PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS - ENTRY TO US
| English Language Proficiency | Graduate Admission | Tuition & Fees | Prepare for Your Travel |
| Entry to US | Housing Applications | Orientation | Obtaining Your I-20 |
| Canadian Students | Mandated Check-In |
Arrival Date and Transportation Arrangement
After enrolling in school, a welcome letter with important information will be sent to your email (this is the quickest and most cost efficient way to obtain important information). This includes the information of mandatory orientation for international students. You should arrive on campus before the International Student Orientation day. Once you book your flight, you need to contact the OIA for pick-up arrangement. The OIA will inform you of the driver’s contact information before your departure.
Preparing for Your Entry
As an international student, you need to bear in mind that a valid visa does not guarantee successful entry into the United States. It is the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry, not the consular officer that authorizes the traveler’s admission to the United States and determines the period of authorized stay.
When you arrive at the U.S. Port of Entry, a CBP officer at a primary inspection booth will ask you some questions to verify your documentation and may examine your luggage.
The CBP officer may send you to secondary inspection if you do not have the required documentation or if she/he cannot verify your information. A CBP officer at the secondary inspection will conduct a more detailed inspection to determine your admissibility. However, if she/he is unable to verify your legal admissibility, you may be allowed a temporary entry into the United States with a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor,” (https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2013/01/what-form-i-515a). This document allows you to have temporary admission into the United States for 30 days. To maintain your nonimmigrant student status, you must address your Form I-515A within the time provided to you. If you receive a Form I-515A, alert your designated school official (DSO) as soon as you arrive on campus. It is critically important you work with your DSO to address the Form I-515A within the 30 days given to you. For more information, you can visit US Department of Homeland Security website regarding the Form I-515A (https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2013/01/what-form-i-515a).
To help you with a successful entry to the United States, we have some tips for your entry preparation:
- Make sure you have the following documents with you in hand
- Valid passport with a US visa stamp
- Original signed Form I-20
- Evidence of financial support
- KSU admission/acceptance letter
- Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee
- Do not bring any restricted items like alcoholic beverages, firearms, fish, plants, seeds, soil, animal products, fruits, and vegetables.
- Have in hand with you the contact information for KSU:
| Yolanda Benson Registrar Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) Office Phone:(502) 597-5795 Email: yolanda.benson@kysu.edu |
Eric Yang Director of International Affairs Office Phone:(502) 597-6327 Cell Phone:(502) 545-5003 Fax #:(502) 597-6763 Email: eric.yang@kysu.edu |