Preparing for Your Arrival to the U.S.
Overview:
When to arrive at Brandeis
Entering the U.S. Through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP)
When to arrive at Brandeis:
F-1 and J-1 Students may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date as listed on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. For students, the program start date is the first day of classes, which is listed in item number 5 on the Form I-20 or item number 3 on the Form DS-2019. When scheduling travel arrangements, please keep in mind that students should arrive at Brandeis in time to attend the first day of orientation programing as scheduled by the academic program or department.
Please note that while students may find it helpful to arrive early to settle in before starting their orientation program, be aware that students will need to wait until orientation begins prior to receiving a campus ID card or moving into any pre-arranged on-campus housing. For additional information on available housing options, please visit our housing site.
Entering the United States Through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP):
Upon arrival to the U.S. individuals will be asked by a U.S. Immigration Inspector to present a passport with valid F-1 or J-1 U.S. entry visa stamp along with appropriate financial documents, admissions or appointment letter and Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. These items should always be carried on one's person - not in checked luggage - as they are in many cases reviewed by the immigration officer prior to claiming one's luggage. The immigration officer may ask similar questions to those asked during the visa interview. Individuals should also be prepared to have their photo and index fingerprints digitally taken as part of the entry process.
Please note that individuals not in possession of proper documentation upon arrival may be denied entry to the U.S. or may be granted a temporary 30-day entry as noted with a form I-515A. Please contact the ISSO immediately in case of any difficulties entering the United States.
After a complete inspection of the appropriate immigration documents, the immigration official will issue Form I-94 "Departure Record" (or "I-94 card") to each individual entering the U.S. This departure record will be either green* or white. All individuals entering the U.S. in F or J, or H status should be issued a white card.
- *A green departure record is only issued to individuals entering the United States in tourist or business status for a maximum of 90 days. These individuals are from countries where a U.S. tourist or business visa stamp is not required for entering the U.S. Individuals entering the U.S. in F or J visa status should NEVER be issued a green I-94 card.
It is important to carefully review the I-94 Departure Record that is issued to you at the port-of-entry. This small white card is normally stapled into the passport next to the appropriate visa stamp. Your I-94 card should be stamped by the port-of-entry official indicating the date and location of your arrival to the U.S. as well as the visa status with which you are entering the country. There will also be a notation under the visa status that indicates by when you must depart the United States.
- For those entering in H-1B status, this date should correspond to the ending date on the H-1B Approval Notice.
- For those entering in F or J visa status, there should not be a particular date listed, but instead the notation "D/S" standing for "Duration of Status" indicating that the individual is allowed to remain in the U.S. for the duration of the program indicated on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
If you notice a mistake on your I-94 Departure Record, please try to correct it while you are at the airport. If you are not able to correct it at the airport, please bring it to the ISSO as soon as possible so that can advise you on how to receive a correction.
Once you have arrived in the U.S. you will want to check-in with the ISSO.