Status, school and employer, final taxes, bank accounts, retirement money, phone, lease, mail and shipping your things.
Whether you finished your studies, your job ended or you decided to go home, a clean exit protects your money and your future US travel. Start about two months before you leave.
Immigration status
Leave before your status or grace period ends. Staying even a little too long can cause problems for future visas.
Students and exchange visitors: tell your DSO or RO your departure date so your SEVIS record is correct.
Workers: your employer handles the end of employment. Keep your final pay stubs and termination letter.
Green card holders leaving permanently: you can formally give up permanent residence with Form I-407. Talk to a lawyer first if you may want to come back, or about tax consequences.
Keep proof that you left on time: boarding pass, passport stamp, and your I-94 travel history from i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
Taxes
You must still file a US tax return for the year you leave, by the normal deadline, even from abroad.
Some departing non-citizens must get a tax clearance certificate (often called a sailing permit) from the IRS before leaving. Many students, exchange visitors and others with limited US income are exempt. Check the IRS "departing alien clearance" page.
If you were a tax resident, ask a tax professional about your final-year filing.
Money
1
Decide which bank account to keep open for refunds, final pay and deposits. Tell the bank your new foreign address. Some banks close accounts of customers who live abroad; ask first.
2
Pay off and close credit cards you do not need, or keep one in good standing.
3
401(k) and IRA: you can usually leave the money in the account. Taking it out early can bring taxes and a penalty. Get advice before deciding.
4
Social Security: if your home country has a totalization agreement with the US, your US work may count for your pension there. Check ssa.gov.
5
Ask for your security deposit back in writing and give the landlord your forwarding address.
Home and services
1
Give notice to your landlord as your lease requires, often 30 to 60 days.
2
Schedule the end date for electricity, gas, internet and renters insurance.
3
Cancel or transfer your phone plan, but first move your two-step codes to another number or app.
4
Cancel subscriptions, gym, car insurance, and memberships.
5
Car: sell it, transfer the title, return the plates if your state requires it, and cancel insurance after the sale.
Mail and things
USPS mail forwarding works only to US addresses. Forward to a friend, or use a mail service.
Selling or donating furniture often costs less than shipping it.
Keep digital copies of tax returns, pay stubs, I-20s, approval notices and diplomas. You may need them for future visas.
Common mistakes
Closing your only US bank account before your final paycheck and tax refund arrive.
Forgetting a phone number that receives your bank's codes.