Clearing U.S. Immigration

When you arrive in the U.S. you will go through immigration inspection. You will need to present the following items to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official:

  • a valid passport (including Canadian citizens)
  • a visa document (for example an I-20 for F-1 status or DS-2019 for J-1 status)
  • if you are an F or J visa holder you will need a receipt from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee
  • a valid U.S. visa stamp. (Canadian students do not need a visa stamp. However, you will need evidence of funding.)

(Information about obtaining these documents can be found in the immigration section of this Web site.)

Form I-94

i94You will have completed an I-94 card while on the airplane and will present this document, with the others listed above, to the immigration inspector.  The inspector will stamp your I-94 (see sample to the left) and will return the card to you along with your passport, and I-20 or DS-2019 form. You should keep this card securely in your passport during your stay. This very important document is your proof of legal entry into the U.S. It will indicate the visa classification you are given upon entry into the U.S. and the length of time you are allowed to stay. The expiration date for persons in F or J status will be noted as “D/S” meaning duration of status.

Before You Leave the U.S. Immigration Area

importantBefore you clear immigration, check to make sure your I-94 notes your correct status: F-1 or J-1 (or F-2 or J-2 for dependents) and D/S. Do not enter the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (indicated by having a green colored I-94 card), as you cannot study or work in this status, and you will most likely have to leave the U.S. and reenter in the proper status before you can begin at Yale.