Entering the United States

What To Bring With You to the USA

Whitman’s Residence Life Office provides much information about what to pack. Pack lightly. We will assist you with shopping locally once you arrive.

The Walla Walla Valley enjoys all four seasons, including cold weather during fall and winter. We encourage you to prepare appropriately for hot and cold weather when considering what you bring with you to Whitman. However, we have plentiful shopping opportunities in Walla Walla and many international students find these stores surprisingly affordable.

Once you have received your F-1/J-1 visa, you will be able to enter the United States as an F-1 Student/J-1 Exchange Visitor in “initial” status. You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Verify validity dates of your visa as well. You will enter the U.S. via a “port of entry”, typically at your first airport in the U.S. To pass inspection by a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer, you need the following:

• Passport valid for at least six months past the date of your entry into the U.S.
• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa, unless exempt from visa requirement (ex: Canadian citizens do not require an F-1 visa to enter the U.S. in F-1 Student status)
• Evidence of financial support (ex.: financial aid award letter, certified bank statement, etc.)
• Form I-20 or DS-2019, properly signed by the DSO/RO and by you
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment confirmation

All prospective F-1 students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before the US Department of State will issue a visa. For visa-exempt prospective F-1 students (such as Canadians), proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment must be shown at the port of entry into the U.S.