Immigration Procedures

Obtaining a VNovember 27, 2006udy at the University of Kentucky.

Mandatory SEVIS Fee: a SEVIS fee of $100 (Form I-901) must be paid separately from and in addition to the visa application fee. It must be fully processed 3 business days before the applicant arrives at the consulate for the visa interview, or for Canadian students who are exempt from the visa requirement, 3 days prior to admission at the U.S. port-of-entry. The receipt of the fee must accompany the visa application. For detailed information and fee instructions, go to: http://www.fmjfee.com
Read carefully your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 before placing your signature in the appropriate place. Be sure the name is identical to your name as it appears in your passport. In addition, present your letter of admission, evidence of support, SEVIS fee receipt and your valid passport to the American Consul in your area to obtain a student visa (F-1 or J-1) to enable you to enter the U.S.
It is important to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel. Although the actual visa will not be granted more than 120 days prior to the program start date, posts are allowing applicants to submit their applications more than 120 days in advance, in order to accommodate processing times for security clearances.
Students will not be allowed to enter the U.S. any earlier than 30 days in advance of the “report date” listed on their I-20 or DS-2019.
Canadian citizens entering the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status do not need a visa. However, they must present to the U.S. immigration official at the border their I-20 or DS-2019, letter of admission, evidence of financial support, SEVIS fee receipt and evidence of their Canadian citizenship. They should not enter the U.S. in visitor’s status.
Canadian landed immigrants should check the American consular web page in order to learn if they are among the landed immigrants who must present a valid passport and a visa when seeking to enter the United States. Visit http://www.amcits.com/bcc.asp

Entering the U.S. - At the U.S. port of entry:

Hand carry (do not check) the following document to present to the immigration officers:
1. your passport;
2. your SEVIS form I-20 or DS-2019;
3. copy of SEVIS receipt
4. evidence of financial resources; and
5. letter of acceptance.
Remember to carry with you the sealed envelope, attached to your passport, given to you by the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Officer – attached to your passport. It is important that you do not open this envelope.

Once admitted, you will be issued an I-94 card. This card documents your arrival date, port of entry, visa status, birthday and name. Be sure the name printed on the I-94 card is identical to your name as it appears in your passport and I-20 or DS-2019. Your I-20 or DS-2019 forms will be returned to you after the Immigration officer stamps them with the entry date. These are very important documents. Keep them safely with your passport.

Words of Caution – For initial admission, you must attend the school specified in your student visa. You may not attend the University of Kentucky if you enter the United States with an I-20 or DS-2019 issued by another institution. And if you entered the U.S. with an I- 20 or DS-2019 from the University of Kentucky, you may not attend another school. According to immigration regulations, you must attend the school that issued the I-20 or DS-2019 with which you entered the U.S. before you may transfer to a different school.

Customs - Once you have gone through immigration inspection, you must pass through customs. You will be asked to declare what you have brought into the country. In most cases, you will fill out a declaration form on the plane and make a verbal statement to the official who may or may not inspect your baggage. There may be security dogs sniffing baggage for illegal drugs or food. If you have prescription medicine, have the prescription readily available.

Working on Campus – Upon initial entry to the U.S. to begin a new course of study, students may begin on-campus employment 30 days prior to the actual start of classes. Students holding F-1 or J-1 visas may work only on the University of Kentucky campus and for no more than 20 hours per week when school is in session or full time during holidays and vacation periods. The 20-hour a week limit on employment applies to all types of on-campus work. For example, a student who holds a 20-hour per week assistantship would not be eligible to work additional hours. J-1 visa holders must obtain written permission to work from the J-1 Adviser in room 211 Bradley Hall.

Transferring to UK from another U.S. school:

Inform your International Office of your intention to transfer.
Obtain a SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 from the University of Kentucky.
Between August 8 and August 22, bring to 215 Bradley Hall: 1) I-20 or DS-2019 from your previous school, 2) SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the Univ. of Kentucky, 3) passport, 4) I-94 card, and 5) the UK admission letter. The transfer process will then be completed.
If you travel outside the U.S. prior to reporting to UK, be sure you present the UK I-20 at the port of entry.

Dependent Status
F-2 or J-2 dependent status is reserved only for the spouse or children of F-1 or J-1 students. Every dependent must have an I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the U.S. The name on the document must be identical to the name as it appears in the passport.

F-2 Dependents
F-2 dependents must receive a change of status to F-1 prior to enrolling in classes at the University of Kentucky. Dependents in F-2 Status are not eligible to apply for employment authorization or pursue a degree.

J-2 Dependents
J-2 dependents are eligible to enroll at the University of Kentucky. They are allowed to apply for employment authorization.

Please note: SEVIS stands for the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System. This is a system by which pertinent information regarding F-1and J-1 students is electronically reported to USICE (United States Immigration & Customs Enforcement).