Necessary Documents
Form I-94 Arrival/ Departure Card
This small white card is issued to all non-immigrants at the time of arrival in the US, and must remain stapled in your passport at all times. Do not lose the I-94, as replacement is very complicated and expensive. The I-94 indicates the visa classification and the length of authorized stay in the US. This card is surrendered upon departure from the US and a new Form I-94 is issued upon re-entry.
The length of authorized stay for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors is noted on the I-94 as D/S and stands for "Duration of Status". It allows F-1 students to stay in the US for the length of time indicated on the initial I-20 form, plus 60 days. It allows J-1 exchange visitors to stay for the length of time indicated on the DS-2019 form, plus 30 days.
SEVIS I-20 Form for F-1 Students
This "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status" is issued to students when they are accepted to a school. It is used to apply for an F-1 visa at the American Consulate or Embassy in your country and is then presented to the immigration officer at the port of entry when you arrive in the US. The officer will stamp the form with a red entry stamp and return it to you. Students transferring schools within the US will not have the red entry stamp on their I-20 form. Keep it with your passport at all times. If you do not complete your degree by the date on your form, you must apply for an extension of program at the ISC.
SEVIS Form DS-2019 for J-1 Students
The "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the document issued to students on an exchange program, or to students with special sponsorship when they are admitted to a school. It is used to apply for the J-1 visa at the American Consulate or Embassy in the student's home country. It is then presented to the immigration officer at the port of entry when you arrive in the US. The officer will stamp the form with a red entry stamp and return it to you. Keep it with your passport at all times. If you do not complete your program by the date on your form, contact the ISC to obtain a new form.