Entering the U.S. in J-1 or F-1 Status
All F-1 and J-1 students (except Canadians) must have a valid appropriate F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in their passports before entering the U.S. When traveling to the U.S., you should present the following documents to the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:
- Your UVA Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Your passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of admission
- Your valid visa in your passport
The Immigration Officer will stamp your I-20 or DS-2019 and provide you with a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (a small white card that should be placed in your passport.) Ensure that the I-94 card remains in your passport throughout your time in the U.S. The I-94 card should be marked "F-1" and "D/S" or "J-1" and "D/S." "D/S" stands for "duration of status." Visit www.virginia.edu/iso/issp for more information.
Using a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp and Form I-20 or DS-2019, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 (see section 5 of your I-20 or box 3 of your DS-2019). You may not enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status more than 30 days before your program start date. (Canadians and Bermudians traveling without a visa stamp will be required to show the SEVIS fee payment receipt in addition to their I-20 or DS-2019).
More information on entering the U.S. and maintaining your status including Forms I-94 and visas is available in the section of the site relating to your specific status.
More information on getting to Charlottesville and coming to UVA is available on our homepage.