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PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE
Arrival
Prepare for Arrival in Fairfax
Welcome to George Mason University! We are very pleased that you have chosen to make George Mason University the place you will live and study in the near future. This page and the links below provide pre-arrival information to plan your travel and prepare for life in Fairfax and surroundings. Students who have made arrangements to live on campus should plan to arrive a few days before the start of the semester. For students who plan to live off campus, it is a good idea to arrive at least ten to fourteen days before the start of the semester to allow time to find housing. See the following schedule for important Mason dates.
Admissions
Your first step is to get an application from the Admissions office and then submit all the properly filled out paper work to be accepted into a program of study here at George Mason.
How to Get Here
Airports
 There are three airports in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area: Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), and Reagan National Airport.
Located about 20 miles west of Fairfax, Dulles is the closest airport to GMU. At the airport there are information desks and travelers' aid desks to assist with directions. The currency exchange desk is also open daily.
The easiest way to get from Dulles Airport to Fairfax is by taxi, the cost is approximately $35. There is also a shuttle bus service, called "the Washington Flyer Express Bus," which runs between the airport and the West Falls Church Metro station, and also to downtown Washington, D.C. From West Falls Church, take the Metro train (orange line) two stops to Vienna Metro station (make sure you get on the train that has Vienna signs on it). From Vienna, take the CUE bus to GMU. The total cost for bus and metro train is approximately $12. To travel directly to the Arlington campus, take the orange line metro to the Virginia Square station, which is a three-minute walk from the campus.
BWI is located in Maryland, approximately 55 miles from Fairfax. There are information desks, travelers' aid desks, and currency exchange at the airport; all are open daily. From BWI, take a bus or train to Washington, D.C., and then connect to Fairfax with a taxi or Metro train.
Alternative 1
The bus service "Super Shuttle" operates 24 hours a day between BWI and 1517 K Street, in North-West Washington, D.C. (approximately $50). From K Street, catch the orange line Metro train from McPherson Square or Farragut West station to Vienna Metro station (approximately $5). Continue on the CUE bus to GMU.
Alternative 2
Amtrak and MARC provide train transportation from BWI to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Amtrak operates 7 days a week, and the cost is approximately $14. MARC commuter trains run Monday through Friday and the cost is approximately $5. From Union Station, take a taxi to Fairfax (approximately $40 - 50), or take the red line Metro train (towards Shady Grove) to Metro Center station. Then transfer to the orange line to Vienna (approximately $5). From Vienna take the CUE bus to GMU.
Reagan National handles mostly domestic and some Canadian flights. It is located on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, about 15 miles east of Fairfax. The airport has traveler's aid, information desks, and currency exchange open daily. Reagan National is on the Metro line. Take the yellow line to L'Enfant Plaza or the blue line to Roslyn, and transfer to the orange line to Vienna (approximately $4). From Vienna, take the CUE bus to GMU. Alternatively, a taxi from Reagan National to Fairfax is approximately $40.
About the Metro System
The Metro is the subway train system of the Washington Metropolitan area. The closest Metro train station to Mason's Fairfax campus is the Vienna station, at the end of the orange line. Mason's Arlington campus is located a couple of blocks from the Virginia Square station.
The Metro train runs weekdays between 5.30 a.m. and midnight, and weekends between 8.00 a.m. and midnight. The train runs until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. To get around the city of Fairfax, there is a bus service called the CUE bus. It connects the GMU campus with the City of Fairfax and Vienna Metro station. GMU students ride the Cue bus for free with a GMU ID card, or each trip is 50 cents.
For more information on the Washington Metro area and what it has to offer, visit the Washington Post's Visitor Information. For a Metro map and information, visit www.wmata.com.
GMU Campuses
George Mason University has 3 campuses located in Virginia.
The largest Campus is the Fairfax campus which is approximately 20 miles West of Washington D.C. The Fairfax campus is accessible by public transportation and the closest Metro station is the Vienna Metro station where a bus service connects to the campus. Mason also has a campus in Arlington, accessible by Metro (Virginia Square station, approximately a 40-minute ride from Fairfax), and a new campus in Prince William County, accessible by car and shuttle service (approximately a 30-minute ride from Fairfax).
http://www.gmu.edu/welcome/Directions-to-GMU.html
What to Bring
 Since Fairfax experiences all aspects of the East Coast climate, you will need clothing for hot summers as well as cold winter weather. If you are from a country that does not have such a wide range of temperatures, you may find it easier to buy seasonal clothing once you are here. Dress for school is usually casual and jeans, skirts, shorts, sweaters, and shirts are acceptable. GMU has a large and active international community, and we encourage you to bring some traditional clothing to wear at cultural events when you wish to share your heritage. It is also a good idea to bring your favorite music, some photos, and books in your language to help you feel at home and to share with your new friends at Mason. On-campus housing does not provide sheets and blankets; however, you can buy them when you get here.
Remember to bring personal documents such as:
- Proof of immunizations (you will be required to present these documents)
- Academic transcripts or letters that you may need
- Driver's license
- Medical and dental records, and medicines if necessary
- Eye glass prescriptions (an extra pair is always useful)
- A record of all prior trips to the United States (this will be needed if you plan to work on campus)
- Copy of marriage certificate (if married)
- School records for children (if you are bringing your family)
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Housing
Living On Campus
 Students may live on campus in a residence hall or shared apartment, or off campus in an apartment or a house. On-campus housing is limited and fills up quickly, so you must apply with the Office of Housing and Residential Life several months in advance (well before you arrive) to make reservations. Students who plan to live on campus must complete a housing application form and also contact the office to make special arrangements if you plan to arrive before the regular move in date. Visit http://housing.gmu.edu/, for more information, or contact Mr. Brian David, phone (703) 993-2720, fax (703) 993-2744. The Office of Housing and Residential Life is located in Potomac Heights on the Fairfax campus. GMU has three campuses and on-campus housing is only available on the main campus in Fairfax, where most of the departments and student services are located.
Living Off Campus
Finding a place to live
Your 1-stop shop for GMU off-campus housing for rent, roommates, sublets and furniture is http://och.gmu.edu/ This site provides an easy search and comparison, pictures and floor plans, maps and directions, roommate listings, message board for furniture to buy/sell, sublets to search/post. In addition the student Message board includes a Board topic area called International Students. You can contact off-campus housing service calling (877)-895-1234.
Some students also find roommates and housing by subscribing and posting to the gmuintlstudents Yahoo! listserv. You should have received an invitation to join this listserv. If you have not received an invitation, please email oips@gmu.edu to request an invitation to join.
Location
The location of the apartment is an important consideration, particularly if you do not plan to buy a car. It is a good idea to look for housing close to the CUE bus line, which takes you around the city of Fairfax, to the GMU Fairfax campus, and the Vienna metro station. More information about the CUE bus can be obtained at http://www.fairfaxva.gov/CUEBus/CUEBus.asp. If you live along the CUE bus route, you can ride the bus to the Fairfax campus for free. Check with the landlord if the location is close to the CUE bus, or other public transportation.
Some apartments in the Fairfax community that are on the CUE bus line are:
Rent
Renting an apartment can cost between $850 and 1,200 a month for a single-bedroom apartment, to $1,400 or more for a two-bedroom apartment. This amount may or may not include the cost of utilities (water, electricity, gas, etc.). Hence, it is important to inquire at the outset what is included in the rent. If utilities are not included, ask about the average utility cost per month. Be aware that it may be difficult in the United States to obtain a lease for a new student who does not have a social security number or a "credit history". One solution is to rent a room or share a house or an apartment with students who already have a lease.
It is usually cheaper to rent a room in a house or to share an apartment with other students. Rent for a room can range from approximately $350 up to $600. Most houses and apartments are rented on a lease agreement. A lease period is usually twelve months. It can be difficult to find shorter leases, and shorter lease periods usually have a higher per-month rent. A refundable security deposit is required by most landlords and can be equivalent of one month's rent, sometimes higher. The security deposit will be returned to you when you move out if you leave the apartment in good condition.
Inspection
When renting an apartment, make sure to inspect it first, read the lease agreement carefully, and bring to the landlord or property manager's attention any defects in the apartment within a few days of occupancy.
Food, Banking, Phone, Utilities
FOOD
Generally, a meal at a moderately-priced restaurant will cost about $20 per person. Ciao Hall on campus may be an option for food during the day at the Fairfax Campus.
BANKING:
 It is important to open a bank account as soon as possible to enable you to use the money you have brought with you in a more convenient and secure manner. A checking account will allow you to withdraw money when you need it at an ATM (Automated Teller Machine), and to use checks or a debit card to pay for goods and services. When you open a checking account you will be able to order checks and apply for an ATM/debit card. In addition, you can also maintain a savings account that will accrue some interest. Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars can be used temporarily until you have opened a bank account. There are many banks in the area. It is a good idea to look for one that offers checking accounts with no fee. United Bank and Apple Credit Union (to open account in Apple Credit Union the Social Security Number is required) are two banks that have branches on campus, and many students find it convenient to open an account there.
Other banks in the community are:
For more information about finances go to Banking & Finances page.
UTILITIES:
Local Phone service (and DSL):
http://www22.verizon.com/CustomerSupport/ContactUs/Index/
Electricity:
http://www.dom.com/contact/electric.jsp
Primary and Secondary Schools in Fairfax
 In the United States there are public and private schools that provide primary and secondary school education. The assignment of a public school is determined by one's home address. There are physical boundaries for each school and one's home address must match that of the school boundary. More information about school boundaries can be obtained by calling (703) 329-9831. Individual schools have their new student registration dates in early August of each year. However, students can be enrolled at any time as soon as one settles down at a permanent address in the area. In Virginia, the law requires that a child who has reached his/her fifth birthday on or before September 30, 2000 must be enrolled in a kindergarten, or the parent/guardian must notify the local school principal. A child who reaches six years of age on or before September 30 must attend grade school (first grade). Information on Fairfax County Public Schools is provided at http://www.fcps.edu
The Following Documents Are Required When Enrolling a Child in a School:
- The presence of a natural or adoptive parent (a photo ID may be requested)
- An original birth certificate
- Proof of residency in Fairfax County (generally a lease or deed)
- A transfer slip or report card from the previous school
- Certificate of a physical examination
- Evidence of negative tuberculin test administered with the last 90 days or a normal chest x-ray for students who have resided in a foreign country (with the exception of Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand) for five months or more during the last three years
- Evidence of immunizations required by Virginia law: diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella are required for all students. Hepatitis B immunization is required for children born on or after January 1, 1994; chicken pox for children born after January 1, 1997.
Contact Central Student Registration (703) 876-5219 for enrollment of students whose home language is other than English. Tuition is charged for students whose parents are not residents of Fairfax County.
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Health Care and Medical Insurance
Your health is crucial to your academic success and well being. Health care in the United States is extremely costly and hence health insurance is essential.
 Mason's Student Health Services offers medical services to help you stay in good health, and to assist you if you get sick. Visits to the Student Health Center (SUB I, room 232) are free, with a minimal charge for certain tests.
Mason's Counseling Center provides a wide range of services to faculty, staff and students. Services are provided by a staff of professional counseling and clinical psychologists and professional counselors. The Center provides individual counseling, group counseling, workshops and outreach programs such as the International Students Seminar. The Counseling Centers services are also free to George Mason Students and are available in American Sign Language, Farsi, and other languages. Call 703-993-2380 for more info. They are located in Sub 1 Room 364.
 All international students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to have health insurance, and are automatically enrolled in an affordable insurance plan. All F-1 and J-1 students are required to have health insurance, and are automatically enrolled in an insurance plan through GMU. The cost, approximately $1,345 for one year, is automatically charged to your tuition bill and must be paid when tuition is due. Students who prefer to use a different health insurance plan may do so if their insurance policy is equivalent in coverage to the GMU plan and if they submit an Exemption Form to Student Health Services. Visit Student Health's insurance page, or contact Health Insurance Coordinator Mrs. Angela Drukier, for details. To apply for an exemption, bring written proof of your health insurance plan to the Mrs. Drukier, in SUB I, room 252 E. If your insurance plan does not meet all the requirements, you must still enroll for the GMU health insurance plan (it's a good idea to check the requirements in advance, to avoid having to pay two policy fees).
J-1 students, visiting scholars and professors are also required to have medical insurance for accompanying family members. A J-1 visitor who fails to maintain insurance coverage will be considered in violation of their immigration status, and will be subject to termination of their J-1 program. The insurance policy held by a J-1 exchange visitor and dependents must meet the minimum criteria as established by the United States Department of State.
 Virginia law required students born after 1956 to provide documentation that they have received certain vaccinations. You must bring your immunization records, with a certified English translation if in another language, with you and present them to Student Health Services when you arrive. If you have not been immunized you will need to obtain immunizations at Student Health Services for a fee before the end of your first semester at GMU. If you do not turn in your record by approximately a month after the beginning of the first semester, you will have a hold placed on your account, which will prohibit you from registering for courses for the next semester. Information on the immunization requirements may be obtained at http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations
International students arriving from countries where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic will be screened for TB by taking the tuberculosis skin test PPD (Purified Protein Derivative), regardless of prior BCG vaccination. As there is a significant variation in the interpretation of tuberculosis between countries, this test must be administered in the United States. All students must check with Student Health Services to see if they need to be screened. The test can be taken at Student Health Service for a fee. Other tests, such as Tine or Monovac, are not acceptable. A TB screening session is held for all new international students during the Welcome Week.
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Registration & Policies
You may register for classes when you arrive at GMU or in advance, using the “Patriot Web” registration system at https://patriotweb.gmu.edu/. Undergraduates must first attend a general GMU orientation before they can register for classes. It is best to meet with an academic advisor before registering so that you will have a better idea of which courses to register for. Some graduate programs may also require prior orientations or advising. Registration information is covered during all university orientation sessions. Please note that you must register for a full course load of classes (9 credits for graduate, 12 credits for undergraduate) in order to maintain your status, and that any reduction in course load must be approved first by an OIPS advisor. Your deadline for payment of tuition, student fees, and health insurance is the first day of the semester. Payments can be made over the “Patriot Web” system using a credit card, or in person at the GMU Cash Office. If you do not pay by the deadline, you will be charged a $250 fee. A very useful website with information on terminology, registration, course lists, etc. is http://patriotsguide.gmu.edu.
 George Mason University's "Honor Code" is taken very seriously. All students are responsible for understanding this code and upholding it. Violations of the honor code include cheating and attempted cheating, plagiarism, lying, and stealing. The consequences of violating the Honor Code are severe: suspension, permanent expulsion from the university, probation, receiving a failing grade in the class, etc., all of which would have adverse implications on F-1 or J-1 status. Since not all students are familiar with this code when they arrive at GMU, especially if they have been educated in another country, it is important to read and be aware of it to avoid misunderstanding. The University Catalog, which you will receive during orientation, describes the Honor Code in detail.
Once you arrive, it is a good idea to call your country's embassy to report that you are here. They can keep you posted on events and provide assistance if a crisis situation should arise.
 Students who will be working on campus will need to apply for a Social Security Number in the United States. F-1 students cannot obtain a Social Security number unless they find a job on-campus or have work authorization from OIPS or USCIS to work off-campus. In order to be issued a number for on-campus work, you will need to obtain a letter from your university employer or award letter for assistantship, a letter from OIPS, and a passport. More information for international students about the Social Security Number can be found at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10181.html
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Immigration Policies
SEVIS Fee Rule: A $100 fee will be collected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from those individuals seeking F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status who receive SEVIS Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with an issuance date of September 1, 2004 or later. The purpose of this fee is to cover the costs for the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee will apply to the following people:
- those who will travel to the U.S. for initial attendance as an F or J nonimmigrant (even if the individual is visa exempt, e.g., Canadians),
- those already in the U.S. that will apply for a change of status to F or J classification,
those current J-1 nonimmigrants who will apply for a J-1 change of category on or after 9/1/2004.
Procedures for payment of the SEVIS fee:
- the fee may be paid to DHS by mail, using Form I-901, with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency,
- the fee may be paid electronically to DHS by completing Form I-901 via the internet (www.fmjfee.com) and using a credit card,
- the fee may be paid using Western Union Quick Pay. For detailed instructions on this payment method, visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm.
DHS will provide a receipt for each fee payment, which must be shown when applying for a visa and upon entry to the U.S. If payment was made electronically, an automatically generated receipt will be accepted by both DOS and DHS. If payment was made by mail, a receipt will be sent by DHS.
You can find more information on SEVIS at https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml
For further quiestions, please contact OIPS at (703) 993-2970 or oips@gmu.edu
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is committed to facilitating your stay in the United States while you take advantage of our nation's academic, educational, and cultural offerings. To enhance security without slowing legitimate travel, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has instituted some changes in U.S. entry and exit procedures. Careful planning and preparation by international students can ensure that any delay based on these procedures is minimal.
Plan Your Arrival
You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form.
Always Hand Carry Your Documents
Do not check the following documents in your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.
- Your passport with valid F-1 or J-1 visa. Passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay
- SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019
In addition, it is strongly recommended that you hand carry the following documentation:
- Evidence of financial resources
- Evidence of student status, such as admission letter or pre-registration
- Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797
- Name and contact information for the Office of International Programs and Services: (703) 993-2970 and emergency contact number at the school: (703) 993-2810.
For comprehensive information on procedures for traveling and arriving in the United States, visit: http://educationusa.state.gov/predeparture/travel/customs.htm
Complete Your Entry Paperwork
If Arriving By Air:
Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival Departure Record Forms (I-94). These must be completed prior to landing.
If Arriving By Land or Sea:
The CBP Officer at the port of entry will provide the necessary Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94) to be filled out upon your arrival.
As You Arrive at the Port of Entry
Proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers. Have the following documents available for presentation: your passport; SEVIS Form (I-20) or DS-2019; Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94); and Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059). The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside, not the address of the school or program.
All visitors entering the United States must state their reason for wishing to enter the country. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student if you are coming for a degree program and the purpose of your visit if you are coming in J-1 status. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school program where you will enroll/participate.
Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will:
- Stamp your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 Form for duration of status ("D/S")
- Stamp the Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94) D/S and staple it in the passport
- If something other then D/S is stamped on your I-94 such as a date by which you may remain in the U.S., please come to OIPS as soon as possible after your arrival
Following Admission Into the United States
Students and scholars should report to their school within 30 days of the date that appears on the SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form to register for courses or to validate their intended participation. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences.
New Students Must Check in With OIPS
We want to meet you and ensure that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, formerly the INS) admitted you in the appropriate status. The U.S. government requires us to keep copies of your immigration documents in our files and to record your address. It is also important that we record emergency contact information in case we should need it. Please bring your passport, I-94 card, and I-20 or DS-2019 to our office during walk-in hours when you arrive on campus.
It is critical that international students read our international student electronic newsletter "OIPS News" because it is our primary means of communicating new regulations that affect international students and new responsibilities that international students are expected to follow. Please activate your GMU email account and check your email at this account frequently. Please also notify OIPS if you do not get emails from OIPS-NEWS after the first month of school starting.
Additional Information
Secondary Inspection Requirements
If the CBP officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as "secondary inspection." Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers.
The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In the event that the CBP Officer needs to verify information with your school or program, give the officer the following contact information:
Office of International Programs and Services
4400 University Drive, MS 4C3
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: (703) 993-2970
Failure to comply with U.S. government entry-exit procedures may result in your being denied entry to the United States. Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor" Form (I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission into the United States. Work with your school to submit the proper documentation without delay.
US - VISIT
The United States Department of Homeland Security has incorporated a program referred to
as US-VISIT. This program aims at enhancing the security of citizens and visitors, facilitating
legitimate travel and trade, ensuring the integrity of the immigration system and protecting the
privacy of visitors to the United States. This program begins overseas at the U.S. embassies
and consulates when a visitor obtains a visa and continues through a visitor's arrival
and departure from the United States. All nonimmigrant visitors holding visas - regardless of race, national origin, or religion - participate in the US-VISIT program, a comprehensive registration system tracking entries to and exits from the United States. International students and scholars are also subject
to the requirements and procedures of the US-VISIT program and this publication gives you
a brief overview of the process.
More information can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
website: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/content_multi_image/content_multi_image_0006.xml.
Who is required to enroll?
All visitors (with limited exceptions) holding non-immigrant visas (including all F and J visa
holders), irrespective of country of origin. Children under 14 years and persons over the age
of 79 are not subject to the US-VISIT requirements. Effective September 30, 2004, it also
includes visitors seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program.
What is the US-VISIT system?
In most cases, the US-VISIT system begins overseas when you obtain a visa from the U.S.
embassies and consulates in your home country. Biometrics (digital finger scans and photographs)
are collected and checked at the embassies when a visa is issued. When the visitor enters
the United States, the digital finger scans and photographs are taken and matched with
the information collected overseas, in order to ascertain the identity of the visitor and to
help U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers make better admissibility decisions.
What do I need to do when I arrive in the U.S.?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer at the U.S. port of entry will still review
your immigration documents and may ask you questions about your stay in the United States.
In addition, an inkless digital finger scanner will take a print of your left and right index
fingers. The officer will also take your digital photograph. These procedures add only seconds
to the overall processing time. Using these tools, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Officer will then either admit you or conduct additional inquiries based on the verification
results.
What do I need to do when I depart the U.S.?
US-VISIT exit procedures are being tested at many airports, including Baltimore-Washington
International Airport and at some land and sea ports, as well. Currently, if you leave from a
designated port, you are required to confirm your departure using US-VISIT exit procedures.
Generally, you are required to scan your visa or passport and repeat the simple inkless finger
scanning process. An exit attendant will be available if you need assistance. The exit
confirmation will be added to your travel records to demonstrate compliance with the terms
of your admission.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please inquire from the airport personnel when you are departing to
ascertain if the airport has a US-VISIT exit system.
What happens if a visitor checks in at an airport where the entry procedures are operational,
then tries to leave the United States from an airport where the exit processing is not yet in place?
Checking out of the country using the US-VISIT exit procedure is mandatory where an exit
solution is in place at the port of departure. If visitors fail to check out through these
facilities, it could affect their ability to re-enter the country. Eventually, all airports and
seaports may contain exit stations or other alternatives. People will not be penalized if an
exit solution is not yet installed at their point of departure. U.S. Customs and Border
transportation companies are distributing cards that provide instructions for the exit requirements
and procedures at those ports of departure.
For more information: www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0440.xml
National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS)
Some individuals may be asked to provide additional
information under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). A packet of information will be available at the port of entry explaining the registration procedure.
For students who are subject to NSEERS
Registration requirements only NSEERS, also known as "Special Registration," established a national
registry for temporary foreign visitors (non-immigrant aliens). This registration system requires
visitors from these countries to go through the special registration process upon arrival in
the United States and to report to immigration officials before leaving the country.
Foreign nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Sudan are required to register at ports
of entry. Foreign nationals from all other countries are registered if Customs and Border
Protection deem it necessary based on initial questioning upon arrival.
When the US-VISIT program is fully implemented, it will provide the information necessary for
nearly all temporary foreign visitors in the United States. Any remaining elements of NSEERS,
such as port of entry arrival registration, will become part of the US-VISIT program.
However, for the moment, the NSEERS registration process is independent of the US-VISIT system
and all students and scholars who have been subject to the NSEERS registration need to do both
of these on departure.
For more information about obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa, visit the following websites: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html
For more information about the immigration policies and regulations, please review the Immigration section.
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