Preparing for Travel
Travel with the documents you need to request entry or reentry in your F-1 or J-1 status. Keep original documents and copies together in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage.
What to Expect on Arrival
After Your Flight Lands
Follow signs for Passport Control. If you are connecting to another flight, complete inspection before collecting your bags and continuing to your connection. Travelers typically complete inspection at their first U.S. airport.
If Arriving in Seattle
At the Inspection Area
Have your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 ready.
CBP officers decide whether to admit you and in what status. The officer may ask about the purpose, length, destination, and activities you participated in during your travel outside the U.S. The CBP officer may also take your fingerprints and photo.
- You could be asked about your classes, major, expected graduation date, plans after graduation, and how you are paying for college.
- CBP officers may request to inspect your personal belongings and may search electronic devices.
- CBP officers could request access to social media accounts or copy data from electronic devices.
- Answer clearly, honestly, and briefly. Ask the officer to repeat a question if you do not understand it.
A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission. It does not guarantee entry. The CBP officer makes the admission decision.
After Inspection
Depending on the airport, you may grab your baggage before or after your CBP inspection. Proceed to baggage claim and customs, then follow airport signs to ground transportation or your connecting flight.
Customs Declaration Form
You may be required to complete a Customs Declaration Form. Complete the form truthfully and ask airport staff for help if needed.
Arriving by Land or Sea?
If you are arriving by land or sea, apply for a provisional I-94 online before you travel. You may apply up to 7 days before arrival through the CBP I-94 website or CBP Link mobile app. You must still present yourself at the port of entry for inspection.
Secondary inspection
CBP may ask you to move to a separate inspection area for more detailed questions or document review. This is not automatically a sign that there is a problem. Keep your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and other supporting documents easy to reach.
- Remain calm, listen carefully, and answer truthfully. If a question is unclear, ask the officer to restate it before you respond.
- CBP may inspect your belongings or electronic devices and may request access to social media or copy data from a device.
- If a document is not immediately available, explain why and offer a digital copy if you have one.
If you need help at the border, ask the officer to contact International Student Services.
Form I-515A
If CBP issues a Form I-515A, Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor, it generally means you have been allowed to enter temporarily while you correct a documentation or status-related issue. The form does not replace your normal I-20, DS-2019, or I-94 admission record.
Common reasons CBP issues an I-515A include:
- A missing or improperly signed Form I-20 or DS-2019
- A discrepancy in SEVIS, passport, visa, or program information
- An expired travel signature
If CBP issues a Form I-515A, you may be admitted temporarily for 30 days while you provide the missing information. Immediately contact UW ISS if issued an I-515A.
New Students: Check-in
After you’ve arrived in the U.S., you are required to complete an Immigration Check-in with International Student Services.