What to expect at a U.S. Port of Entry

Upon arrival to the U.S., proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers to begin inspection. As you approach the inspection station, ensure that you have the documents listed in the section below. You will be asked to state the reason why you wish to enter the U.S. You should explain that you’re traveling to WashU to study, conduct research, teach, or work, as appropriate. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. Be prepared with your living address and WashU’s address.

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may ask you about the funds that will pay for your stay in the U.S., answer the question and offer to show the officer your financial documents. If you are asked about your “intentions”, answer the questions and be sure to remind the officer that you intend to return home after you complete your academic activities.

Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer:

  • will return your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 or I-797 (and other documents that they took for inspection)
  • may stamp your passport with your immigration details (admission status, date of entry and status end date)

Secondary Inspection

Sometimes international visitors are required to go to secondary inspection. Secondary inspection is necessary when the CBP officer cannot verify your information, or if you do not have all of the required documentation. Secondary inspection allows officers to conduct additional research to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers. If you are asked to go to secondary inspection, you should remain calm and follow the directions of the CBP officer. You may be asked for contact information for your Designated School Official (DSO). Refer to the OISS Contact Us page to find the name and contact information for your OISS Adviser (DSO).

For more information on entering the U.S., please visit the Customs and Border Protection website.

Required documents at U.S. Port of Entry

  • Passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry
  • U.S. visa entry stamp
    • Stamped into your passport by the U.S. consulate or embassy after your visa is approved
    • Must be valid at the time of entry
    • Use the appropriate visa stamp that corresponds with the intended status (e.g., F-1, J-1 or H-1B)
    • Not applicable for Canadian citizens
  • Eligibility document
    • Form I-20 (for F-1)
    • Form DS-2019 (for J-1)
    • I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B or O-1)
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt (for F or J only)
  • Evidence of financial resources (proof of funding per requirements of your visa type)
  • Letter from your department confirming employment
    • recommended for J-1 scholars and H-1B employees
    • not applicable for F-1 and J-1 students
  • Name and contact information for Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) at your intended school or program (for F or J only). See the OISS Contact Us page to find your OISS adviser (DSO) and contact information.

CBP gathers travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic travel records. Learn more about the I-94 travel record. Be sure to print your I-94 record after arrival. You will need it to verify immigration status and/or employment authorization.

Note: CBP will still issue a paper form I-94 at land border ports of entry (i.e., Canada and Mexico). You must pre-request and pre-pay for your I-94 in this case.

Issues at the Port Entry

During regular business hours (M – F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time):
Contact OISS by email at OISS@wustl.edu or by phone at 314-935-5910.

After hours, weekends or holidays:
Contact the WashU Police Department (WUPD) at 314-935-5555. WUPD will then contact OISS staff who can assist you.

A CBP officer might also ask for your OISS/WashU contact information so that they can reach out to us directly. Please have the CBP officer use the same information listed above.

See When OISS is Closed for more information.

It is also important to Know your Rights.