/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Arriving in the U.S.

When you travel to the United States in J-1 status, you may request entry up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form DS-2019. You cannot enter the United States after the start date on your DS-2019 unless you first contact Visa & Immigration Services for guidance.

When you arrive at the airport or land border, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your documents and determine whether you may enter the United States.

Documents to Carry With You

You must carry important immigration documents in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. You will not be able to access checked luggage until after you complete the immigration inspection.

Be prepared to show the following documents:

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry to the United States

  • Valid U.S. visa in your passport (unless you qualify for a visa exemption)

  • Form DS-2019 issued for your Stony Brook University program

  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt

  • Proof of financial support, such as:

    • Bank statements

    • Affidavits of support

    • Scholarship or funding letters used for DS-2019 issuance

  • Contact information for Visa & Immigration Services

    • Phone: 631-632-4685

In some cases, you may also need additional documents, such as:

  • Your invitation letter or exchange program acceptance letter

  • Previous DS-2019 forms if you previously held J-1 status

  • Academic records or transcripts if you are transferring from another U.S. institution

Keeping these documents organized and easily accessible will help the inspection process go smoothly.

What Happens at the Port of Entry

At the port of entry, the CBP officer will:

  1. Review your immigration documents

  2. Ask questions about your travel and your program in the United States

  3. Decide whether you may enter the country

If you are admitted, the officer will record your entry in the immigration system. Some officers may place an admission stamp in your passport, but not all officers do this.

CBP will also create an electronic I-94 arrival record. This document confirms your admission to the United States and your immigration status.

Check Your I-94 Record

After arriving in the United States, you should access and review your electronic I-94 record online to make sure your entry information is correct.

Your I-94 should show:

  • Your immigration status as J-1

  • Your admission period as D/S (Duration of Status)

If you notice an error, contact Visa & Immigration Services for assistance.

After You Arrive at Stony Brook University

Once you arrive in the United States, you should take the following steps:

  • Report to your hosting department at Stony Brook University

  • Ask your department whether you must attend any departmental orientation programs

  • Complete your J-1 check-in with Visa & Immigration Services.

Your SEVIS record must be activated before you apply for certain services in the United States.

Important Reminder

Do not apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or a driver’s license until after you complete your check-in with Visa & Immigration Services and your SEVIS record has been activated.

Completing this step helps confirm that you have properly arrived and that your J-1 program has started.