Entering the USA
An exchange visitor (EV) may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the start date on the DS-2019 or no later than 30 days after the start date on the DS-2019. If unable to enter within this 60-day period and report to OSU within 10 days of arrival, the EV must inform the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in the Office of International Students and Scholars so program dates can be amended and a new DS-2019 can be issued and sent to the EV. The EV will not be allowed to enter the USA outside this window of 60 days.
At a U.S. port of entry, the EV will present his/her passport and US visa along with the DS-2019 form, which has the preliminary endorsement of a consular or immigration officer. The immigration officials may also ask for other documents that may have been presented to the US Consular Officer (proof of financial support, invitation letter, etc.). The Customs and Border Patrol Officer will approve entry and stamp the passport, I-94 card and DS-2019 Form indicating that the EV has entered the USA on a J-1 visa for a specific period of time. This is usually indicated as “D/S” for Duration of Stay which allows the EV to stay for the length of program indicated by the dates on the DS-2019 form. The date of entry and the port of entry will be recorded in the SEVIS system. The I-94 card is the actual proof of your immigration status. This small white card is very important and must be kept with the passport to prove your entry and immigration status.
us visit
All non-immigrant visitors holding visas (regardless of race, national origin, or religion) participate in the US-VISIT, a comprehensive registration tracking system for entries to and exits from the United States. The program involves obtaining a scan of two index fingerprints and a digital photograph. For more information, visit this website.
national security entry-exit registration system (nseers)
Some individuals will be asked to provide additional information under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, or NSEERS. A packet of information will be available at the port of entry explaining the registration procedure. For more information, visit the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Please pay special attention to the "Walkaway Materials", which are found at: http://www.ice.gov/doclib/pi/specialregistration/WalkawayMaterial.pdf