Please be aware that you are not allowed to initially come into the United States earlier than 30 days before the program start date on the Form I-20.
U.S. Customs
Before collecting luggage in the airport, students will need to pass through the first stage of Customs. Students will need to present their immigration documents to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, who will review the documents and ask about their plans for their stay in the U.S. After verifying that the information in a valid passport, visa, and Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is correct, the immigration officer will return the documents and will stamp students’ passport book with the I-94 entry stamp showing the date of entry to the U.S. and the visa status.
Students may also have brief fingerprints or a photograph taken. Students will present a Customs Declaration form, which will need to be filled out on the plane, to the Customs officer. Do not bring fruits, plants, or meats when traveling. Possession of these items may require additional inspection, resulting in delay.
Students may bring currency with them, but if you are carrying more than $10,000 USD in any form, you will need to fill out a reporting slip and possibly owe taxes on the money. We suggest bringing enough money to last a couple of weeks, and then opening a U.S. bank account where you can electronically transfer funds from your home country.
If admitted to the United States, you may remain in the United States even if your visa expires. In F-1 status, students can remain in the United States for the duration of their status (D/S) or as long as they maintain a F-1 status. If students are in F-1 status and they leave the United States after their visa expires, they must obtain a new F-1 visa to re-enter and continue their program.
In J-1 status, students can remain in the United States through the 30-day grace period following their program end date, providing students maintain their status during your program of study. Once a student in J-1 status departs the US during their 30-day grace period, they are not allowed to re-enter.
Please contact Global 国产色情片 (globalfairfield@fairfield.edu) if you have any questions related to the validity of your visa or duration of status.
The Form I-20 or the Form DS-2019 prove that students are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States. The Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 should not be taken from students.