Entering the U.S.

After international students get ready to come to the U.S., pack their bags, leave their home country, and arrive in the U.S., the next thing they need to do is go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Arrival Process at U.S. Ports of Entry

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) controls entry into the U.S. Your visa and immigration papers show you are allowed to enter the U.S. port of entry, but the CBP officer makes the final decision to approve the entry.

When Arriving at Customs and Immigration:

• There will be two lines: one for U.S. citizens and another for international visitors.
• You will talk to a CBP officer who will look at your documents and ask a few questions about why you're coming to the U.S.
• If needed, you might go through more questioning by CBP in a place called secondary inspection* to confirm your status.

Once everything has been reviewed and confirmed, the officer will grant entry to the U.S. and provide Form I-94, which will include:

1. Arrival Date and Location
2. Immigration Status
3. Expiration Date of Immigration Status (normally D/S for duration of status)

Check the information to ensure your visa status and that all the dates are accurate. Print this form for your records.

* If secondary inspection becomes frequent as an international student, file with DHS Trip to help future entries.

What Happens When U.S. Entry Is Denied

The CBP officer might deny your entry if you arrive in the U.S. without the necessary documents or with incomplete or unsigned information.

The CBP may grant entry, and you will receive Form I-515A, a checklist outlining what information is missing or incomplete. You must submit the missing or incomplete information within 30 days.

If your entry is refused or you receive Form I-515A, call UNO International Advising at 402.554.2293 or email unointladvising@unomaha.edu for next steps.

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After You Arrive in Omaha

As a new international student, one of the first things to do when you arrive in Omaha is report your arrival to UNO International Advising.

Remember, you are responsible for maintaining your status and must report any change in your:

• Academic Program, Major, or Education Level
• Funding or Financial Sponsor
• Address (All address changes must be reported within 10 days of moving.)
• Legal Name
• Visa Status

You also work with International Advising on any plans to leave UNO.

A view of downtown Omaha