Prepare for Travel
Once your F-1 Visa has been approved, you should arrange your travel in order to arrive on campus prior to the program start date. You may arrive in the United States up to 30 days prior to the program start date listed on your form I-20. Make sure that you have already confirmed your attendance with our office and made housing arrangements prior to your arrival.
As you prepare for travel, check again to be sure that all your travel documents – your passport, your visa, your form I-20, etc. – are correct. Keep all your documents together and on your person (not in your luggage). You will be asked to present them all again at the port of entry. Do not make your travel arrangements until you actually obtain your visa. Plan to enter the US no more than 30 days prior to the start date indicated on your I-20. If you attempt to enter prior to that date you will be sent back home. Be sure to allow several hours between your initial arrival in the US and your connecting flights. You may be delayed at the port of entry even if all your documents are in order.
As you plan your travel to the US, keep in mind that you must confirm your attendance with the Office of International Student Services. If you plan to live on campus, you must Apply for Housing prior to leaving for the US. You may be allowed to move-in early, but you must submit an Early Arrival Request with Residence Life.
At the Port of Entry (POE)
In order to enter the US, an F-1 student must have the following documents:
- valid passport
- valid F-1 visa
- initial Form I-20
- financial documents you presented during your visa interview
- official admission letter you have received from UIS
- copy of the paid I-901 fee receipt
Other recommended documents and reminders:
- copies of financial documentation
- class schedule
- be mindful that CBP can search your electronic devices: Border Search of Electronic Devices (pdf)
- read the Immigration News page for any regulation updates
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is the government agency that controls admission to the United States. A CBP official will review your documents and international students can expect CBP officers to ask questions about your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, where you will be residing, and your academic program. Remember that you are entering on a student visa which means that your primary purpose in the United States is to be a student.
If all is in order, CBP will return your documents and you are free to enter the United States. CBP may stamp your passport with an admission stamp, but more importantly, you will receive an electronic entry record, called your Form I-94, after you have entered the United States.
Secondary Inspection
If CBP has additional questions or needs to verify your immigration documents further, you may be referred to Secondary Inspection. Although a referral to secondary inspection can be intimidating and make you feel anxious, there is usually little cause for alarm. Be aware that it can take a while to complete this inspection process. If the CBP Officer has a question that can be answered by ISS, they are welcome to call us. CBP will have access to our contact information.
You’ve Arrived!
This short video, "You've Arrived!", provided by US Customs and Border Protection is helpful to understanding the process once you enter the United States.
In addition to the information provided, please see the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement site for specific travel information and recommendations.
Transportation
The best way to arrive is by flying into Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport or by using Amtrak with Springfield, Illinois as your final destination. View our Transportation page for information on getting to campus and around Springfield, Illinois.
The Office of International Student Services offers an optional transportation service for new international students. The service provides transportation from either Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport or the Springfield Amtrak station directly to your housing. This service is available from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, between Monday, July 28, and Tuesday, August 19. The cost is $15 per person, payable by card only. After submitting the “Arrival Information e-form”, you will receive an approval notification that includes a link to the payment form. To ensure availability, you are required to request at least five business days before your arrival in Springfield.