Arriving in the United States

Traveling to the United States requires careful preparation. Before you depart, you should understand when you are allowed to enter the country, what documents you must carry, and what to expect when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry.

This page explains the entry rules for F-1 and J-1 students, the documents you must present to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and how to access your electronic I-94 arrival record after admission. You will also find guidance on transportation options from nearby airports and resources to help you travel safely to Stony Brook University.

Preparing for Arrival

If you are entering the United States in F-1 or J-1 student status, you may request entry no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. You may arrive no later than the program start date on your document.

If you have a Transfer Pending I-20, you may enter the United States at any time before your new program start date. The 30-day entry limit does not apply to transfer students.

You are expected to arrive at campus before the first day of classes. However, travel delays or visa processing issues may occur. If you expect to arrive after the first day of classes, you must follow the university’s late arrival request process.

U.S. Port of Entry Requirements

When you arrive in the United States, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your documents. You must show proof of your identity, your purpose for entering the U.S., and your ability to financially support yourself during your studies.

Keep the following documents in your carry-on bag. Do not pack them in checked luggage.

You should bring:

• A valid passport
• A valid F-1 or J-1 visa (unless exempt)
• Your original Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued for your Stony Brook program
• Your SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• Financial support documents, such as:
  • Bank statements
  • Affidavits of support
  • Scholarship or funding letters
• The Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) phone number: 631-632-4685

You may also be asked to present additional documents, including:

• Your Stony Brook admission letter
• Your exchange program acceptance letter (if applicable)
• Previous I-20 or DS-2019 forms
• Academic transcripts (for transfer students)

What Happens at the Port of Entry

A CBP officer will review your documents and may ask questions about your plans in the United States. For example, you may be asked about:

• Your academic program
• Your university
• How you will pay for your studies

If the officer determines that you are eligible to enter the United States, you will be admitted in F-1 or J-1 status.

You may receive an admission stamp in your passport. The stamp may include:

• Your visa status (F-1 or J-1)
• Your authorized stay (D/S, meaning “Duration of Status”)
• The date and location of entry

Some CBP officers do not provide admission stamps. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.

After your arrival, CBP will create an electronic I-94 arrival record. You should download your I-94 record about two days after entering the United States to confirm that your information is correct.

Important Information for Land Border Entries

If you enter the United States through a land border crossing (for example, from Canada or Mexico), you must pay a $30 I-94 fee when your Form I-94 is issued.

This fee is usually paid:

• At the port of entry inspection station, or
• Online in advance through the CBP One mobile application

Students arriving by air or sea do not pay this fee because their I-94 record is created automatically during the inspection process.

Getting to Campus

Stony Brook University is located on Long Island, New York. The closest major airport is John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Airport information desks in the baggage claim area can help you locate transportation services. Common options include:

• Taxis
• Ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft
• Airport shuttle services
• Public transportation, including the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)

SBU Shuttle Service from JFK

Stony Brook University coordinates free shuttle transportation to campus on select dates and times for undergraduate and graduate students.

Registration information, including the approved days/times, can be found on the SBU's Mobility & Parking Services webpage.

If you are flying into a different airport, the free shuttle bus will not be available. You are welcome to purchase, at your own cost, separate transportation to JFK airport from where our free shuttles will depart. 

Navigating Public Transportation to Campus

Additional Resources

• Getting to the United States
• Phone Service & SIM Cards
• Prohibited and Restricted Items
• Download Your I-94 Arrival / Departure Record
• Secondary Inspection