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OD

Olivier Debure

Transcript

U.S. Port of Entry Process for F-1 Students

Prepare to Arrive

  • Do not arrive more than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.

  • Make sure you have your DSO's contact information.

  • Do not pack the following:
  • Live plants
  • Food (especially pork products)

Prepare to Arrive

Special note: If carrying money with a value of over $10,000, please be prepared to provide an explanation to the port of entry officers.

Document Checklist:

  • Passport with valid visa

  • Your I-20

  • I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt

  • Proof of Enrollment
  • ex. Acceptance Letter

  • Proof of Funding
  • ex. Family Bank Statements & Financial Aid or Scholarship Letters

Gather your Documents

REMINDER:You must have all necessary documents and paperwork with you at all times.

DO NOT pack them in your checked luggage.

I-20

Please make sure you have signed your I-20.

What is a CBP Officer?

Meet CBP

  • Wherever you first land in the U.S., you must meet with a CBP officer.

  • A Customs and Border Protection Officer is the official at the port of entry.

  • CBP controls who enters the U.S.

  • The officer makes the final decision on your admission and determines how long you can stay based on your documents.

What To Expect

What to Expect

  • The officer will:

  • Review your documents.
  • Inspect your bags.
  • Ask a few questions about the purpose of your travel to the U.S.

  • You should:

  • Answer truthfully and concisely.
  • Present documents to officer.
  • Present the correct visa in your passport if you have multiple visas.

Secondary Inspections

  • In some cases, you will be directed to a secondary inspection.

  • Do not worry! The officer just needs more time to verify your information.

  • Please comply and be prepared to answer any questions about your academic program so you are not denied entry.

Secondary Inspection

Don't Freak Out!

Form I-515A

  • Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a I-515A Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor Form.

  • This form authorizes a temporary 30 day admission into the United States.

  • If you are issued this form, notifiy your DSO as soon as possible.

  • Work with your DSO to submit any necessary paperwork to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

  • Once submitted and approved, SEVP will send a letter of approval and your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

Being Admitted

  • The CBP officer may stamp your passport for duration of status ("D/S") with the date and port of entry.

  • Your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record will be updated. You should retrieve this record by going to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/

Admission

Remember!

  • Once you arrive in the United States, you must report to your school and your DSO by the program start date on you I-20 to maintain your status.

Additional Information

More Questions?

Questions?

  • Please refer to the Travel Page under the Immigration tab on the Office of International Services Website.
  • https://www.usf.edu/world/international-services/immigration/travel.aspx

  • Review the information on Study in the States: Getting to the United States site.
  • https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/travel/getting-to-the-united-states

  • Speak to an advisor by attending OIS Virtual Advising Hours.