When you receive your U.S. nonimmigrant visa at the embassy or
consulate in your country, the consular officer will seal your
immigration documents in an envelope attached to your passport. DO
NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE. Instead, the U.S. immigration inspector at
the U.S. port of entry will open the documents. The following
documents should be carried with you, and never packed in your
checked baggage:
- passport;
- visa;
- I-20 AB form, I-20 MN form, or DS-2019 form;
- evidence of financial resources.
Some time before your arrival in the United States, the flight
attendants will distribute customs declaration forms and
arrival-departure forms for immigration (I-94). Fill these out on
the plane. You will submit them to the appropriate U.S. customs and
immigration authorities after you land. If you do not understand a
form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.
Once you have left the airplane, follow the other passengers into
the terminal area reserved for incoming passengers. You will be
asked to get in line in front of the immigration inspection booths.
As you approach, have your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and I-94
(arrival-departure card) ready for inspection by the immigration
officer. You are likely to be asked your purpose for entering the
United States and your final destination. An appropriate response is
"to attend [name of school] in [name of city, state]." |
