Upon arrival
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upon arrival in US

a a guest in US, from the time you enter US to study until the time you complete or terminate your program of studies and return home, you will be subject to US laws and regulations. these affect your ability to enter US, study, work, and travel. many international students find these laws complicated and difficult to understand, but with careful study, you will find them quite straightforward. although you don’t need to know every detail about US immigration law, you should become familiar with the most important regulations that affect your status as as student.

while in the US, you alone will be responsible for maintaining your status as as student. the best place to find accurate info about immigration regulations is the international student office on your campus. although your friends might be willing to share their own experience and advice with you, every student’s situation is a little different, and the right information given by your friend might be wrong info for you.

when you arrive at the US port of entry, usually an airport, you will first be directed to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). present the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94), which you received while on the plane, and your passport. the inspector may ask you some questions about your plans and your source of support while in US. such questions are routine and if you have the proper documents, you will be admitted without delay. the i-94 will be stapled into your passport. this card indicates the period of time you have permission to remain in US to study. for nonimmigrant students, the notation is “D/S”, or “Duration of Status” to signify that you may remain in US for the appropriate length of time necessary to complete your program of study.

the INS officer will take either your form I-20A-B or IAP-66. after making appropriate notation on the form, part of it will be returned to you- page 3 of i-20 if you’re an f-1 student or the pink copy of iap-66 if you’re a j-1 exchange visitor. it is very important that you retain this copy with your passport; it is a record of your stay in US, which include date of entry, employment authorization, and expected school graduation date. keep these documents in a safe place at all times. also make copies and file them separately.