Lori Meadows
International students can enter the US up to 30 days before their program start date, which is listed on their I-20 form. Students should not arrive more than a week after classes start and must be enrolled full-time for that semester. Students who are unable to enter the US before the program start date should contact their academic department.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of days before classes that international students can enter the US | No more than 30 days |
| Arrival procedure | Must contact Designated School Official (DSO) upon entry to the US |
| Visa issuance | Can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of the course |
| Late arrival | Should not be more than a week late, otherwise defer to the following semester |
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What You'll Learn
International students can enter up to 30 days before classes start
International students can enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date of their program. This rule applies to students with F or M visas, who are considered non-immigrants. Students should refer to the start date printed on page one of their USC I-20/DS-2019 form or their Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" to determine when they can enter the country.
It is important to note that students on F or M visas are not permitted to enter earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. If a student wishes to enter earlier, they must apply and qualify for a separate visitor (B) visa. Additionally, students are expected to attend the New Student Orientation, and those who are unable to enter the US in time due to visa delays should contact the Office of Orientation Programs and their academic department.
Upon entering the United States, international students must immediately contact their Designated School Official (DSO) and complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) to activate their SEVIS record. Students should also be aware that they may not be allowed to enter the US more than one week after classes start, and they must be enrolled full-time for that semester.
To summarize, international students can enter the United States up to 30 days before their program start date, and they should refer to their visa and immigration documentation to ensure timely entry and compliance with regulations.
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Students must arrive no later than the program start date
International students with F or M visas are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. This is one of the rules agreed to when a student receives their student or exchange visitor status. Students who arrive later than 30 days before the start of their program and do not have a student visa will have to apply for a visitor (B) visa and then apply for a change of status to student (F or M) before the start of their program. This process may be lengthy, and students may not be able to begin their course of study until the change of status is approved.
Students who are unable to enter the US in time for the New Student Orientation due to visa delays should contact the Office of Orientation Programs and their academic department to alert them of the delay. However, entry to the US after the program start date is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the Port of Entry Officer at the airport and the academic department.
Students who are going to be more than one week late should consider deferring to the following semester. A late entry letter from the academic department does not guarantee entry to the US, as students should ideally be entering the US by the program start date listed on their I-20. Upon entry to the US, international students must immediately complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) so that their SEVIS record can be activated.
Students must also report to their school by the program start date listed on their Form I-20. This is to ensure that they are maintaining their status. It is best to contact your school immediately after entering the country so that there is no question of your arrival. If you are going to be late, immediately contact your designated school officials so that they can update your SEVIS record.
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Late entry does not guarantee entry to the US
International students on F or M visas are permitted to enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. This is a strict deadline, and students arriving outside of this window are not guaranteed entry.
Students arriving by air or sea will have an automated Form I-94 record generated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. The CBP will also provide an admission stamp on the student's passport, annotated with the date of admission, class of admission, and admitted-until date. This admitted-until date is the latest date a student may remain in the US, as recorded on their Form I-94.
Students who are unable to enter the US by the program start date listed on their Form I-20 should immediately contact their designated school official (DSO) so that their SEVIS record can be updated. It is recommended that students also obtain a letter from their academic department, confirming their late arrival and stating that they will be offered a full course load upon arrival. This letter should be issued on the academic department's letterhead and signed by the academic advisor or director of the program.
However, it is important to note that a late entry letter does not guarantee entry to the US. Entry after the program start date is at the discretion of the CBP officer at the airport and the academic department. In general, students cannot arrive more than one week after classes start and must be enrolled full-time for that semester. If a student is going to be more than a week late, they should defer to the following semester.
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Students must contact their Designated School Official upon arrival
International students on F/J visas are permitted to enter the United States no more than 30 days before their program of study begins. Upon arrival in the US, students must immediately contact their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO is responsible for managing F-1 student visa applications and acts as a liaison between the student and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When students arrive at their school, they must contact their DSO again, no later than the program start date listed on their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." The DSO will provide guidance on understanding US immigration regulations, including the rules and regulations regarding their particular visa type, and offer advice and resources to assist in the visa application process. They will also provide information on the local area, including transportation options, housing availability, tuition payment options, health insurance requirements, and any other relevant information that may be helpful to students upon arrival.
Throughout their studies, students must maintain regular contact with their DSO. The DSO can assist students with any questions or concerns regarding their legal status, academic progress, or financial aid. If a student is considering working while studying, changing their course load, or making any changes to their program, they should speak with their DSO first.
It is important to note that failure to comply with US immigration regulations can result in serious consequences, including forced departure from the country and potential inability to re-enter. Therefore, students must prioritize maintaining their legal status and complying with all requirements, with the guidance of their DSO.
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Students need a valid visa to enter the US
International students intending to study in the US must obtain a valid student visa. The type of visa depends on the nature of the program. The two types of non-immigrant visas for students are F and M visas. F visas are for students enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, while M visas are for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
Students with an F visa can enter the US up to 30 days before the start of their program. They must, however, depart within 60 days of completing their program unless they apply for an extension. Students with an M visa also have 30 days after their program end date to leave the US.
To obtain a student visa, applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months beyond their period of stay in the US, unless exempt by country-specific agreements. Additionally, students must provide proof of acceptance or enrollment in a US school and demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves during their studies.
Upon arrival in the US, students must immediately complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) and contact their Designated School Official (DSO). Students must maintain their student status and adhere to specific regulations, such as attending all classes and maintaining academic progress. Failure to comply with the terms of their visa may result in forced departure from the US and potential difficulties in re-entering the country.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can enter the US up to 30 days before the start of their program.
If you wish to enter earlier than 30 days before your program start date, you must apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa.
You should enter the US no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20. In general, a student cannot arrive more than one week after classes start.
If you cannot enter the US before the program start date, you should immediately contact your designated school official (DSO). You may also defer to the following semester.
Upon arrival in the US, international students must complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) and contact their DSO.
