What to bring to the US

1. Vaccination Records

You should bring everything that you can find for every family member coming with you - kids, adults, pets, EVERYBODY. There is no need to translate them beforehand (you can always do it if and when you will need them), as in many cases you will be able to use them even without a translation, but it is much easier to get them while you are still in Ukraine than trying to find them across the ocean. Childrens’ vaccination records will be needed almost immediately for preschools and schools. You will need to produce adult records when/if you apply for permanent residency. It is not the end of the world if you don’t have these records, as you can always do the antibody tests, but usually, these are not covered by insurance and can be rather expensive.

2. College diplomas, and professional certificates

You should definitely bring these, but as far as translation goes, bring them only if doing so is easy and not too expensive. A simple notarized translation will do; there is absolutely no need for apostles or anything like that. If your profession requires you to have a diploma or if you plan to continue your education in the US and want to get credit for some of the classes, you will need to send your diploma(s) to a specialized agency for evaluation. The agency will need a copy of the original and some translations, but even one written by you will do.

What about the school records for the kids? There is no need to bring any school records at all - children will be signed up for school based on their age, not grade. If you believe that your child should start from a higher grade than their American peers, the child will have to take placement tests at the school, and their Ukrainian records will not help.

3. Birth and Marriage Certificates

You absolutely must bring these with you as there may be situations where you will need them. But, again, there is no need to translate them until you actually know where you will need to submit these documents.
Exception: if you have an underage child traveling with their parents, but the child’s last name does not match the last name of the people they are coming with. In this situation, you will need all the documents proving that this is indeed your child and these documents will need to be translated.

4. Medication

Please, bring with you all the prescription meds that you take. If possible, bring enough to last you for at least 3-4 months. If you are regularly taking an over-the-counter medication, check if something similar is available in the US and if you will need a prescription to buy it. To check for similar drugs, look up the names of the main ingredients and search for those, not for the brand name.

You can bring your Ukrainian prescription as well, but US pharmacies will not accept it, and it does not matter if it is translated or not. Your American doctor will want to know what you were taking before and in what doses, so the prescription might be useful for that, or you can just show him the packaging of your medication(s), as those should have this information as well.

5. Glasses and contact lenses 

If you wear glasses be sure to bring a spare pair and your prescription. There is no need to translate it as brick-and-mortar optics stores will not accept it, but in an online store (www.39dollarglasses.com, www.eyebuydirect.com, etc.), you can enter all the parameters yourself. Make sure that your pupil distance is included in the prescription. 

You will not be able to purchase contact lenses without a current local prescription, neither online nor offline. Keep in mind that contact lens eye exams are billed separately and are not covered by Medicaid.

6. Translation of documents

General note about translating any documents when you are already in the US: you DO NOT need any agencies, lawyers, or professional translators. Any person that knows both Ukrainian and English can do it. All that is needed is for them to type the translation and add the following wording at the bottom of the page: 

I, [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in English and [foreign language] and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled [name of document].

Signature_________________________________
[Date]
[Typed Name]
[Address]

After that, they will need to staple together the translation and the copy of the original document and notarize their signature. The cost can be anywhere from zero at their local bank (many banks provide free notary service to their clients) to $5 at the closest UPS store.

For many situations, you will not even need a notary stamp, just the translation and the above statement will be enough.

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