Entering the U.S. and I-94
The visa issued by the consulate/embassy does not guarantee entry into the U.S. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have authority to deny admission at the port of entry --have all your documents in order upon arrival. Prior to disembarking from the airplane, the flight attendant will give you an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record form to complete. At the port-of-entry, a CBP officer will review the I-94 and your travel documents and stamp your passport and DS 2019 or I-20 to indicate the entry date, location and non-immigrant classification and length of authorized stay.
The I-94 Departure Record and DS 2019 or I-20 will be returned to you keep these documents in your passport.
The I-94 Departure Record will be stapled in your passport. The I-94 indicates your non-immigrant status (J-1 or F-1) and is evidence that you have permission to stay in the U.S. The time at which your permission to stay expires appears in the upper right hand corner of the I-94. Students in J-1 or F-1 are admitted for "D/S" or duration of status. You will be issued an I-94 with a new number each time you enter the U.S.
Special note about I-94 Departure Cards:
F-1 and J-1 students with expired U.S. visas who are traveling to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands (except Cuba) for less than 30 days, who will not be applying for a new U.S. visa while there and who will be resuming their studies should NEVER surrender their I-94 card. Canadian or Mexican students returning to their home country should surrender their I-94 card as they enter their country. A new I-94 card will be issued upon return to the U.S.
Upon arrival on campus F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars/professors are required to report to the Office of International Programs Room 1-919 AB. This office maintains a file with information that may be requested by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.