Departing for the United States
What to do as you prepare your departure for the United States
- Keep Documents with you:
Please remember to carry your passport, your I-20/DS 2019, and supporting financial and academic documents in your carry-on luggage when you travel, You will pass through Immigration Control before you retrieve your checked luggage, so having all these documents available in your hand carried bags is essential! When you present these documents to the Immigration official at the Port of Entry, the official does have the right to refuse you permission to enter the United States. For this reason it is very important to answer all questions politely and to be prepared to show any documents which the official requests.The official will expect you to prove again that you will return to your home country when you complete your educational program in the US.
- Special Registration:
Male students between the ages of 16 and 45 who are citizens of certain nations may be asked to participate in Special Registration when they apply to enter the US. These students will be photographed and fingerprinted, and will be given special instructions on how to comply with the particular Immigration Regulations which apply to them. Special Registration takes some time so please allow extra time for any flight connections if you are required to participate. For more information on Special Registration please visit the following website: http://www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm
- Consider what you pack. Do not bring foods, fruits or animal products. It is strictly prohibited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What to do as you enter the United States
- On the airplane, you will be asked to complete the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Please make sure that you complete the white version of this form. (The green version is used for people entering on the Visa Waiver Program).
- After you get off the airplane in the United States, you will go through an immigration inspection. Please present your I-20 and passport to the inspector. The inspector may also ask to review your admission and financial documents, so please have them available.
- The inspector will then stamp your I-20, return it to you, and staple the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record in your passport. The I-20 and I-94 are proof of your legal admission to the U.S. as an F-1 student. Please keep these documents safe at all times. Do not leave the Airport without the I-94 Card. It is very hard to get another one of these cards.
- Take your luggage and proceed to the luggage inspections.
- In any case you have a problem with your school documents and the immigration inspector detains or does not allow you to enter the US, please kindly ask the inspector to let you call the ISFO at (815) 753-1346 for advice (Monday – Friday from 8:00AM- Noon or 1:00 – 4:30PM).
- Special Registration:
Male students between the ages of 16 and 45 who are citizens of certain nations may be asked to participate in Special Registration when they apply to enter the US. These students will be photographed and fingerprinted, and will be given special instructions on how to comply with the particular Immigration Regulations which apply to them. Special Registration takes some time so please allow extra time for any flight connections if you are required to participate. For more information on Special Registration please visit the following website: http://www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm
