Flight Dates
Arriving in the U.S.
As you enter the U.S. and make your way to campus, there are a few instructions for entering and traveling to campus that you should be familiar with, as it will help ease the transition.
Program Start Date
You may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. If you attempt to enter the U.S. after the start date on your documents, you may be denied entry.
Arrive at the U.S. Port of Entry
At the U.S. port of entry, you will need to present the following documents to the inspections officer, so do not pack these items in your checked luggage:
- Valid passport with a valid F-1 or J-1 Visa stamp (does not apply for Canadian citizens)
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 issued by Clemson University
- Clemson admission letter
- Evidence of financial resources
Please be aware that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to search all electronic devices (phones, computers, etc.) at the port-of-entry to the U.S. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website is a valuable resource for understanding your rights at the U.S. port of entry. This is a helpful resource to review before international travel.
I-94 RECORD AND ADMISSIONS STAMP
Upon arrival in the U.S., a CBP officer will review the documents listed above. Once they have determined you are eligible for entry, they will enter your status into the I-94 system.
Every time you enter the U.S., you should print and review your I-94 record so you have evidence of your immigration status, which includes the length of time you may remain inside the U.S.
- F-1 and J-1 visa holders will see the notation "D/S" on their I-94 record and their admission stamp. D/S means "duration of status," which refers to the program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. When your status is marked D/S, you may remain in the U.S. as long as your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is accurate and unexpired.
Get to Campus
It's important to have a plan for getting to campus, learn more about transportation options here.
Complete F-1 or J-1 SEVIS Check-In
As an F-1 or J-1 student visa with a Clemson-issued Form I-20 or DS-2019, you must complete SEVIS Check-In with International Services within 30 days of the program start date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. If you fail to check in within 30 days of your program start date, your I-20 record may be terminated. Instructions on completing your SEVIS Check-In, can be found here.
Attend International Student Orientation
All new international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. See the infomation provided on our website, International Student Orientation for dates and times of Orientation.
Graduate Assistants
All Graduate Assistants are required to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to receive their GA stipend. This number is required for the new hire process of all Clemson University employees.
To avoid delays in receiving an SSN, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends that new international students be physically present in the U.S. for at least ten days prior to applying for their SSN at the local SSA office.
For additional information on applying for an SSN once you arrive in the U.S., please see here.
If you are transferring from another U.S. institution and have a social security card already or if you have previously received a social security card during a prior stay in the U.S., you do not need to reapply for a new SSN. SSNs do not expire.
International Students without Graduate Assistantships
F-1 and J-1 student visa holders are eligible to enter the country 30 days prior to the program start date and no later than 30 days after the program start date. The majority of off-campus apartment leases begin on August 1 or August 15. Tips to help choose your arrival date:
- International Services will offer multiple Orientation sessions to provide flexibility due to travel schedules and arrivals in the U.S. Information on Graduate, Undergraduate, and International Orientations can be found here.
- Contact your academic department for information on your academic department's orientation date.
Helpful Resources: