tickets to enable TSA Precheck on domestic U.S. flights (plus, applying for a U.S. credit card makes it easier to accumulate miles and even get free Global Entry; feel free to ask me if you’re interested)!

The three largest airline alliances globally are:

  • Star Alliance (includes EVA Air)
  • SkyTeam (includes China Airlines)
  • oneworld (includes Cathay Pacific)

As long as the airlines belong to the same alliance, you can accumulate and redeem miles across them. When flying with any airline within the alliance, the miles you earn can be credited to any member airline within that alliance – not just the carrier operating the flight. However, you must inform the airline during ticket purchase or at the check-in counter which airline’s mileage program you wish to credit your miles to and provide your membership number for that program.

Should I Apply for an International Driving Permit?

  • If you have a valid Taiwanese driver’s license, remember to go to your motor vehicle office and apply for an International Driving Permit. While New York State does not allow you to directly exchange a Taiwanese International Driving Permit for a local license, having one will at least allow you to rent or borrow a car when you first arrive on campus.

  • It is still recommended to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) near downtown once you get to school to apply for a New York local driver’s license. Note that licenses are issued in different classes — non-U.S. citizens can only apply for a driver license or Real ID.

Visa

What Forms Are Involved?

  • I-20 (for F visas) / DS-2019 (for J visas): You must carry these with you when entering the U.S. Without an I-20/DS-2019, you cannot enter.
  • Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS): An automated system that tracks personal information for international students on F/M visas and cultural exchange visitors (J visa holders). Be sure to visit the I-901 Fee website to complete the form and make the payment.
  • DS-160: One of the steps in the nonimmigrant visa interview process. You must fill out the DS-160 form online via the U.S. official website, upload the required photo, and then print the DS-160 confirmation page. Only after paying the visa fee will you be able to schedule your visa interview in 1–2 business days. When applying, be aware of the timing (and have a friend’s name, address, phone number; for males, your military service information, etc.).
  • I-94: With a valid Taiwanese passport, you no longer need to fill out the paper I-94 upon entry. Instead, after entering, you can obtain an electronic I-94 record from the U.S. CBP website. You should print this out and keep it safely with your passport and I-20/DS-2019.

What Are the Steps, Exactly?

The most accurate explanation can be found here.

  1. Obtain the I-20 / DS-2019: Cornell will issue the I-20/DS-2019 as your admission certificate through the SEVIS system.

  2. Fill out the DS-160 Form: Go to the U.S. Visa website, create your profile, and fill out the nonimmigrant visa application DS-160 online. Obtain your DS-160 confirmation code and print the visa fee payment receipt.

  3. Take your personalized payment receipt to the post office or pay online via an ATM, and be sure to keep the receipt as proof (I immediately took a photo with my phone when I received mine).

  4. SEVIS I-901: Complete the form and pay the fee (credit cards are accepted), and be sure to keep the receipt.

  5. Hurry and schedule your visa interview: It takes 1-2 days for the payment to be processed. Once it’s processed, quickly schedule your interview! Be sure to print your interview appointment confirmation.

  6. Go to the American Institute in Taiwan in Neihu for your interview (enter through the small side door – the security guards are very friendly).

  7. Obtain your visa (good luck with your interview!): You’ll be asked to provide your 10-fingerprint scan. After the interview, if approved, the officer will take your passport directly. Approximately one week later, your passport (now with the visa attached) will be delivered to you by SF Express. Prepare NT$330 (if the price hasn’t increased) in cash to pay the courier upon delivery.

What Should I Bring to the Interview?

  • Visa interview appointment confirmation
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • A valid passport and any previous passports (if any of your old passports are lost or discarded, apply for a document that shows your past entry and exit dates)
  • A recent color photo (within 6 months) that meets U.S. specifications (5 cm x 5 cm)
  • Receipt for the nonimmigrant visa application fee
  • The original I-20 / DS-2019 from Cornell
  • SEVIS I-901 payment receipt

What Are the Limitations of the Interview Waiver/Drop-off Services?

If you are a first-time applicant for an F1 student visa and have never participated in a visa interview before, you must schedule an in-person interview and are not eligible for the drop-off service.

Even if you have previously entered the U.S. using ESTA or a B1/B2 visa, you cannot use the interview waiver drop-off service (as per the new regulations effective January 1, 2024).

What If the Interview Time is too Late for the Start of the Semester? How Can I Request an Expedited Interview?

Documents required include:

  • DS-160 (make sure the confirmation page has a barcode so you can schedule an interview)
  • I-20/DS-2019
  • A Visa Support Letter from your school (optional)

To request an expedited interview, first schedule the earliest regular appointment available on the AIT website here. After scheduling, you will see an option for Expedited Appointment on the left side of the screen. Fill out the expedited appointment application; typically, expedited appointments are only available if your program start date is within the next 60 days.

What If I Cannot Arrive in the U.S. Before the Course Start Date Listed on the I-20?

According to the regulations, new students must arrive in the U.S. within 30 days before the start of the course. If you plan to arrive after the course begins, it is advised to contact your school’s administrative staff immediately, as customs may reach out to the school for confirmation in such cases.

Interview Tips

The reason you are here is likely simple: to broaden your horizons and seek opportunities. During your interview, be honest in your answers. Remember, you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa, meaning that after graduating, you will return to Taiwan to work (you’re only at Cornell to gain knowledge).

Be confident and answer the questions directly – this isn’t an English proficiency test. Unless the interviewer specifically asks for explanations, keep your answers concise. Over-explaining may lead to unintended mistakes. Similarly, when going through U.S. customs, answer simply and directly – just state the key points in one sentence!

What Questions Might They Ask You?

Since I am studying in the field of plant sciences, which is not considered a sensitive area, I was lucky to receive very simple questions:

  1. What do you plan to do in the U.S.?
    • “Study for a PhD.”
  2. Where will you be studying?
    • “Cornell University.”
  3. What will you be studying?
    • “Plant Breeding and Genetics.”
  4. What crop will you be researching?
    • “Maize.” (By the way, I even saw the approved stamp on it.)
  5. How many varieties of maize are there?
    • “I think more than 200 varieties.” (Honestly, I have no idea and just guessed – there should be over 600 varieties.)
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Last updated 26 Mar 2025, 19:39 -0400 . history