9Entering the United States for the first time can feel stressful, but the process is usually straightforward if you prepare your documents and follow airport signs carefully. This guide walks you through what to expect before boarding, after landing, at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and after arriving at UW.
Before you travel, check the “What to Pack” page to make sure you have all required documents and important items in your carry-on bag.
Before Boarding Your Flight
New F-1 and J-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. Before getting on the airplane to the United States, make sure your travel and immigration documents are easy to access. Some airports may check your passport and travel documents again near the boarding gate before you enter the aircraft. Keep the following documents in your carry-on luggage.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months)
- Valid visa (except for Canadian citizens)
- I-20 or DS-2019 (print it in color; sign your name and date at the bottom of Page 1 of your I-20 in the Student Attestation box; if you are under 18 years old, make sure your parent or guardian also sign below.)
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (strongly recommended)
- Financial documents (strongly recommended)
- Autumn quarter class schedule (strongly recommended)
Check your flight route carefully. Your first U.S. airport may not be Seattle.
Arriving in the United States
Your first U.S. arrival airport may be Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, or another city. You will complete U.S. immigration and customs inspection at your first U.S. port of entry, even if Seattle is not your final destination.
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- After getting off the plane, make sure you have all your carry-on items with you.
- Follow airport signs for “Passport Control,” “Immigration,” “U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” or “CBP“.
- After getting off the plane, make sure you have all your carry-on items with you.
- Look for a line marked “Visitors,” “All Other Passports,” “Non-U.S. Citizens,” or similar wording.
- Depending on the airport, you may claim checked baggage before or after passport control. Follow the airport signs and staff instructions.
- At Seattle Airport (SeaTac) International Arrival, you will claim your luggage before CBP interview.
- If you have a connecting domestic flight, you will usually need to collect your checked baggage, go through customs, and then re-check your baggage for the next flight.
Airport layouts are different, so do not worry if the order is slightly different from what you expected. Follow signs and ask airport staff if you are unsure where to go.
Customs Declaration
You may be asked to declare what you are bringing into the United States. This may happen through an electronic system, kiosk, app, paper form, or direct questions from an officer, depending on the airport and CBP process.
- Always answer customs questions honestly.
- Declare food, plants, seeds, animal products, and agricultural items if you are carrying any.
- If you are unsure whether something must be declared, it is safer to declare it and let the officer decide.
- If you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments, you must report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Check the “What to Pack” page for items that should not be brought into the U.S.
Do not try to hide food, gifts, medicine, or other items. Declaring an item does not always mean it will be taken away, but not declaring required items can cause problems.
At the CBP Interview
At passport control, a CBP officer may ask you a few questions about your travel and study plans. Stay calm, answer clearly, and have your documents ready.
- Answer only the question being asked.
- Be honest and consistent with the information on your visa and I-20 or DS-2019.
- Do not use your phone while answering questions unless the officer asks you to show an electronic document.
- A polite greeting such as “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” is enough.
- If you do not understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat or explain it.
These are sample questions. Students should answer based on their own situation and documents.
- Why are you coming to the United States?
- What school will you attend?
- What is your major or program?
- What visa status are you entering with?
- Where will you live?
- Are you bringing any food, gifts, or large amounts of money?
Fingerprinting and Admission
The CBP officer may take your fingerprints and photo. After your inspection is complete, the officer will admit you to the United States if everything is in order.
- Check that your passport and documents are returned to you before leaving the inspection area.
- Keep your documents safe after passing through passport control.
- After entering the U.S., retrieve your I-94 record online and make sure your admission information is correct.
Your I-94 is an important record of your lawful entry into the United States. You may need it for UW immigration check-in and other official processes after arrival.
If You Have a Connecting Flight
If Seattle is not your first U.S. airport, you will usually complete immigration and customs at your first U.S. arrival airport before continuing to Seattle.
- After passport control and customs, follow signs for “Baggage Recheck,” “Connecting Flights,” or “Transfers.”
- Collect and re-check your checked luggage if required.
- Go through TSA security screening again before going to your next gate.
- Leave enough time between flights because immigration, baggage claim, customs, baggage recheck, and security can take time.
If you are unsure where to go, show your boarding pass to airport staff and ask where to re-check your baggage or find your connecting flight.
If You Are Sent to Secondary Inspection
Sometimes travelers are sent to secondary inspection (“little black room”) for additional document review or questions. This does not always mean something is wrong. This is a routine process where immigration officials review your documents in more detail. Stay calm and ensure you have your passport, valid visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and any supporting documentation easily accessible.
- Stay calm and listen carefully to the officer’s questions, and answer questions clearly and honestly.
- Do not say “yes” to something you do not understand just to finish quickly.
- If you do not understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat or explain it.
- If you cannot find a document immediately, calmly explain the situation and show an electronic copy if available.
- If CBP gave you a Form I-515A, which allows your temporary admission to the U.S. for 30 days to correct the issue, it is very important that you consult UW ISS advisors through the Contact ISS form immediately after you arrive in Seattle. ISS will send you appointment booking link.
Secondary inspection can take extra time, so it is helpful to schedule enough time between connecting flights when possible.
After You Arrive at UW
After you enter the United States and arrive at UW, there are still a few important immigration steps to complete.