Pre-Arrival Information

 

Per federal regulations, exchange students holding J-1 Visas may enter the U.S. a maximum of 30-days prior to the start date of their academic programs. Students attempting to enter more than 30-days prior to their program start date will be refused entry. 

You can find your program start date located in box #3 of your Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, which is commonly referred to as a DS-2019 Form. Upon your acceptance to the exchange program, your DS-2019 form is mailed to your university's exchange coordinator. Please consult your exchange coordinator for the status of your DS-2019 form.

Always hand-carry your immigration documents. Do not check the following documents in your luggage.

  • Your passport (valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your exchange program);
  • your DS-2019 form;
  • evidence of financial support;
  • paper receipt for the SEVIS I-901 fee. 

If Arriving By Air
Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94). These are completed prior to landing.

If Arriving By Land or Sea

  • The Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94) are to be filled out upon your arrival. 
  • 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 inspecting officer that you will be a student. You may be asked to write the address of CSULB. 
  • Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will stamp your DS-2019 Form and your Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94) and staple them to your passport.

All nonimmigrant visitors participate in the US-VISIT program, a comprehensive registration system tracking entries to and exits from the United States.

Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for more information.  

You can arrive in Long Beach, California from one of the local airports: 

Share-a-ride vans, such as Super Shuttle or Prime Time Shuttle, are available for transportation from the airport to your destination. The cost is approximately $30 - $35 for transportation from LAX to Long Beach, with an optional tip recommended for the driver.

You may also take a taxi, which will cost significantly more if you arrive at an airport other than Long Beach (LGB).

We recommend using ride apps as such Uber or Lyft for transportation because it may be less expensive.