What to Expect at the Port of Entry
With recent increased screening at the US border, it is important when entering that you are fully prepared. Regardless of where you enter the U.S., be prepared to provide the following documents at the port of entry to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
Please note: CBP inspection takes place before you collect your luggage, so you must have these documents on your person. Do not put your travel documents in your checked luggage.
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)
- King’s College admission (new student) or enrollment (continuing student) letter
- Visa stamp (does not apply to Canadian citizens)
- SEVIS Form I-20 (F-1)
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Evidence of financial resources
Do not bring restricted items. We recommend you review the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel FAQs before coming into the U.S.
Questioning
Officers may ask you questions about your reason for entering the U.S. or about your academic program. If an officer asks about your academic performance, remain calm and answer honestly.
Officers may also ask you questions about your electronic device or inspect it. This may include your social media accounts.
Secondary Inspection
Upon inspection of your documents, you may be sent to "secondary inspection" which means an additional inspection of your documents is required. Often this is done on a random basis and may have nothing to do with your specific circumstances.
Although secondary inspection can be intimidating and cause anxiety, there is usually little cause for alarm. Waiting in secondary can take up to a few hours, but almost always results in successful admissions afterwards.