Entry to the United States is generally a routine process, but it is important to prepare for your entry in order to prevent complications.
What to Expect at the Port of Entry
At the U.S. port of entry (an airport, seaport or land border checkpoint), you will show your travel documents to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in order to apply for an official status for admission to the United States, such as F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange visitor).
The CBP officer may ask you a few questions about why you're traveling to the United States. You should be prepared to explain that you are coming to The New School to engage in academic activities. If you are asked about your intentions in entering the United States, be sure to remind the officer that you intend to return to your home country after you complete your academic activities.
After the initial inspection, you may be sent to secondary inspection if additional inspection of your documents or travel records is deemed necessary. Waiting in secondary inspection may take up to a few hours but typically results in the visitor's being admitted without a problem.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection may search your electronic devices during entry to the United States. If a device is searched, any information on the device, including social media content, may be considered in determining entry to the United States. Please consider this information when planning your travel to the United States.
After the CBP officer is satisfied, he or she will admit you to the United States, update your electronic I-94 record, and stamp your passport to note your admission details, including:
- Date of entry
- Immigration status in which you have been admitted.
- Expiration date of status ("D/S" refers to duration of status for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and dependents)
If you pass through a land port of entry, you may also receive a paper I-94 card.
If you experience an immigration-related emergency at a port of entry, please call ISSS at 212.229.7001 for assistance.
