Plan Your Arrival
You may be refused entry into the United States if you
attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on
your SEVIS I-20 form.
Always Hand-Carry Your Documents
Do not check the following documents in your baggage. If
your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at
your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States
- Your
passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected
stay; and
SEVIS
Form I-20.
In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also
hand carry the following documentation:
Evidence
of financial resources;
Evidence
of student status, such as recent tuition receipts and transcripts;
Paper
receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797, and
Name
and contact information for your "Designated School Official",
including a 24-hour emergency contact number at the school.
Complete Your Entry Paperwork
If Arriving By Air: Flight attendants will
distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival Departure Record
Forms (I-94). These must be completed prior to landing.
If Arriving By Land or Sea: The CBP Officer at
the port of entry will provide the necessary Customs Declaration Forms
(CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94) to be filled out upon your
arrival.
As You Arrive at the Port of Entry
Proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers. Have
the following documents available for presentation:
- Your passport;
- SEVIS Form
(I-20);
- Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94); and
- Customs Declaration Form
(CF-6059).
The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside, not
the address of the school or program.
All visitors entering the United States must state their
reason for wishing to enter the country. You will also be asked to provide
information about your final destination. It is important that you tell
the CBP Officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the
name and address of the school program where you will enroll/participate.
Once your inspection is successfully completed, the
inspecting officer will:
Stamp
your SEVIS Form for duration of status (“D/S”) for F visa holders
Stamp
your SEVIS Form for 30 days beyond program end date for M visa holders
Stamp
the Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94) and staple it in the passport
Following Admission Into the United States
Students should report to their school within 30 days of the
date that appears on the SEVIS I-20 form to register for courses or to validate
their intended participation. Failure to do so may result in serious
consequences.