1. Go to the USA
  2. Intern or Train in the USA
  3. Experience Guide
  4. Living in the U.S.A.
  5. Arriving in the U.S.
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Arriving in the U.S.

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Arrival

When arriving in the U.S., you must pass through immigration and customs before you retrieve your luggage. There may be separate lines for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders and other visitors.

Make sure you join the line for visitors!  

Immigration  

At immigration, officials will verify your documents, so please have the following available:

  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • I-901 SEVIS Payment Confirmation
  • J-1 visa (applicable to all non-Canadian participants)
  • An invitation or employment letter (applicable only to Canadian participants)
  • U.S. customs declaration card (which you will receive on the plane prior to landing or from the CBP Officer if arriving by land – may be an electronic or paper form/card)

Officials will take your photograph and fingerprint, then ask questions about your citizenship, your program, and where you will stay. You might be asked “Why are you coming to the United States?” You must tell the official you will be an Exchange Visitor. Your answer can include the following:

“I am coming to the United States as an Exchange Visitor to participate in a J-1 Visa program sponsored by CIEE.”  

Please note: Many airports now have automated passport control, where you go through these steps at an electronic kiosk.

At this time, the United States Customs and Border Protection will generate an automated I-94 Arrival/ Departure record for you upon your entry.

You should print the I-94 for your records after arriving. A paper version of your I-94 can be obtained on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 webpage. When accessing your record, your name should be entered as it appears on your DS-2019 Form. This record confirms your legal arrival status in the United States; therefore, you are advised to keep a copy with you at all times. Furthermore, you will likely need to present this document to apply for a social security card and to complete paperwork for your employer.  

Customs  

Next you will retrieve your luggage and continue to customs. Expect officials to open your luggage for inspection and ask for your customs declaration form, which tells them what you are bringing into the country.  

Transportation from the Airport

Plan how you will get from the airport to your temporary housing, and from there to your final destination. Transit agencies (bus lines, subway systems, and railroads) publish schedules, maps, and fares online. Your host organization can also tell you the best way to reach your final destination or might arrange to pick you up. Check with your host organization for more information.