Visa and Pre-Arrival Information

For the appropriate instructions on your pre-arrival, please select the appropriate drop-down.

SEVIS I-901 Fee Requirement

To be eligible for an F-1 student visa, incoming international students must pay a SEVIS fee to activate the I-20. This U.S. Government required fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a computerized system that maintains and manages data about foreign scholars and students during their stay in the United States.

The fee can be paid to the Department of Homeland Security by mail, online, or Western Union Quick Pay.

To pay online:

Complete the Form I-901. Be sure to list your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form and your date of birth in month/day/year format.
Supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard, or American Express information. Debit cards with the visa or MasterCard logo are also accepted.
Print a copy of the online receipt. A copy of the I-901 fee payment receipt will be required at your visa appointment.

To pay the SEVIS fee by mail or Western Union Quick Pay, see instructions here.

Applying for the F-1 visa

Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate you will apply for instructions on how to schedule an interview. Please note, you can apply for an F-1 Visa up to 365 days prior to the Program Start Date listed on your I-20
Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application.
- Please note that applicants completing the DS-160 are now required to indicate each social media platform they have used within the past five years and list their username or handle for each platform.
Pay the visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate website.
Prepare and bring to your visa interview :

Additional Helpful Website

Department of State

▼ Applying for H-1B Visa

NOTE: Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement. Canadian citizens should present themselves at a Port of Entry for admission to the U.S. in H-1B status.

If you are coming to the University of South Alabama from abroad, you will need to apply for an H-1B visa to enter the US. To do so, you will need to make an appointment with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. For more information on the required documents, please refer to the website of the US Embassy where you intend to apply. The exact visa application procedures and timelines vary from country to country and even from Consulate to Consulate. Please review the visa application instructions that are given on the US Embassy or Consulate website. For a list of all consulates and embassies, please visit www.usembassy.gov

Please note that you may be selected for “administrative processing,” more commonly called a “background check,” by the Consular official when you apply for your visa. Background checks can be imposed for a variety of reasons, including your personal background or the scientific or technical field in which you work. The government issues a new Technology Alert List (TAL) every year, which lists professions identified by the U.S. State Department as being a higher risk to national security. Working in a field included in this list does not necessarily mean that your visa application will be delayed, but you should be prepared for the possibility. The TAL is a classified document and not available to the public. Some fields on the TAL include nuclear technology, chemical, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering, advanced computer/ microelectronic technology, materials technology, and information technology, robotics, and urban planning.

Below is a list of documents generally required when applying for an H-1B visa:

Passport - It is strongly recommended that your passport is valid for the whole period covered by your H-1B Approval plus an additional 6 months.
DS-160 Confirmation Page - Form DS-160, a web-based non-immigrant application, required at all U.S. posts.
Photograph - Uploaded with your DS-160.
Application Fee - Each applicant must pay a nonrefundable application fee. There may be additional reciprocity fees for certain countries. Remember to take a copy of each fee receipt with you to your visa appointment!
Original H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797)
Copy of your entire H-1B Petition - A copy will be sent to you with the I-797
Form I-797 Approval Notice for Waiver of 2-year foreign residency requirement – if you were subject to the 2-year requirement. Eligibility of H-1B visa requires presentation of actual waiver from USCIS, not the recommendation letter from the U.S. Dept. of State.
Job offer letter from the University or USA Health
Additional documents: Your CV, a list of your publications, and an itinerary or general statement about your plans in the U.S. Please refer to the website of the consulate where you intend to apply for a complete overview of additional documents

You can find out the typical wait times for scheduling an appointment and processing a visa at your local U.S. Embassy. Choose the city you will be visiting then click “Go”.

I-94 Arrival/ Departure Record

The I-94 is the Arrival / Departure Record, in either paper or electronic format and serves as an official record of where and when non-U.S. citizens entered the country. It also gives the classification and the date by which the visitor may stay. Most Arrival/Departure records are electronically created and must be printed by the foreign visitor after arrival. Those entering by land are still provided a paper form and generally the CBP Officer attaches it to the visitor's passport. It is important to verify that your I-94 information is correct and to print out this record after your arrival. You can print your I-94 here.

▼ Applying for J-1 Visa: Exchange Students and Scholars

Upon receiving your immigration documents packet, please verify that your name, date of birth, city/country of birth and citizenship as listed on your DS-2019 match what is listed in your passport. Contact the Office of Immigration if changes are needed on your DS-2019.

SEVIS I-901 Fee Requirement

To be eligible for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, incoming exchange visitors must pay a SEVIS fee to activate the DS-2019. This U.S. Government required fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a computerized system that maintains and manages data about foreign scholars and students during their stay in the United States.

The fee can be paid to the Department of Homeland Security by mail, online, or Western Union Quick Pay.

To pay online:

Complete the Form I-901. Be sure to list your name exactly as it appears on your DS-2019 form and your date of birth in month/day/year format.
Supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard, or American Express information. Debit cards with the visa or MasterCard logo are also accepted.
Print a copy of the online receipt. A copy of the I-901 fee payment receipt will be required at your visa appointment.

To pay the SEVIS fee by mail or Western Union Quick Pay, see instructions here.

Applying for the J-1 visa

Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate you will apply for instructions on how to schedule an interview. If you are an exchange student, be sure to mention that you are applying for a J-1 student visa as these applications are given priority for scheduling.
Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application.
- Please note that applicants completing the DS-160 are now required to indicate each social media platform they have used within the past five years and list their username or handle for each platform.
Pay the visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate website.
Prepare and bring to your visa interview:

I-94 Arrival/ Departure Record

212(e) Two-year Home Country Physical Residency Requirement

The 2-year home residency requirement or 212(e) applies only to some J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors, not to all J visa holders. If you are subject to the 212(e), it should be noted on your J visa stamp in your passport and/or at the bottom of your DS-2019.

If you are subject to the 212(e) requirement, this means that you are required to return to your “home” country and be physically present in your home country for two years after completing your J-1 Program. It is possible to seek a waiver of the requirement in limited circumstances detailed below.

Restrictions Until 212(e) Requirement or J-1 Waiver is met:

One cannot apply for any immigrant status such as H, L, or K Visa or Permanent Residency.
One cannot change status from within the US from a J-Visa to any other non-immigrant visa category. Anyone changing status to another non-immigrant visa category would have to do so outside of the United States at a U.S. Embassy.

Options While Subject to 212(e):

One can apply at a US Embassy or Consulate to return to the US on a another non-immigrant visa, such as B-1/B-2 visitor, F-1 student, etc.
One can travel freely to other countries other than your home country.

212(e) Waiver Information

There are five different bases upon which a J-1 can obtain a waiver of 212(e), the most common of which is the “statement of no objection from home country.” The U.S. Department of State has information about the application process. It is essential that a J-1 visa holder talk to both the Immigration Manager and his or her department before applying for a waiver of 212(e).

Please note: You should not apply for the 212(e) Waiver unless you have been guaranteed sponsorship for a change of status to another legal category, such as H-1B, L, or Permanent Residency. IE recommends that you wait until the final year of your J-1 eligibility to file the 212(e) waiver. OIIA requires university-approved legal counsel to petition for this waiver on your behalf. Contact the Immigration Manager for more details.

Once the recommendation letter to waive the 212(e) is received from the State Department, J status cannot be extended. After the waiver has been recommended, the J-1 Exchange Visitor is limited to the end-date that is listed on the most recent DS-2019.

A waiver of 212(e) makes a J-1 eligible to change status to H-1B or PR (among other statuses), but it does not guarantee that the J-1 will be sponsored for H-1B or PR.

12-month and 24-month Bars

Time spent in the United States in any J status (including J-2 status) during the 12-month period preceding a prospective professor or research scholar's program begin date may affect their eligibility for participation as a Professor or Research Scholar.

12-month bar – The 12-month bar prevents someone from becoming a J-1 Professor/ Research Scholar for 12 months following any previous J participation in the J categories of student, specialist, trainee, physician, visitor, intern, counselor, au pair, or summer travel/work (including J-2 dependents of those in these categories).
24-month bar for repeat participation as a J-1 Professor/Research Scholar – The 24-month bar requires that there be a period of at least 24 months between each stay as a J-1 Professor or J-1 Research Scholar. The 24-month bar is not the same as the 212(e) Rule, also known as the two-year home residency requirement.

The general exceptions to the 12- and 24-month bar rules are:

The exchange visitor is already in J-1 status and is transferring to the new sponsor’s program as defined in 22CFR514.42.
The participant’s previous J-program in any category other than Professor/Research Scholar was less than six months.
If the previous stay was as a J-1 Short-term Scholar.

Note: The 12/24-month bars affect all persons in J status. A spouse or child who holds J-2 status is not eligible to return as a J-1 Scholar/Professor until the requirements of the bar are fulfilled.

Additional Helpful Sites:
U.S. Department of State

Study in the States

Education USA

▼ Applying TN Status

For applicants within the United States

Travel within the United States for any international student or scholar on a non-immigrant visa does not require any special documentation, letters, or any signatures from Capstone International Services. However, U.S. and Alabama state law require that anyone on a non-immigrant visa be able to present proof of their legal status within the United States at any time. It is recommended that for travel outside of Tuscaloosa, you take your passport and your accompanying documentation (i.e. TN Approval Notice or I-94 Card for TN). Also, it is recommended that you keep photocopies of your main passport page, visa page, I-94 Card, and any other visa documentation with you at all times even when not traveling.

For applicants who are outside of the United States

To be able to travel outside of and return to the United States in TN status, you will need to carry documentation of your TN status with the institution. In general, the documentation of your TN status would be your appointment letter and proof of your TN qualifications. If you applied for a TN from within the US (via an I-129 filed by the University of South Alabama), the documentation of your status with the University of South Alabama will include the original approval notice for your TN as well as copies of all TN application materials and your appointment letter for your current position at USA.

Additionally, TNs seeking to reenter the United States must have a valid passport proving Canadian or Mexican citizenship. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to return to the United States. If your passport is expiring, you should make plans to renew or extend your passport before your travel.

For Mexican Citizens, with the exception of visits to Canada or Mexico that last less than 30-days [22 C.F.R. § 41.112(d); 8 C.F.R. § 214.1 (b) (1)], you will also need to have a valid TN visa stamp in your passport to be able to return to the United States. The TN Visa Stamp cannot be obtained within the United States. Visa appointments must be made with a US Consulate or Embassy outside of the United States to obtain or renew the TN Visa.

Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa stamp requirement in general, meaning that they do not have to get a TN (or TD-dependent) Visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

It is recommended that faculty and staff in TN status carry their most recent USA appointment letter whenever traveling internationally.

Visa Requirements for Transit through and Travel to Other Countries

Traveling through/to another country may involve obtaining a transit/entry visa to that country. It is best to check the consulate website of the country you wish to visit to get the current visa procedures. Do not assume that you will be allowed to transit through another country without a visa prior to your departure. Failure to obtain necessary transit/entry visas may result in being denied entry onto your flight.

I-94 Arrival/ Departure Record

▼ Arrival to the U.S. for J-1 Exchange Students and F-1 Students

Entering the United States

Traveling is essential for all international students whether you are a newly admitted international student who is traveling to the U.S. for the first time or a current international student who would like to travel abroad for a short visit. We are here to help you become familiar with important immigration regulations that pertain to your particular case.

Arrival to the United States

F-1 and J-1 students may arrive to the United States 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20/ DS-2019.

Always carry your documents with you on the plane! Do not store your passport, I-20/DS-2019, or other immigration documents in your baggage or luggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.

You should hand carry the following documentation in a folder or envelope:

Your passport, valid for at least six months into the future
SEVIS Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
Evidence of financial resource(s)
Letter of admission from the University of South Alabama
Paper receipt of the SEVIS I-901 fee
Name and contact information for your sponsoring organization, including a 24-hour emergency contact number.

As You Arrive at the Port of Entry
Proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers. Have the following documents available for presentation:

Your passport
Your I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Students)
Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059B).
All visitors entering the United States must state their reason for wishing to enter the country. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important for J-1 students to tell the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer that they will be an exchange visitor. F-1 students must tell the Customs and Border Protection Officer that they will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school program where you will enroll/participate.

Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will stamp your passport with date and port of entry information. The officer will also write the classification being given which should be F1 or J-1 and valid until D/S meaning duration of status.

Before Leaving the Inspections Area
Make sure you have all of your documentation, including the following:

Passport
I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Students)
All supporting documents (letters, proof of finances, etc.)
Secondary Inspections Requirements

If the CBP officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as "secondary inspection." Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers.

It is important to answer all questions the CBP officer asks. Remember to remain calm. Secondary inspection is a normal process.

The CBP officer will first attempt to verify the status of F-1 or J-1 visa holders by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In the event that the CBP officer needs to verify your admission/participation with your sponsoring school or program, it is strongly recommended that you have the name and telephone number of your foreign student advisor available. In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays), you should also have the emergency phone number.

J-1 Exchange Student and Scholar Daytime Contact:
Office of Immigration and International Admissions
(251) 460-6050

F-1 Student Daytime Contact:
Office of Immigration and International Admissions
(251) 460-6050

After hours, emergency contact:
University Police Department
(251) 460-6312

Failure to comply with U.S. government entry-exit procedures may result in your being denied entry to the United States. Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor" Form (I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission into the United States. If you are admitted with the Form I-515A, you must work with the Immigration Manager to submit proper documentation without delay.

I-94 Arrival/ Departure Record

▼ Tips On Student (nonimmigrant) Visa Applications and Interviews

10 Points to Remember When Applying and Interviewing for a Student Visa

1. Ties to Your Home Country and Residence Abroad

Under U.S. law, people who apply for nonimmigrant visas, such as F-1 or J-1 student visas, are viewed as "intending immigrants" (who want to live permanently in the U.S.) until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must, therefore, be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your "residence abroad" (usually in your home country) that are stronger than reasons for remaining in the United States and that you intend to depart the United States at the conclusion of your studies.

"Ties" to your home country are the things that connect you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, owning a house or apartment, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific plans or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance. If you have applied for the U.S. Diversity (green card) Lottery, you may be asked if you intend to immigrate. If you applied for the Diversity Visa Lottery but do not intend to immigrate, be prepared to clarify that, for instance, by explaining that you applied for the lottery since it was available but not with a specific intent to immigrate.

If you have close relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, it may be harder for you to demonstrate that you are not an intending immigrant.

For further details about this topic, you can visit the State Department's Foreign Affairs Manual at 9 FAM 402.5-5(E), which explains the basics of what consular officers will be looking for in the interview process.

2. English

The interview will generally be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do not prepare speeches! Expect to have an interactive conversation with the consular officer about your plans for studying in the United States and beyond, your goals, and your ties to your home country. If you are coming to the United States to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.

For further details about this topic, the Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual at 9 FAM 402.5-5(F).

3. Speak for Yourself

The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family, and a more positive impression is created if you are prepared to speak on your own. Although generally parents or family members will not accompany an applicant into to the visa interview, if you are a minor and need your parents to be there in case there are questions (for example about funding/finances), they should check with the consulate about the consulate's waiting area and any special rules or procedures for non-applicant family members to accompany a visa applicant.

4. Know the Program and How It Fits Your Career Plans

If you are not able to explain the reasons why you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to work or stay in the United States. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your career goals and employment prospects when you return home. If you will be a graduate student in the United States and have a research focus, be prepared to talk about your research plans. Consular officials may want a letter from your supervising professor or faculty member that explains your intended research goals.

5. Be Brief and Maintain a Positive Attitude

Because of the large number of applications they receive, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. What you say first and the first impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point, responding precisely to the consular officer's questions and statements. Do not have an argument with the officer. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring to overcome the denial and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

For more information about responding to a visa denial, visit the U.S. Department of State's web page explaining visa denials.

6. Supporting Documentation (Know Your Specific Situation or History)

It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they mean. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky. Supporting documentation will depend on your particular situation, so it is best to review the consulate's website. However, there are a few supporting documents which are common among all students such as financial documentation, admission letter(s), and scholarship letters. Students should be prepared to take all documentation proving their financial ability to stay in the United States such as scholarships, assistantships or other letters issued by the school, sponsor or other organization. If you will be a graduate student in the United States, consular officials may want a letter from your supervising professor or faculty member that explains your intended research goals. The financial information indicated on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 should match the evidence provided to the consular officer.

7. Different Requirements for Different Countries

Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States long-term often have more difficulty getting visas. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States. You should review your country's specific requirements on the U.S. consulate's website.

Several U.S. consulates around the globe have created YouTube videos which explain the visa process at their specific posts. Always check your specific U.S. embassy or consulate to see if a new YouTube video is available. A select list of consular YouTube videos is located at the end of this resource.

Also be sure to check the U.S. State Department's Visa Appointment and Processing Wait Times web page, to find average visa appointment and processing wait times at the consulate where you will be applying for your visa.

8. Employment

Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, rather than for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students work on- or off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental (secondary/optional) to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly explain your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse or children are also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteering in the community and attending school part-time are permitted activities for F-2 dependents.

9. Dependents Remaining at Home

If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to explain how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be especially difficult to explain if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that you intend to support your family with money you may earn during your studies in the United States, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family decides to join you at a later time, it may be helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa, but that is not always required if your family is living in another district.

10. Other Special Considerations

Social media question on the visa application

Be aware of the "social media" question on Form DS-160, the standard online application used by individuals to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. The item requires applicants to indicate the social media platforms that they have used during the five years preceding their visa application, and to provide any identifiers or handles they used on those platforms. DOS also added a similar item to the Form DS-260 immigrant visa application. See NAFSA's page on the DS-160 social media question for additional information.

Administrative processing delays

Some students may experience delays in obtaining a visa because of "administrative processing." This commonly occurs if your name is similar to another individual and the consulate needs to check with other government agencies about your status or background. It may also happen when your area of study is thought to be in a field of sensitive or critical technology, or your faculty adviser is working with sensitive research materials. Some consular officers may even require additional letters from program directors or academic advisers explaining the specific type of research the student will be involved in and what kind of access to sensitive technology the student will have. If you are unsure whether this applies to your situation, check with your specific U.S. embassy or consulate. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State's Administrative Processing Information web page.

Past visits to the United States

You may be asked to explain past visits and stays in the United States and/or any prior visa statuses held by you or your family members. Also, students who formerly held an employment-based immigration status or had Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT might also need to explain the reasons for additional study in the United States instead of working at home.

If you stayed beyond your authorized stay in the United States or violated an immigration status in the past, be prepared to explain what happened and if available, provide supporting documentation regarding the circumstances. You should consider consulting an experienced immigration lawyer for guidance on whether the Overstay or Unlawful Presence provisions impact your eligibility to return to the United States. See NAFSA's page on Unlawful Presence.

Third country nationals

If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the country in which you currently live or the country where you plan to apply for a visa (i.e., you are a "third country national), you may also wish to explain your intent to return to that country upon completion of your studies in the United States.

Arrests and convictions

Documentation should accompany any arrests or convictions within the U.S. or abroad, including any arrests or convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always check with an experienced immigration attorney if you have any current or past legal issues.

Here are a select list of videos available through U.S. Embassy websites (alphabetical by city):

Amman, Jordan (3:52)
A step by step tutorial on how to navigate the online system for applying for a U.S. visa in Jordan.

Ankara, Turkey (2:35)
Attending an Immigrant Visa interview at the U.S. Embassy? This video highlights the steps and procedure.

Dubai, UAE (4:04)
This video explains what you should anticipate on the day of your interview for a Non-Immigrant Visa Interview at the US Consulate General in Dubai, U.A.E.

Frankfurt, Germany (6:27)
How to apply for a United States student visa in Germany.

Hyderabad, India (5:06)
Prepare for your student visa interview. Our officers are here to answer some of your most asked questions about the F-1 Visa.

Kabul, Afghanistan
Want to know what it is like to apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul? Check out this video to find out more!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (7:01)
A step-by-step video guide on how to apply for a nonimmigrant visa (business, travel, study, etc.) online and the interview process at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

London, U.K. (3:09)
What to expect when you attend the Embassy for a non-immigrant visa interview. How to complete the DS-160 .

New Delhi, India (4:29)
Learn about the U.S. Embassy’s Student Visit Day and the visa interview process in India in this video.

Philippines (11:54)
Watch the U.S. Embassy Insider on Student Visas.

Seoul, Korea (2:09)
Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Skill – this video gives an example of how to give more in-depth interview answers.

For more information, visit NAFSA or your local U.S. Embassy website.

▼ What to Expect at a U.S. Port of Entry (students)

IMPORTANT NOTE: New F-1 and J-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date indicated on their I-20 (Page 1 in Program of Study Section) or DS-2019 (Section 3).

The following documents should be stored in your carry-on bag as you will need them at the U.S. port of entry:

• SEVIS F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019
• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay)
• F-1 or J-1 visa stamp (not necessary for Canadian and Bahamian citizens)

You may also be asked to present the following documents at the port of entry:

1. SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
2. Proof of funding for 1 year (e.g., scholarship or sponsorship letter, bank statements)
3. Proof of student status (e.g., admission letter, tuition receipt)

You should also carry the Office of Immigration and International Admissions contact information: (251) 460-6050. In the event that the office is closed, contact the University of South Alabama Police Department at (251) 460-6312 and they will contact the appropriate OIIA staff member.

On the Airplane/Boat – Customs Form

Crew members will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059B). This must be completed prior to arriving in the U.S. You can find out more about arrival procedures by visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Port of Entry

After entering the U.S. at the airport, you will pass through a U.S. Immigration Port of Entry inspection. Your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and other documents will be officially reviewed. A digital photograph and a biometric scan of your index finger will be taken. You will likely have to answer a few questions and indicate your reason for entering the U.S. (to be a student); you may have to provide proof of admission. Please be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection official has authority to deny admission.

Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer should stamp your passport with your date of arrival. The official should also note your non-immigrant status (F-1 or J-1) and D/S (duration of status— how long you are eligible to remain in the US). Please be sure that your passport is marked in this manner. If not, please bring this to the attention of a OIIA Immigration Coordinator when you arrive on-campus and check-in with the office.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT I-94 ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD: Make sure you have a copy of your most recent I-94 Record. You will now print the electronic record of your I-94 after arrival yourself. This form should indicate your arrival date, your visa status, and the length of your stay, usually marked D/S (duration of status) for both F-1 and J-1 students. It will also include an 11-digit Admission/Departure Number. This number is your I-94 number and is the identification number with the Department of Homeland Security.

Watch a free Government Voices Webinar from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Customs and Border Protections (CBP) on what to expect and how to proceed to a successful entry to the United States.

More information at:

Study in the States

Port of Entry procedures

I-94 procedures