Current Visiting International Students FAQs

Exchange Visitors are prohibited from entering the United States more than 30 days in advance of the program start date identified on your DS 2019/I-20. 

It is important to keep your immigration documents with you as you travel. Do not check these with your baggage. If your baggage is lost, you will not have these items and you will not be able to enter the U.S. You will need to keep the following items with you as you travel:

1. Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay
2. Your DS-2019 (J-1) or I-20 (F-1).

In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also hand carry the following documentation:

• Proof of financial support - you may use the same documents you submitted when applying for the DS-2019 or I-20.
• Letter of acceptance as a participant in the Exchange Visitor Program;
• Paper receipt for the I-901 SEVIS fee; and
• Name and contact information for your sponsoring organization: UNCW Office of International Students & Scholars 
  • Visiting International Students: Amy Lekeu, ARO, 910.962-3367
• Address where you are living. If living on campus, the address is 601 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403.

For greater detail on procedures for traveling and arriving in the United States, visit the U.S. Department of State's website.

If Arriving By Air

Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059). These must be completed prior to landing.

If Arriving By Land or Sea

The Customers and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port of entry will provide the necessary Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) to be filled out upon your arrival.

As You Arrive at the Port of Entry

When you proceed to arrivals, you need to have the following documents available for presentation:

• your passport;
• DS-2019 (J-1) or I-20 (F-1);
• Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059).

All visitors entering the United States are asked for their reason for entering 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 or exchange visitor.

Be prepared to provide the name and address of the school program where you will enroll: The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), 601 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403

Once your inspection is successfully completed, the CBP officer will:

• Stamp your passport for duration of status (“D/S”) for J-1 and F-1 visa holders with the date and port of entry.
• Your I-94 form is your electronic arrival/departure record. Be sure to retrieve your I-94 online immediately after arrival using the information in your passport. Click "Get Most Recent I-94" at the top of the page.

Students and Exchange Visitors must report to their program sponsor (UNCW) within 30 days of the program start date identified on your I-20 or DS-2019 to have their participation in the program activity validated. This is done via SEVIS check-in at orientation.

To enter the United States, you will be required to show your J-1 or F-1 student visa along with your UNCW-issued DS-2019 or I-20. Therefore, it is important that you keep your passport and DS-2019 or I-20 easily accessible and do not pack it in your luggage. When you enter the United States, make sure the CBP officer stamps your DS-2019 and gives it back to you.

Enter the U.S. up to 30 Days BEFORE the Program Start Date:

• J-1 Students: your J-1 student status allows you to enter the U.S. as a tourist up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your DS-2019. Tourists are not allowed to work or take classes.
• F-1 Students: your F-1 student status allows you to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date listed on your I-20. F-1 students cannot attend classes before the program start date.

J-1 Students: Leave U.S. up to 30 Days AFTER Program End Date

At the end of your J-1 exchange program, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. as a tourist up to 30 days past the end date of your DS-2019. Tourists are not allowed to work or take classes.

F-1 Students: Leave U.S. up to 60 Days AFTER Program End Date

At the end of your F-1 program, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. as a tourist up to 60 days past the program end date on your I-20. Students are not allowed to work or take classes during the 60-day grace period.