It is always good to know what to expect. There will be so many things to think about in your preparation in applying for and receiving a Student VISA. There will be even more things relating to your visit to the United States. Below you will find some helpful tips and hints that may make the overall process much easier for you. And of course, you can always contact any of our campuses for additional information or advice on where to look for answers to your questions.
F-1 Academic Students enter the United States to pursue a full course of study at one of the following types of DHS-approved academic institutions in the United States:
Attendance at a public elementary school, a publicly funded adult education program is prohibited. Study at a public secondary school is time-limited and requires reimbursement to the local educational agency.
M-1 Vocational Students enter the United States to pursue a full course of study at one of the following types of DHS-approved nonacademic institutions (other than language training programs) in the United States:
Careful planning and preparation by students and exchange visitors can ensure that the delay based established procedure is minimal. If you are a non-immigrant student or exchange visitor, here are some things you should do:
Documents you should carry on your person:
If you are traveling by aircraft, the flight attendants on board will distribute CF-6059 Customs Declaration Forms and Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record for immigration, before you land at your initial point of entry in the U.S. Complete these forms while you are on the aircraft and submit them to the appropriate Customs and Border Protection Officer upon your arrival. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.
Upon arrival at the port of entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection. As you approach the inspection station, ensure that you have: passport, SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019; completed Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record; and CF-6059 Customs Declaration Form available for presentation to the CBP Officer. The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside (not the address of the school or program sponsor).
If you are entering through a land or designated seaport, the Customs and Border Protection Officer will provide the necessary CF-6059, Customs Declaration Form and Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record at the port of entry. If you do not understand a form, ask the CBP Officer for assistance.
Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student or exchange visitor. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school or exchange visitor program where you will enroll/participate.
If you are authorized optional practical training, this should be reflected on page 3 of your SEVIS Form.
Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will:
Upon receipt of your preliminary paperwork, we will send you a Welcome Kit. This kit will provide information about the campus you have chosen, the city where you will be located, the weather, how to dress, things to do in the area and some tips about adjusting to life in a different country.
It is important to recognize that while you are in the United States you will be expected to follow our laws and regulations. You will want to learn about the culture – not because you are expected to completely change but because it will help you interact and understand the behavior of those around you. It some cases it will allow you to avoid embarrassment or being misunderstood by your new neighbors or classmates.
It will also be important to learn about the regulations and policies of the school. You will participate in a thorough orientation before you begin classes to address all of the policies and regulations of the school and to answer any question you might have.
We look forward to serving you and will help in any way we can with your preparation and in getting the most out of your time at our institution, our city and our country.
For more information contact the campus you are interested in attending.