Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Tips to consider

• Carry the following items in your carry-on, NOT in your checked baggage:
  • Passport with F-1 or J-1 visa
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt
  • Evidence of finances as listed on the I-20 or DS-2019
  • Evidence of student status (admission letter)
  • Contact information for your Designated School Officials at USI or sponsor
    • Emilija Zlatkovska, Executive Director, Center for International Programs, 812-461-5228
      
      
• A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) officer will examine your immigration documents and may ask for other documentation that you used to apply for your visa.
  
  
• You will be asked a few questions about why you’re traveling to or returning to the U.S. You should explain that you will be a student at USI. Some other questions the officer may ask:
  • How long do you plan to visit?
  • Where will you be staying?
  • Do you have the means to support yourself financially in the U.S.?
  • Do the documents you present match the purpose and intent of your visit?
    
    
• Be prepared to show any documentation to support your answer.
  
  
• Once the officer has checked your documents and confirms you have answered all the questions, they will take your fingerprints and your photograph. Your passport will be stamped with “D/S” with the appropriate F-1 or J-1 notation.  The D/S means “Duration of Status” and means you are eligible to remain in the U.S. as long as your F-1 or J-1 status is valid.  Learn more about maintaining your status. 
  
  
• Before leaving the Port of Entry (POE), do the following: 
  • Make sure your passport is stamped correctly as your entry will be electronically recorded (I-94).
  • Make sure you have all of your immigration documents. The officer should not keep any of your original documents.
    
    
• If your information cannot be automatically verified, you may be directed to secondary inspection. Try to stay calm if this happens to you. 
  
  
• Know your rights when entering the U.S.