How to Enter the U.S. in J-1 Status

We are looking forward to your arrival at Champlain College!  If you follow the instructions outlined below, you should be able to enter the United States without difficulty.

1. IMPORTANT! DO NOT arrive in the U.S. earlier than 30 days before your program start date indicated on your Form DS-2019
2. DO NOT come later than the program start date without our permission.
3. DO NOT pack your immigration documents in your suitcase.
4. Take our phone number in case of emergency: 1-802-318-0365.
5. All international students entering the U.S. by air or sea will receive an I-94 stamp in their passport - this stamp will show the date of admission, class of admission (J-1), and date that the student is admitted to ("D/S").  International students entering the U.S. by land borders (Canada and Mexico) will be issued a paper copy I-94A with a stamp showing date of admission, class of admission (J-1), and date that the student is admitted to ("D/S").
6. Have your documents ready to show a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer. You will be asked to show your passport, J-1 student visa, Form DS-2019, stamp or Form I-94A, financial documents, your letter of acceptance from Champlain College, your SEVIS fee receipt, and contact details of the Office of International Education (above) when you are going through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Inspection.
7. Be prepared to explain why you are coming to the U.S. The CBP officer will ask a few questions about your purpose for coming to the U.S. Please be prepared to tell him or her why you are coming to study at Champlain College.
8. Check that the CBP officer properly stamped your documents before you leave the inspection area. Before you leave the inspection site when you enter the United States, please make sure that the I-94 stamp in your passport (J students arriving by air or sea) or I-94A card (for J students arriving by Canada or Mexico) clearly reads: "J-1 D/S". If your I-94 stamp or I-94A card is missing any piece of this important handwritten notation, please walk back to the inspector at the port of entry and have them fix it immediately.
9. You may be asked to go to secondary inspections. This is normal - do not worry.
10. Please report to Jessa Karki in the Office of International Education as soon as you arrive to Champlain College. Please bring with you the following documents for inspection:

• Passport (s) with current J-1 Student Visa
• Original Signed Champlain College Form DS-2019
• Original I-94 stamp or I-94A card