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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 should plan on entering the US prior to the start date of classes. If you are experiencing delays, contact EVS and your department.  

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 academic 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 academic 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.