Entering the U.S.

After obtaining your visa, prepare for travel by visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) website for entry guidelines and required documents.

Bring all immigration documents related to your status and keep them with you during travel. Do not pack them in your luggage, as you’ll need to present these at the U.S. port of entry before collecting your luggage.

Applying for Admission

At the port of entry, you will apply for official U.S. admission under a specific immigration classification. A USCBP officer will review:

  • Passport (valid at least six months beyond your entry date)
  • Valid visa corresponding to your intended academic activities
  • Immigration documents (e.g., I-20 for F-1 students, DS-2019 for J-1 scholars, I-797B for H-1Bs)
  • Visa application documents such as your BU admission or employment letter, SEVIS fee receipt, financial proof, and documents showing continued valid status if applicable

Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose in the U.S., funding, and your intention to return home after completing your academic program.

If satisfied, the officer will admit you and electronically update your entry record with:

  • Entry date
  • Immigration status
  • Status expiration (duration of status “D/S” for F-1/J-1, or specific date for others)

Always check your electronic I-94 arrival record after each international entry to verify your status. Save or print your entry information from CBP’s I-94 arrival record website.

Important: Enter the U.S. in a immigration classification that supports your academic activities. Avoid entering on B-1/B-2 visitor or visa waiver statuses (WT/WB), as these often do not support academic activities and changing status later may be difficult or impossible.

Re-Entry I-94 Arrival Record Check

Each re-entry outside North America issues a new I-94 arrival record. Check for errors at the port of entry and respectfully request corrections immediately if needed.

Missing Documentation

If documentation is incomplete, you may receive Form I-515A and a limited-duration passport stamp allowing temporary admission (usually 30 days). Contact ISSO immediately to submit required documents and avoid termination of your status and SEVIS record.

Correcting I-94 Arrival Record Errors

If you find errors on your electronic I-94 arrival record, email Boston CBP at cbp.boston.i94@cbp.dhs.gov with details of what needs to be corrected. You will be notified when corrected. Verify your record at CBP I-94 arrival record.

If you notice any errors on your passport entry visa after you have departed the U.S. port of entry, contact the ISSO.

Secondary Inspection

Some F-1/J-1 holders may be referred to secondary inspection for further questioning. This is normal and not necessarily a denial of entry. It may take additional time to complete.

If CBP has questions ISSO can assist with, ask the officer to contact ISSO at 617-353-3565 during business hours. After hours please have the officer call the number listed in SEVIS for the PDSO.