When to Arrive
When making travel plans, please be aware that
new international students may not enter the U.S.
earlier than 30 days prior to the expected reporting date to
the school (indicated in your I-20, item #5).
Students who are transferring from another
U.S. school to College of the Canyons and who have a "Transfer
Pending" I-20 are not subject to the 30 day arrival limit.
Transfer students may travel and re-enter the U.S. any time
between school programs. However, transfer students must
re-enter the US with their College of the Canyons I-20 and
not the previous school's document.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Document
When you are on the airplane or at a border
crossing, you will be given an I-94 Arrival/Departure document
to complete along with customs declarations. Please be sure to
use the I-94 on white paper (the green paper I-94 is for visa
waiver tourists only). When completing the form, write your name
and other information exactly the same as it appears on your
I-20 and passport. Inconsistency in your name and information
can cause serious problems and delays after your arrival.
Port of Entry Inspection
At the Port of Entry immigration inspection,
be prepared to present the following documents. Be sure to carry
them with you on the plane. Do not put them in your check-in
luggage as you will not be able to access your luggage until
after the immigration inspection.
- Passport
- Valid F-1 visa
- I-20
- I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt
- Proof of admission to College of the
Canyons
- Financial support documents
The immigration officer will stamp the I-94
and your I-20 and make the notation, "F-1 D/S". If the officer
does not do this, politely ask the officer to check it before
you leave the inspection station. Keep the I-94 stapled in
your passport or in a safe location! Do not lose it. It is
the proof of your legal entry into the U.S.
If you have any problems with your entry,
please notify the ISP office as soon as you arrive on campus. |
