Skip Navigation
Search
Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services
HomeNew StudentsArriving in the U.S.

Arriving in the U.S.

  • Prepare for Arrival


    Preparing for Arrival

    International students seeking F-1 or J-1 student status may only request entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to, but no later than, the program start date indicated on their I-20 or DS-2019.

    If you hold a 'Transfer Pending' I-20, you may reenter the U.S. at any time before your new program's start date. The 30-day restriction does not apply to you.

    Newly admitted students are expected to arrive on campus before the first day of classes. However, we understand that unforeseen situations, such as travel issues and visa delays, may sometimes disrupt your plans. If you anticipate arriving in the U.S. after the first day of classes, please review the process for requesting a late arrival here.

    Port of entry requirements

    International students seeking entry to the U.S. should be prepared to present documentation of their identity, purpose for traveling to the U.S., and ability to financially support themselves. Do not pack them into your luggage, as you will not be allowed to retrieve your luggage until you have gone through immigration.

    • Valid passport.
    • Valid U.S. visa (exceptions).
    • Original I-20 or DS-2019 issued for your current SBU program.
    • SEVIS fee receipt.
    • Financial support documentation (e.g., bank statement, affidavit of support, scholarship letter required for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance).
    • VIS phone number (631-632-4685).
    • Additional documentation may be required—such as your admission letter or exchange program acceptance letter, previous I-20/DS-2019, and transcript (for transfer students)

    Port of entry procedure

    The CBP official will review your documents and may ask you questions about the purpose of your travel to the United States. The CBP official will determine if you are admissible and, if so, may provide you with an admission stamp.

    Your admission stamp should list:

    • Your visa status (F-1 or J-1)
    • The duration of your authorized stay (“D/S”)
    • The date and port of entry

    Note: Not all CBP officers issue admission stamps. It is not a problem if you do not receive one at the port of entry.

    CBP will create an electronic I-94 record of your arrival. Please access your electronic I-94 two days after entering the U.S. to confirm your entry was recorded correctly.

    Important Note for Land Border Entries

    If you arrive in the U.S. through a land border port of entry (for example, from Canada or Mexico), you are now required to pay a $30 I-94 fee when CBP issues your Form I-94. This fee is typically paid at the port of entry, either at a staffed inspection point or online in advance through the CBP One mobile app.

    Air and sea arrivals are not subject to this fee, as their I-94 records are created automatically as part of the inspection process.

  • Getting to Campus


    Getting to Campus

    There are a wide variety of ways to get to campus depending on where you are coming from. The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the major airport closest to campus. Airport information centers in baggage claim areas provide details on the various ground transportation options, which include:

    • Taxis: Available outside all terminals, except terminal 8.
    • Lyft/Uber: Follow signs for designated pickup areas.
    • Shuttle services.
    • Long Island Railroad (LIRR).



    Shuttle Service from JFK
    Public Transportation from JFK
    Public Transportation from New York City
    Public Transportation from Newark Airport (EWG)

     

  • Additional Resources


    Additional Resources

 

New Students
New Students