Upon Arrival in the United States
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Arrival in the United States
Be sure you are in compliance with U.S. regulations to ensure that you will be allowed to enter the United States. Note that your student visa does not guarantee entry into the United States; it allows you to travel to the United States only as far as the port of entry. The immigration and customs officers make the final decision to allow or deny entry based on compliance with customs and immigration regulations. Check current U.S. entry and customs requirements again before your departure, because rules are subject to change. (Visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htm for additional information.)
Basic Requirements for Entry
Upon arriving in the United States, and before claiming your luggage, you will first need to answer questions from U.S. customs officials and present required documentation. Customs officials will check that the following basic requirements are satisfied.
You must be healthy.
You must provide proof of vaccination if you were recently in a country with epidemics such as cholera or yellow fever.
Show statement of financial support. State your intent to leave the United States upon completion of your studies and after any OPT in which you participate.
What Not to Bring Into the United States
Drugs or medications without a doctor’s prescription.
Fruits and vegetables.
Living plants.
Meat and meat products.
Firearms and ammunition.
Products made from certain protected animals.The sample questions and checklist of required documents provided in this chapter will help guide you in your preparations for entry and the customs interview.