Travel to the United States

We recommend that you visit http://educationusa.state.gov/ for the US Department of State's pre-departure information.

Prior to purchasing airline tickets, it is wise to shop for the most economical airfare.  Costs vary significantly depending on airline and travel date and other restrictions.  However, do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets until the visa has been stamped into your passport and you have been notified by the University of official arrival and orientation dates.

An International Student Identification Card, available through STA Travel allows students to purchase reduced-price air, bus and train tickets.  It also gives them discounts on accommodations in major world cities and discounts for certain services and shopping.  The card automatically carries travelers’ health and accident insurance policy for time spent en route to a destination.  Please visit http://www.isic.org for further information.

• Arrival in the United States

  Preparing for Arrival Inspection             
  You will be issued two forms before the airplane arrives in the United States:

  1. Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is now online and can be retrieved at the Get I-94 information,  and the instruction can be find at U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

  2. You must also complete a separate customs declaration form. If you are bringing $10,000 USD or the foreign equivalent into or out of the United States, you are required to declare the amount on the customs form.

  Upon arrival in the United States, each person will pass through passport control (customs clearance), and then customs inspection.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers take their duties very seriously, and we recommend that you remain patient and polite during this time.  

  During the passport control phase of inspection, every student entering the United States is required to present:

  • A passport valid at least six months into the future, with
  • A valid visa stamp (only Canadians citizens will not need a visa stamp)
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019

  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer may ask some questions about your purposes for traveling to the United States. 

  Some examples include, but are not limited to: “What is your final destination?” “Where will you be studying?”, or “How long do you plan to be in the United States?”

  The Form I-94 card records the date of admission into the United States, and the assigned immigration status.  Form I-94 is the document that specifically assigns J-1 or F-1 immigration status while students are in the United States.  The length of stay for F-1 and J-1 students should be recorded as “D/S”, which means, “duration of status.”  Any J-1 or F-1 student who receives a date-specific expiration date on the Form I-94 card should contact International Services as soon as possible after arriving on campus.

  Your Form I-94 card is a very important document while you are in the United States. Upon exiting the U.S., travelers previously issued a paper Form I-94 should surrender it to the commercial carrier or to CBP upon departure. Otherwise, CBP will record the departure electronically via manifest information provided by the carrier or by CBP. If you have questions regarding the form I-94, please visit the CBP website or check out the I-94 Fact Sheet on the CBP website.

• Customs Clearance
   

  Once you are granted admission into the United States, claim your luggage so that U.S. Customs inspectors can examine all bags for compliance and present the customs form that was distributed by the airline personnel during the flight.  The inspector may look through your luggage, asking questions about whether or not you have brought any prohibited items, have large amounts of currency ($10,000 USD, or more) to declare.  This is to be done, even if your final destination requires travel to another airport.  Often, working dogs sniff the baggage claim area to help find illegal imports.

  Prohibited items include plants, fruits, meats, other fresh or cured food products, drugs and items for resale.  For a more complete listing of prohibited items and further information about Customs inspection, ask for a booklet regarding customs regulations at the U.S. Embassy or consulate when you get your visa, or consult the CBP website at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

  Once a CBP Officer collects your customs form, you may re-check your bags if proceeding to a connecting flight, or exit the airport.