Travel Information for non-US resident Users

Watch out for expiring visas

See this memo.

Foreign Students and Exchange Visitors Face Closer Scrutiny, Delays at U.S. Ports of Entry

The Department of Homeland Security has ordered its border agents to verify that every international F-1 and M-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor who arrives to the United States holds a valid visa. Agents must now verify the status of each F-1, M-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) before admission. Not all border officers are equipped with access to SEVIS, however, so after preliminary processing, most students and exchange visitors are referred to secondary inspection, where their SEVIS record is reviewed and where they may be questioned further about their U.S. activities. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should be prepared for the new entry procedures and for the possibility of long waits at U.S. ports of entry. They should be patient and answer all questions clearly and fully. For more information, see the memo.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Announces Automation of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin automation of the I-94 records on April 26 at selected airports, with complete implementation at all airports by May 30. Non-immigrants traveling to the U.S. by air or sea will no longer be required to fill out a paper I-94 form and will no longer have a paper record in their passport. With the new CBP process, a CBP officer will electronically stamp the passport of each arriving non-immigrant traveler. The admission stamp will show the date of admission, class of admission, and the end date in the U.S. for the traveler. On arrival, travelers will also receive a flier alerting them to go to CBP.gov/I94 to view/retrieve admission record information. Travelers needing a hard copy of the I-94 form to obtain a Social Security card, state driver’s license, complete an employer’s I-9 process or prove legal status to universities, etc. will be able to print their record immediately from a CBP website (CBP.gov/I94) available at the end of April 2013. The electronic record should expedite the wait period to receive the above referenced documents. Upon exiting the U.S., travelers will no longer have a paper I-94 form to surrender. CBP will record the departure electronically via manifest information provided by the carrier or by CBP. For more information and for answers to frequently asked questions, visit CBP’s Form I-94 webpages. Sue Ewing, x7687, or Tara Wilkerson, x6119, are also available to assist with inquiries as needed.

Other links of interest

International Services Registration

Checklist for Foreign Visitors

Checklist

Brochure from the User Liaison Office and International Services

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