What to Expect at a U.S. Port of Entry

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) governs the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). They are charged with facilitating your entry and monitoring your status in the U.S. while you take advantage of our nation’s academic, educational, and cultural offerings. To enhance security without slowing legitimate travel, careful planning and preparation by international students and scholars will ensure minimal processing delay.

Plan Your Arrival

You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form DS-2019.

Always Hand-Carry Your Documents

Do not check the following documents in your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.

  • Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay.
  • SEVIS Form DS-2019 (for J-1 visitors)
  • UMass Lowell Offer/Invitation Letter

Complete Your Entry Paperwork

If Arriving by Land or Sea: The Customs Border Patrol (CBP) Officer at the port of entry will provide the necessary Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94) will be able to be accessed after arrival.

All visitors entering the United States must state their reason for wishing to enter the country. You will also be asked to provide information about your destination. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school program where you will work.

I-94 Process

Starting April 30, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) rolled out a new electronic I-94 process at air and seaports of entry. Under the new CBP process, a CBP officer will provide each admitted nonimmigrant traveler with an admission stamp on their passport. CBP will no longer issue a paper Form I-94 upon entry to U.S., with some exceptions. Learn more on the CBP website.

Following Admission into the United States

You should report to the school within 30 days of the start date listed on your Form DS-2019. You are not permitted to enter the U.S. earlier than the 30-days prior to the start date. You are also not allowed to enter any later the arrival dates listed on the Form DS-2019.

Secondary Inspection Requirements

If the CBP officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information or you do not have all the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.” Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research to satisfy any questions they may have.

The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This is an electronic database tracking system. Failure to comply with U.S. government entry-exit procedures may result in the denial of entry to the United States. Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor” Form (I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission into the United States. If you are issued a Form I-515 upon arrival, please visit our office immediately as this form will need immediate follow up.