Most new USC international students generally arrive at the Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport, about a 30 minute drive from campus. For most students, it will be their Port of Entry (POE), the first entry point into the U.S. as a legal non-immigrant. Please find below a guide on procedures on the aircraft, customs at the POE, baggage claim, transportation options to USC campus, and directions to USC.
On the Aircraft
Prior to landing, the flight attendant will distribute customs declaration forms and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) forms. One important form is the I-94 arrival/departure document.
Important reminders when filling out I-94 document:
- Print clearly, with one letter in each space
- Date of Birth is in order of MONTH, DAY, YEAR
- Any mistakes will result in a correction procedure that is quite time consuming. Minor mistakes can cause major delays with certain applications that may be filed upon arriving on campus so please be attentive and careful when filling out the I-94 document.
Customs at the Port of Entry
Upon arrival, students will present the passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94 document. The top of the I-94 document is the arrival record and a CBP officer will collect this. The bottom portion is a departure record which must be returned upon exiting the U.S. in accordance with the direction on the back. The I-94 card is an important document that is the official record of admission and permission to remain in the U.S. The officer will stamp it and staple it to the passport; don't attempt to remove it.
After reviewing the documents and updating the student’s SEVIS record with the entry information, the port of entry official will stamp the student’s I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 card and return the form. The I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 card must be stamped by the port of entry official notating F-1 D/S or J-1 D/S (Duration of Status), date and location of arrival in the U.S. If this is not completed, please bring it to the attention of the port of entry official so that it can be stamped with this annotation.
While the CBP officer is inspecting the immigration documents, students may be asked some general questions. Don't get agitated or nervous; it's just routine procedure. Always answer clearly, honestly and politely. If there is a problem, suggest that they contact OIS.
Baggage Claim
After clearing customs, students should proceed to the Baggage Claim area to collect their bags. If the bags are not on the carousel, or they are marked, students should inform the airline service kiosk in the Baggage Claim area. It may be necessary to meet with an U.S. Customs officials (or Agricultural Dept.) if the bags are marked. They may ask about the contents of the bags or ask to open them up. Students should follow their instructions and answer their questions honestly and politely. Please bear in mind that the penalty for carrying contraband is very high and may result in deportation.
For more information on what to expect at a U.S. Port of Entry, please see this document.