Arriving in the U.S.

When to Arrive

You need to arrive at Farmingdale State College no later than the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. It is important that you do everything possible to arrive by this date. If you cannot arrive by your program start date due to some unforeseen problem (issue with airline, visa, etc.), contact the International Office to determine when you may arrive. It may be determined that postponing your start of classes to the following semester may be your best option. We cannot change or modify the start date to accommodate individual travel plans or requests.

The earliest you are permitted to enter the U.S. is 30 days prior to the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.

At the Port of Entry

It is important that you enter the U.S. in the proper visa type (F1 or J1). At the port of entry, make sure to have the following documents handy and not in your checked luggage as you will not have access to them:

• Your passport 
• Your F-1 or J-1 visa 
• Your I-20 or DS-2019

BEFORE leaving the customs area check that your passport was stamped correctly with F1 or J1 and D/S (Duration of Status).

If you forget an immigration document, the immigration officer may issue you a Form I-515(A), which is a temporary 30-day admission. If this occurs, contact the International Office as soon as possible during normal business hours. You will be required to come to the office, bring all of your immigration documents, including the Form I-515(A) issued at the port of entry, to help us assist you.

Once admitted to the U.S., you will be issued an I-94. Paper I-94 cards are only issued at land borders (U.S. Canadian Border or U.S. Mexican Border). If you make your initial entry to the U.S. from a land border, the inspector will stamp your I-94 card, write your visa category and “D/S” on it, and return all your immigration documents to you. If arriving in the U.S. by plane, your I-94 will be electronic. To view and print your electronic I-94, visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home.