Arriving in the U.S.

When to Arrive

Students issued an initial I-20 or DS-2019 are expected to enter the U.S. 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 a student on an initial I-20 or DS-2019 is permitted to enter the U.S. is 30 days prior to the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Transfer students already in the U.S. in F or J status are not bound to the 30-day rule.  

Traveling to the United States

Click on the links below to determine which airport is best for you to use. 

John F. Kennedy International Airport  

Newark Liberty International Airport

Travel Resources
Educate yourself on the frequently updated flight regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States or any equivalent in your home country.  Visit http://www.tsa.gov/travel, or the website of the administration in your own country.

We recommend reviewing the Customs and Border Protection website for details on prohibited and restricted travel items. As well as reviewing TSA "What Can I Bring" for items that are not allowed on airplanes.  Please be sure to check your individual airlines for further prohibited items.

Helpful Websites
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Entry and Exit FAQ
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Information for International Visitors

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
• Supporting documentation that you showed to the U.S. Embassy to obtain your visa. (Evidence of financial resources, admissions letter, receipt of the SEVIS fee payment)

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

If the Customs and Boarder Patrol officer at the port of entry cannot verify your information or 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.

If you encounter difficulties at the port of entry and need assistance, contact the International Office, call 1.934.420.2479 during regular office hours (Monday-Friday 9am to 4pm EST). If you need to reach the college outside these times contact Farmingdale State College University Police at 1.934.420.2111. 

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.

Traveling to Farmingdale State College

If you plan to book a taxi or shuttle, you can reserve your airport transportation BEFORE you leave your home country to ensure that your chosen transportation method will be available upon arrival.

Directions from JFK airport to Farmingdale State College 

Directions from Newark Liberty International airport to Farmingdale State College 

Click here for additional information on how to get to Farmingdale State College

 

All students must fill out and return the Student Arrival Form so we know when to expect you on campus. Submit this no later than 2 weeks before your program start date.