Arrival in the U.S. – Summer/Fall 2025
The Following is the guidance from ISS for entry to the U.S. for Fall 2025.
Going through Customs & Border Protection at a U.S. Port of Entry
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a government agency tasked with border management, including air ports of entry.
You will most likely encounter CBP after you have arrived in the U.S. However, some countries, such as Canada and Ireland, may have a U.S. CBP checkpoint before exiting the country of origin.
At a CBP checkpoint, you will be asked to present your immigration documents. Please have the following documents accessible:
- Form I-20 or DS-2019. Remember to sign before traveling. This is a vital document for your entry under F-1 or J-1 status. Please present this document to the CBP officer first.
- F-1 or J-1 visa stamp
- Individuals who have other valid U.S. visas (such as a B visitor visa) should open their passport to the F or J visa page before handing it to the CBP officer.
- Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from this requirement. Canadian citizens should not use the NEXUS line when entering the U.S. on a student visa.
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity past your date of entry
Recommended documents
- Course schedule (student) or signed job offer letter (OPT or scholar)
- Most recent I-94 (for individuals who already have a travel history in the U.S.)
All documents mentioned above are extremely important and should never be placed in checked luggage. You will not have access to your checked luggage until after you have gone through a CBP checkpoint. We strongly recommend that documents be printed instead of being in electronic form.
ISS recommends individuals should check your electronic I-94 before leaving the airport. The Class of Admission should show as “F1” or “J1.” If a different visa type is showing, politely request that CBP correct this.
Electronic Device Searches at US Ports of Entry
CBP may search electronic devices; including phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices.
If a CBP officer requests to search your device:
- During these searches, CBP can only access content on the physical device. Cellular signal and wifi should be turned off.
- Stay calm, be honest, and comply with the CBP officer
- Refusal to answer questions or provide information, such as device passwords, may result in device seizure or denial of entry.
Unlikely Circumstances
A majority of immigration interviews at CBP checkpoints are standard interactions and checks of paperwork. In the unlikely event that CBP is not able to verify your information or a concern is raised, please review the information below. Please click the linked section titles for more information.
If additional time or resources are needed to admit you to the U.S., CBP may direct you to secondary inspection. This is a physically different space that allows CBP officers to conduct additional research into your case. Secondary inspection does not automatically mean denial of entry.
Secondary inspection may consist of requests for additional information, such as device or luggage searches. The timeline for secondary inspection can be minutes to hours.
Insufficient Documentation (Form I-515-A)
A Form I-515A is a document issued as an alternative to denial of entry. This is a temporary admission to the United States under the condition that the individual being admitted meets the requirements stated on the form within 30 days. If you are issued an I-515A, please contact ISS as soon as possible.
Issuance of a Form I-515A is at the discretion of the CBP officer and is not always offered as an alternative to denial of entry.
Denial of Entry
If you are denied entry to the U.S., stay calm and comply with CBP. You may be put on the next flight available returning to your country of origin, or be held until a flight is available. Carefully review any forms you are asked to sign. You may ask for resources such as an interpreter or calling an immigration attorney, but you are not entitled to these services.
If CBP has denied your entry, or is excessively questioning you, please request to call Wake Forest University Center for Immigration Services and Support using the contact information below.
Wake Forest University Center for Immigration Services and Support
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm
Phone: +1-336-758-3739
Email: iss@wfu.edu
Emergency after-hours contact: Wake Forest University Police
Phone: +1-336-758-5911
Email dispatch@wfu.edu
If you have any additional questions or need of assistance, email iss@wfu.edu.