International Students Arriving in the U.S. and on Campus

International students are scheduled to arrive on campus several days before the regular arrival date of domestic students to attend International Student Orientation. The arrival date for fall 2022 will be posted on the Orientation page. 

Please note that you cannot enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20 due to U.S. regulations.

When you arrive in the U.S., you will present:

1. your passport with at least 6 months of validity when you enter the U.S.;
2. your F-1 visa stamp in your passport; and
3. your printed I-20 with your signature on the bottom.

You will present these documents to the Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry. It is recommended that you also have your SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt, financial documents - financial aid award statement or verification of family funding, and a copy of the U.S. government guidance that you can use a digitally signed I-20. Your airline may require you to submit documentation for COVID purposes so make sure you reach out to them to know their requirements.

Most international students will travel via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), but may also arrive at Ontario International Airport (ONT).  You may also choose to take an airport shuttle from LAX or a taxi cab from Ontario. For more information, read our Visiting Pomona page or review this infographic with information about arriving on campus.​  If you are a new international student that is participating in the international student orientation, you may be eligible for airport pick-up if you arrive at LAX on August 16.  More information to come during the summer months.

The New Student Guide may soon have information about what to bring to campus, as well as places to buy items once you arrive. You will need to have some money when you arrive to cover initial miscellaneous expenses - linens, personal items, books. Recently arriving students recommend $300 - $500. If you do not have a credit or ATM card, and do not wish to carry cash, a cashier's check or money order for U.S. currency is a safe way to bring money into the country. You'll be able to cash a cashier's check or money order when you set up a bank account. Claremont Cash is also a means to have money available for small purchases and is accepted at the Huntley Bookstore, the ASPC Coop Store and a number of merchants around Claremont.  As early as August 8th, you can also purchase items online and have them shipped to your campus mail box which will be provided to you with your room assignment.

First, visit our New Student section or the Students Return to Campus FAQ section to see if your question may be answered there. If you still have a question about your student visa or other paperwork, contact Kathy Quispe. You may also ask your sponsor or ISMP mentor questions once you are connected with them.