Travel to the U.S.

PREPARING TO TRAVEL

How early can I enter the U.S. before my program begins?

As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. This early arrival window is set by U.S. immigration regulations to give you time to settle in, attend orientation, and prepare for classes.

IMPORTANT: Do not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days using a different visa (such as a tourist visa). In that case, you would have to leave the U.S. and make a new entry with your F-1 or J-1 visa before beginning your program of study. If you need to arrive earlier than 30 days prior to the program’s start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 for travel or other reasons, consult with the DSO or ARO.

References:

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What documents should I carry with me when I travel to the U.S.?

When you travel internationally and return to the U.S., you will need to present certain documents at the U.S. port of entry. Carry them in your hand luggage (not checked bags) so they are easy to access at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Required documents (always needed):

  • Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your stay)

  • Valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp (with limited exceptions for citizens of Canada and Bermuda, noted below)

  • Current I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) with a valid travel signature

Additional documents you may be asked for:

  • Proof of financial support (such as bank statements or letters of scholarship)

  • Academic records, like an enrollment verification letter or transcript

  • EAD card and evidence of employment if you are a student on Optional Practical Training

NOTE: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa. Present a valid passport and endorsed I-20 or DS-2019 at the port of entry. 

IMPORTANT: Before you leave, make photocopies (or secure digital copies) of all your important documents and leave them with a trusted family member or friend. This makes it easier to replace them if they are lost or stolen. 

References: 

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Can I travel without my Form I-20 or Form DS-2019?

No. You cannot enter the U.S. in student status without your original I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), properly endorsed for travel by your DSO (for F-1) or ARO (for J-1). These forms are proof that you are a student in good standing, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will not admit you without them.

If your I-20 or DS-2019 is lost, damaged, or delayed, contact your international office immediately. Do not make travel plans until you have the properly signed form in hand.

IMPORTANT: 

  • You cannot enter on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2 or ESTA) to begin studies. Entry in the wrong visa status will prevent you from enrolling and make it very difficult to change to F-1 or J-1 later. You must be admitted to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status with your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1).

  • Always check that the travel signature on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is valid before leaving the U.S. (12 months for most students; 6 months if on OPT).

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ARRIVING IN THE U.S.

What should I expect when I arrive at a U.S. Port of Entry?

When you arrive to the U.S., your first stop will be with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is the official entry process where CBP officers check your documents and confirm you are entering in the right visa status.

At the port of entry, a CBP officer will usually:

  • Review your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019

  • Ask you a few questions about your studies and plans in the U.S.

  • Admit you into the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status and issue you an electronic I-94 record, which you can later access at cbp.gov/I94/ 

NOTE: Sometimes, you may be sent to secondary inspection for additional review. This is not an uncommon procedure and not necessarily a problem. Many students experience it. If this happens, remain calm, answer honestly, and have your school’s international office contact information ready in case the officer needs to verify details.

IMPORTANT: Before traveling, check that all your documents are valid and carry them in your hand luggage (not your checked luggage) so they are easy to access and present at CBP.

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What happens if I’m questioned at the airport?

It’s normal to feel nervous about your arrival in the U.S., but remember that extra questions or delays at the airport are common for international students and usually nothing to worry about. If a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer needs more time to review your case, you may be sent to secondary inspection. This is a standard procedure.

During secondary inspection:

  • Stay calm and answer all questions clearly and honestly

  • Remain patient, as the process can take some time

Possible outcomes:

  • Approved entry: This is the most common result. After your documents are reviewed, you’ll be cleared to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status.

  • Conditional admission (Form I-515A): In some cases, CBP may allow you to enter the U.S. for 30 days while they wait for additional documentation. If you receive a Form I-515A, contact your DSO/ARO immediately after arrival so they can help you respond within the required deadline.

  • Entry denied: This is rare, but possible. If denied, your visa may be cancelled, and you would need a new visa before trying to re-enter. Contact your international office to discuss next steps.

IMPORTANT: Carry your school’s international office contact information with you in case CBP needs to verify details directly with the school.

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What should I do if I’m delayed or refused entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)?

When you land in the U.S., your first stop will be at Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is the official entry process where officers check your documents and confirm you are entering in the right visa status.

At CBP, the officer will usually:

  • Review your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019

  • Ask you a few questions about your studies and plans in the U.S.

  • Admit you into the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status and issue an electronic I-94 record, which you can later access at cbp.gov/I94

It’s normal to feel nervous about your arrival in the U.S., but remember that extra questions or delays at the airport are common for international students and usually nothing to worry about. 

If a CBP officer needs more time to review your case, you may be sent to secondary inspection. This is a standard procedure.

During secondary inspection:

  • Stay calm and answer all questions clearly and honestly

  • Remain patient, as the process can take some time

Possible outcomes after secondary inspection:

  • Approved entry: This is by far the most common result. After your documents are reviewed, you’ll be cleared to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status.

  • Conditional admission (Form I-515A): In some cases, CBP may allow you to enter the U.S. for 30 days while they wait for additional documentation. If you receive a Form I-515A, contact your DSO/ARO immediately after arrival so they can help you respond within the required deadline.

  • Entry denied: This is rare, but possible. If denied, your visa may be cancelled, and you would need a new visa before trying to re-enter. Contact your international office to discuss next steps.

IMPORTANT: Carry your school’s international office contact information with you in case CBP needs to verify details directly with them.

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U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.