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 What to expect upon arrival at an U.S. Port of Entry
Transportation to New York City
Looking for Housing
What to expect upon arrival at an U.S. Port of Entry
This information was extracted from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement web site:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htmF-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should be aware of the following: - If you are an initial student or exchange visitor entering the U.S. to attend school for the first time, you cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before the program start date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. If you are returning to continue your studies as a F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor (including transferring schools or programs), you may leave the U.S. and re-enter at anytime provided that you have proper immigration documentation from SVA.
- Before leaving your country, confirm that your passport and visa are valid for entry into the United States. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to enter the U.S.
- Check your visa to make sure it accurately reflects your correct visa classification, such as F-1 or J-1.
- When you receive your nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the consular officer may seal your immigration documents in an envelope and attach it to your passport. Do not open this envelope! The Customs and Border Protection Officer at the U.S. port of entry will open the envelope.
- Carry your immigration documents with you when you travel. Do not check them in your luggage! If your luggage is lost or delayed, you will not be able to show the documents to the Customs and Border Protection Officer, and as a result, may not be able to enter the U.S.
You should carry the following documents in person: - Passport (including attached envelope of immigration documents) with visa
- SEVIS Form I-20, or DS-2019
- Evidence of financial resources (bring original documents, not photocopies)
- Name and contact information of SVA's international student advisors
If you are flying to New York, the airline staff will distribute CF-6059 Customs Declaration Forms and I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Forms for immigration before you land at your initial point of entry in the United States. Complete these forms while you are on the aircraft and submit them to the appropriate Customs and Border Protection Officer upon your arrival. If you do not understand a form, ask the airline staff for assistance. Upon arrival at the port of entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection. As you approach the inspection station, have your passport, SEVIS Form I-20, Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record, and CF-6059 Customs Declaration Form available to present to the Customs and Border Protection Officer. If you are entering through a land or designated sea port, the Customs and Border Protection Officer will provide the necessary CF-6059 Customs Declaration Forms and I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Forms at the port of entry. You will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States and your final destination. It is important that you tell the Customs and Border Protection Officer that you will be a student or exchange visitor. Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will: - Stamp your SEVIS Form for duration of status ("D/S") for F and J visa holders
- Stamp the I-94 and staple it in the passport
Transportation to New York City
Information about traveling from JFK, Newark and LaGuardia Airports to Manhattan and surrounding areas can be found at: http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/
Information on New York City Transit is available at: http://www.mta.info/
Pickup service at the airport is not provited by SVA.
Looking for Housing
For information regarding SVA housing, please refer to the Office of Residence Life: reslife@sva.edu, 212.592.2140.
Here are some web sites that provide information on finding temporary accommodation.
Please note that SVA is not affiliated with or endorse any of these resources, and cannot be held responsible for your transactions.
Housing Listings by Metro International
http://www.metrointl.org/programs/housingbooklet/listings_long_term.html
The Brandon Residence for Women
http://www.thebrandon.org/
Sara's New York Homestay
http://www.sarahomestay.com/
New York Accommodations Center
http://www.housingus.com/
Educational Housing Services
http://www.studenthousing.org/
General Resources regarding Housing in New York City:
NYC Rent Guidelines Board
http://www.housingnyc.com
Craigslist New York City
(Please use with caution. Fraudulent incidents have been reported regarding housing listings. Make sure you verify the legitimacy of the contact person before you sign anything or make payments.)
http://newyork.craigslist.org/
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