For F-1 and J-1 visa holders, it is very important to carry the right documents and to keep them with you when entering the U.S.  

Before you are permitted to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status, you will be required to pass through an inspection with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  You should present the essential immigration and supporting documents listed above when engaging with CBP, and you can expect to answer some short questions about your study plans in the U.S. 

Often, this inspection is brief, and you'll be admitted into the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status before collecting your luggage and leaving the airport (or, for some, boarding the next flight of your itinerary).  It is typical for the inspection and admission process to take anywhere from twenty to forty five minutes, depending on how busy the airport is.

Sometimes, a CBP officer will determine that they need to ask you a few further questions.  If you are brought to a waiting room and asked to take a seat until you are able to meet with another CBP officer, you have likely found yourself in "secondary inspection."  Stay calm, try to be patient, and answer all questions honestly and concisely when speaking with a CBP officer.  Experiences in secondary inspection can last from thirty minutes to a few hours depending on how long the wait is.  Don't panic, but do call us if you need us (see below).