First 24 Hours
First 24 Hours
Checkpoint 1: Passport Control/Immigration
Look for the Non-U.S. Citizen/Visitors line
This area does not allow the usage of a cellphone or camera. Please turn them off.
Have your documents ready:
- I-20 or DS-2019
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Passport and Visa
- Other supporting documents if applicable (for example, financial documentation)
Sample Questions to Expect from the CBP Officer
- Where are you from?
- What is your final destination?
- Why are you here?
- What are you going to study?
- What is the name of your school?
- Who is your International Student Advisor or DSO?
- Who is paying for you?
- Where will you stay?
Once you are cleared, the officer will:
- Ask for your fingerprints
- Take your photo
- Stamp your passport, usually on the visa page
- Check the stamp to ensure it is correct: date of entry, visa status (F-1 or J-1)
Checkpoint 2: Baggage Claim
Check the monitor, look for your flight number and what carousel your baggage is arriving on. Special sized baggage will arrive in a different carousel. Please ask an attendant for help.
Checkpoint 3: Customs Service
If you do not know whether an item is allowed to enter the U.S., please claim it on the blue Customs Declaration Form and let the officer decide whether you can take it or not. If you do not claim it, you might be fined. Fruit, meat and animal products are not allowed.
- Have your blue Customs Declaration Form in hand and ready for the Customs Officer.
- The officer will decide if you can exit or if they have to conduct a baggage check.
Airport Pick-Up
If you have someone to pick you up, they will be waiting for you at the exit after you pass customs. Always have a person’s cell phone number in case they are running late, cannot make it, cannot find you or has made another arrangement for you. Always have a back up plan (taxi/shuttle service).
What’s Next?
- Log on to CBP’s website to get your I-94 Admission Number and print it out for future use, ex. Social Security Number, Driver’s License, travel, etc.
- Secure all your important documents.
- Find out how to get to school and the campus.
- Get familiar with your surroundings.
- Find out how to purchase a ticket for local transportation.
- Participate in the orientation and meet with your International Student Advisor
- Open a bank account and get a Debit Card (bank card)
GE Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your DSO.