Arriving in the U.S. | Visa and Immigration Services (2024)

• Prepare for Arrival

  We are thrilled about your participation in our J-1 Exchange Visitor program at Stony Brook University! Listed below you will find guidance on scheduling your visa interview, arriving at the port of entry, meeting U.S. Department of State insurance requirements, orientation, check-in, and much more.

  International students seeking J-1 status may only request entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to, but no later than, the program start date indicated on their DS-2019.

  Before arriving to the U.S., there are a few things you should have in order.

  Review the VIS website

  Review the VIS websitefor information regarding orientation and intake, J-1/J-2 two-year home country physical presence requirement, maintaining your status, social security numbers, NYS driver's licenses, and more.

  Review your Form DS-2019

  Review your Form DS-2019to confirm your personal and program information are correct. If you won't arrive by your program start date, contact VIS to update your DS‐2019. If dependents are coming with you, each of them should have their own DS-2019.

  Ensure your passport is valid

  Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your start date. If any dependents are coming with you, their passports should be valid for 6 months, too.

  See Also

  Responsibilities of J-1 Scholars | Visa and Immigration ServicesApplying for an F-1 or J-1 visaAbout the J-Find and J-Skip Visas for Japan - Go! Go! NihonJ-1 Visiting Scholars | Visa and Immigration Services

  Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

  Pay the SEVIS I‐901 fee at least 3 days before your visa interview. Print the receipt and keep a copy for your records. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda don't need an entry visa, but they still have to pay the SEVIS fee before entering the U.S.

  Review health insurance requirements

  Click hereto review the J-1 health insurance requirements. SBU policy, which complies with federal regulation, requires that all J visa holders purchase SBU coverage for international insurance immediately upon arrival to SBU. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

  Review your invitation letter

  Review your hosting department's invitation letterfor information about program activities, employment details (if applicable), and any program fees.

  Have copies of all important documents

  • Get copies of important medical and dental records, x-rays, and prescriptions written in generic terms for you and any accompanying dependents.

  • Get copies of financial documentsthat show how you will be supported while you are at SBU. You might be asked for these at the U.S. port of entry.

  Get your J-1 visa

  Schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for your visa (except citizens of Canada or Bermuda). Visit travel.state.gov to find your nearest consulate and review the documents required for your interview. Upon receiving your visa, please review it for accuracy.

• Arriving in the U.S.

  Individuals in J-1 status may only request entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to, but no later than, the program start date indicated on their DS-2019.

  You should be prepared to present documentation of your identity, purpose for traveling to the U.S., and ability to financially support yourself in the United States.

  Do not pack them into your luggage, as you will not be allowed to retrieve your luggage until you have gone through immigration.

  • Passport, valid for at least six months past your date of entry.
  • Valid U.S. visa (exceptions).
  • DS-2019 issued for your current SBU program.
  • SEVIS fee receipt.
  • Financial support documentation (e.g., bank statement, affidavit of support, scholarship letter required for DS-2019 issuance).
  • VIS phone number (631-632-4685).

  Additional documentation may be required—e.g., admission letter/exchange program acceptance letter, previous DS-2019 and transcript (transfer student), etc.

  Port of Entry Procedure

  The CBP official will review your documents and may ask you questions about the purpose of your travel to the United States. The CBP official will determine if you are admissible and, if so, may provide you with an admission stamp.Not all CBP officers issue admission stamps.

  • CBP will also create an electronic I-94 record of your arrival. Please access yourelectronic I-94two days after entering the U.S. to confirm your entry was recorded properly.

  Other Considerations Upon Arrival

  • Report to your hosting department at SBU. Ask your department if you will have any orientations other than with VIS.
  • Do not apply for a driver's license or an SSN until after you have checked in with VIS. Your SEVIS record needs to be activated first.
• Getting to Campus

  Getting to Campus

  There are a wide variety of ways to get to campus depending on where you are coming from. The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the major airport closest to campus. Airport information centers in baggage claim areas provide details on the various ground transportation options, which include:

  • Taxis: Available outside all terminals, except terminal 8.
  • Lyft/Uber: Follow signs for designated pickup areas.
  • Long Island Railroad (LIRR).

  Public transportation from JFK

  From JFK airport, take the AIRTRAIN to Jamaica station for the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). The $5 trip to Jamaica station lasts approximately 5 minutes. From the Jamaica station, take the LIRR (Port Jefferson line, eastbound) to the Stony Brook station, about a 2 hour ride. One-way fares range from $11.00 to $15.25, depending on the time of day.

  Purchase your LIRR ticket from one of the ticket machines before boarding the train. You may purchase your ticket on the train (cash only), however there is an additional fee. The ticket machines accept U.S. Currency in small denominations, credit and debit cards.

  Airport shuttle service from JFK

  Stony Brook has partnered withSuper Shuttleto provide transportation services from JFK airport to Stony Brook University at a reduced rate. Reservations can be made online. Upon arrival, make sure the Super Shuttle representative has your name on a list.

  See Also

  Visas to Japan for U.S. Citizens

  Public transportation from New York City (NYC)

  From Penn Station (34th Street and 7th Avenue), take theLong Island Railroad(LIRR)’s Port Jefferson line to the Stony Brook station.

  Public transportation from Newark Airport (EWR)

  Students arriving from Newark Liberty International Airport can take New Jersey Transit from Newark to Penn Station. From Penn Station, take the LIRR train to Stony Brook.

  Car service

  Several companies offer individual or shared car service from New York airports to Long Island. When looking for car service, be sure to research and choose a reputable company. State and Research Foundation approved car services includeRoadmaster LimousineandSpartan Car Service.

  NOTE:When booking private transportation to Stony Brook, be sure to choose reputable companies. When you arrive at the airport, make sure the car or shuttle service has your name on their list. Carry the company phone number as well as your receipt if you have prepaid. If taking a taxi, be sure to use approved airport taxi lines.

Disclaimer:The information contained in this website is provided by Visa and Immigration Services as a service solely to the international students and scholars of Stony Brook University. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this handout. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circ*mstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be considered legal advice or used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.

E-5310 Frank J. Melville Jr. Memorial LibraryStony Brook, NY 11794-3393

Phone: (631) 632-4685 Fax: (631) 632-7064

vis@stonybrook.edu