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University of Florida

Arrival

Travel Date

 

  • You may enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on your DS-2019 (Box 3). 
  • You can only start your activities at UF on or after the start date on your DS-2019.  
  • If you will arrive more than 15 days after the start date on your DS-2019, you must inform EVS and your UF department so that your DS-2019 can be amended.  

 

Required Documents

 

Bring the following immigration documents with you in your carry-on luggage, in an easily-accessible place: 

  • Your valid passport 
  • Your J-1 visa stamp (unless you are traveling with a Canadian passport) 
  • Form DS-2019 

Immigration Inspection at Port of Entry

 

At the US port of entry (airport or land border), you will speak with an immigration officer:  

  • Answer all questions calmly and concisely. 
  • Be prepared to answer general questions about your program at the University of Florida. 
  • Have your immigration documents easily accessible. 
  • If you have multiple visas, be clear that you are entering using your J visa to participate in an exchange visitor program. 
    • If you are a Canadian citizen, make sure to show your DS-2019 to the officer and explicitly state that you are entering on J status, even if they do not ask. 
  • The immigration officer will likely not stamp your passport – this is normal. 

NOTE: A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Exchange visitors with valid J visas still may be denied entry at the border. To reduce the risk of this happening, please review CBP admission guidelines.