Arriving in the US and US Customs                          Issue 3
Greetings!

You've been preparing for months.  Now it's time to get here, whether from across the globe or the next county.  Are you ready?  
Today's Tip: Arriving in the US and at UMD

DON'T ARRIVE TOO EARLY!
Remember, new F-1 and J-1 students may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the report date on the I-20 or DS-2019 form (December 23rd, 2019). Transfer students may arrive earlier.


Transfer Students ONLY
If you transferred your SEVIS record to UMD, you are not subject to the 30-day entry restriction (entering no earlier than 30 days before your program starts) and can enter the U.S. at any point before your program. However, you must have the University of Maryland I-20 to re-enter the U.S. 

 
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
As you prepare to depart your home country, make sure to keep the following items with you on your flight:  
  • Your passport, valid for at least SIX MONTHS beyond the date of your expected stay;
  • Your Form I-20 if you are F-1 student or your Form DS-2019 if you are a J-1 student;
  • Evidence of financial resources;
  • Letter of admission;
  • Receipt for paying the SEVIS fee;
  • Phone number for International Student and Scholar Services: +001 301-314-7740.
If you have a driver's license in your home country and are interested in obtaining a driver's license in the U.S., you should bring your home country license.
   

ARRIVAL IN THE US & CUSTOMS
While on the plane, you will be given the Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059) to complete.   
 
At the port-of-entry, an immigration officer will look over your documents and ask you several questions about your stay in the US.   If you have more than one visa, be sure to  open your passport to the visa you will use for study  when presenting it to the Customs officer.  The officer will electronically enter the visa status you are admitted with (F-1, J-1) and how long your stay in the US is valid. If you arrive by plane, you may access this information by finding your arrival record at  https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home  using your passport and travel information.  You will also receive an entry stamp in your passport.   Exception : If you arrive by land, a Customs officer will staple a paper I-94 card into your passport.

Your entry stamp in the passport should say "F-1, D/S" if you are an F-1 student or "J-1, D/S" if you are a J-1 student . If you entered by land, the paper I-94 should have the same notation. Please check carefully to make sure that this is correctly noted.  
PLANNING TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT
   
There are three major airports that surround the Washington, DC area: Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI); Reagan National Airport (DCA); and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).  

It is possible to get to College Park via public transportation from the airports although it does involve several changes along the way.
  
Using DC Metro

Other Public Transportation Options
  • Washington Flyer Bus to West Falls Church Metro $9 then West Falls Church Metro (Orange line) to College Park Metro (Green line) switch from Orange Line to Green Line at L'Enfant Plaza $3.90 (less if not during rush hour)
  • Super Shuttle Costs: $39.00 one-way 
  • Taxi: 58 miles / 67 kilometers. Washington Flyer Taxi approximately $80
  
Reagan National and Baltimore airports.
Public Transportation (metro train or bus)  is easy from Reagan National and Baltimore airports.  Please see their websites for more information:
Shared Vans  are an economical alternative when public transportation is not an option or if you are traveling with lots of luggage.  Shared "  Super Shuttle s"  can be booked in advance or directly at the airport. These services take you directly to your door but are cheaper than a taxi. If you travel in a group, you can save money by booking a Super Shuttle together.

Taxis  are abundant but can be costly (at least $40 from Reagan National, $70 from Baltimore, and $90 from Dulles).  Taxis in DC are required to accept credit cards, but if you travel from Virginia or Maryland, it is best to be prepared to pay cash.  Taxis are available outside the terminal at every airport. With the  Uber or Lyft  app, you can also arrange a taxi alternative that is slightly cheaper.


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