🛃 Arrival Window
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date (as listed on your I-20).
Example:
I-20 program start date: August 15
Earliest permissible entry: July 16
Entry before July 16: Subject to denial
Entry before the 30-day window:
CBP officers may deny entry and require you to return home.
Recommended arrival time:
Most students arrive 1-2 weeks before classes begin to:
Recover from travel and jet lag
Complete move-in procedures
Attend orientation
Purchase necessary items
Adjust to time zone
Athletes with preseason training should coordinate arrival dates with coaching staff.
👉 Essential Documents for Carry-On Luggage
Do NOT pack these in checked baggage:
✅ Passport with F-1 visa
✅ Original signed I-20
✅ SEVIS fee receipt
✅ Acceptance letter
✅ Financial documents
✅ Housing assignment or address
✅ School contact information
✅ Prescription medications with documentation
Keep these documents accessible in a folder for quick retrieval during customs processing.
🛬 Port of Entry Procedures
Step 1: Navigate to Non-U.S. Citizens Line
Follow airport signage to international arrivals/immigration. Proceed to the "Non-U.S. Citizens" or "Visitors" line. Do not use U.S. Citizens/Residents lines.
Step 2: Wait for Processing
Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on arrival volume.
Step 3: CBP Officer Interview
Approach the booth when called. Present your passport and I-20.
Common questions include:
"What's the purpose of your visit?" → "I'm here to study [major] at [school name] on an F-1 student visa."
"Where will you be studying?" → State your school name and location
"How long will you stay?" → State program duration
"Where will you live?" → Provide housing information
Provide direct, honest answers.
Step 4: Biometric Collection
Standard procedure for all international arrivals:
Photo capture
Fingerprint scanning
Step 5: I-94 Record Creation
The officer creates an electronic I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
Your passport stamp will include "D/S" (Duration of Status), meaning you may remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain valid F-1 status. No specific departure date is assigned.
Step 6: Entry Approval
The officer returns your documents and approves your entry.
Step 7: Baggage Claim
Proceed to baggage claim to collect checked luggage, then exit to ground transportation or your arranged pickup.
✅ Retrieve Your I-94 Record
Within several days of arrival:
Visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Enter required information
Download I-94 as PDF
Save and print copies
Purpose: The I-94 serves as proof of legal entry.
You may need it for:
Driver's license applications
Bank account opening
Other official purposes
❌ Potential Entry Issues
Document questions:
If officers have questions about your documents, remain calm and answer directly. Some applicants are sent to secondary inspection for additional review. This doesn't indicate a problem. It's standard procedure when officers need clarification.
Entry denial:
Rare with proper documentation, but can occur if:
I-20 has expired
Entry attempted more than 30 days before program start
Documentation issues exist
Officer suspects improper intent
If denied entry, officers will explain the reason and arrange return travel. The issue must be resolved before attempting re-entry.
Avoiding problems:
Verify all documents are current and complete before international travel.
⏱️ What to Expect
Entering a new country involves adjustment. International arrivals processing is standard procedure that thousands of students complete daily. CBP officers process F-1 students routinely.
With proper documentation, honest communication, and respectful demeanor, entry processing proceeds smoothly.
You've completed significant preparation to reach this point.
This is the final administrative step before beginning your program.