Travel and Port of Entry Procedures

Do not check the following documents in your luggage as you will need them at the U.S. Port of Entry:

• SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019
;
• Passport (valid at least six months beyond program end date)
;
• Visa (if applicable);
• $6.00 U.S. currency for the U.S. I-94 Entry fee;
• Slutzker Center contact information-- Patricia Burak, (315) 443-2457.
  If the office is closed, contact the Department of Public Safety (315) 443-2224; and
• Money (U.S.) for additional expenses (taxi, bus, food).

• SEVIS fee receipt (Form I-797)
;
• Proof of funding for 1 year (e.g., scholarship or sponsorship letter, bank statements);
• Proof of student status (e.g., admission letter, tuition receipt)
.

On the Airplane/Boat

Crew members will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059B) and Arrival Departure Record Forms (I-94). These must be completed prior to arriving in the U.S. On the Form I-94, you should provide the address where you will reside in the U.S., not the address of the school or program.

Port of Entry

After entering the U.S. at the airport, you will pass through a U.S. Immigration Port of Entry inspection. Your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and other documents will be officially reviewed. A digital photograph and a biometric scan of your index finger will be taken. You will likely have to answer a few questions and indicate your reason for entering the U.S. (to be a student); you may have to provide proof of admission. Please be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection official has authority to deny admission.

Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer should stamp I-20 or DS-2019 and your Form I-94 (the index-sized card you received on the plane) with your date of arrival. The official should also note your non-immigrant status (F-1 or J-1) and D/S (duration of status—how long you are eligible to remain in the U.S.). Please be sure that both documents are marked in this manner. If not, please bring this to the attention of a Slutzker Center advisor when you arrive on-campus and check-in with the office.

Additional information regarding Port of Entry procedures for F-1 students

Additional information regarding Port of Entry procedures for J-1 students