Before You Leave Home

Spouses & Partners

You will want to bring certain official documents with you, including:

  • a translated and certified copy of your marriage license
  • health records

Additional Considerations

  • There are many resources available on our site, organized by your spouse/partner's Yale affiliation. In the Preparing for Yale section you can find information about packing, housing, what to expect upon arrival in the U.S., transportation, and more:
  • Follow the OISS and the International Spouses and Partners at Yale through Facebook, and ask fellow internationals any questions you may have.
  • Sign up for the OISS Newsletter.

Children

If you have children who will entering school or daycare, bring translated copies of the following documents:

  • their medical and immunizations records
  • birth certificates
  • any school records

You will be required to present these documents before your child can enter school or daycare.

Schools & Childcare Options

It is advisable to consider the school options for a particular neighborhood before you make a decision about where you will live. Information about public and private schools in New Haven and the surrounding communities may be found below. If you have specific questions about daycare and/or education options for your children, please contact OISS.

Health Requirements for School-Aged Children

Children attending school in the U.S. are required to have a number of immunizations. Be sure to review requirements depending on the age of your child(ren):

There are specific immunization for requirements for children attending CT schools:

Having these completed prior to your arrival will make school enrollment easier. You will also find other forms and information about school health requirements on the Connecticut State Department of Education website.

Before leaving home make sure to obtain documentation from your child’s doctor, in English, to confirm your child is up to date based on CT Health Department requirements.

Once you are in the U.S., if your child is missing any vaccinations, your doctor in the U.S. will need to administer the immunizations and provide you with documentation. Your child’s school might suggest you go to the CT Department of Health for these requirements, but it is better to go to your U.S. doctor instead.

In addition to the immunizations, your child will need provide a health assessment, conducted by a U.S. doctor. Speak with your child's doctor for more information.