Before Boarding Your Flight
Before boarding your flight, make sure that you carry the following documents with you onto the plane in your carry-on or personal item. You will present these documents upon your arrival in the U.S., so do not place them in your checked suitcase. Note that they must all be physical paper copies.
- Your passport (valid for at least six months into the future)
- Your F-1 or J-1 visa (unless exempt from visa requirements, like Canadian citizens)
- Your signed I-20 or DS-2019
- SEVIS/I-901 fee receipt
- Pomona College acceptance letter
- Financial verification used to obtain your visa (Pomona financial aid reward letter, bank statements, etc.)
Entering the U.S.
You will arrive at a United States port of entry, which is the airport or border crossing where you first enter the country. In the United States, ports of entry are administered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP officers at your port of entry make the final decision on whether you can enter the country.
When going through the immigration checkpoint at a U.S. Port of Entry, please keep the following steps in mind. Note that it may take 1-2 hours to finish the entry process.
1. Have your paper documents ready
You should be prepared to hand over your required paper documents to the immigration officer once you get to the counter. If you have another valid visa in your passport (e.g. B-1/B-2), you should make sure you’re presenting your F-1 or J-1 visa for admission.
2. Speak with the CBP Officer
When you present all your required documents, answer any questions from the CBP Officer clearly and truthfully. The officer will create a I-94 record and allow you to enter the U.S. The I-94 is an electronic record for international visitors that shows the following information:
- Information about you (name, country of citizenship, passport number, etc.)
- Your entry date
- Your class of admission (i.e. visa type)
- How long you are allowed to stay in the U.S.
If the officer gives you a “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor” form (Form I-515A), you will only be allowed to temporarily enter the U.S. for 30 days. You must submit the missing documents detailed on the Form I-515A within 30 days of receiving it. If you receive this form, contact the Pomona ISSS Office immediately.
3. Check that you were admitted in the correct status
When you have the chance, make sure that the information on your I-94 is correct. It should:
- contain correct travel information (date and place of entry) and personal information;
- say “F-1” or “J-1” as your Class of Admission; and,
- say “DS” for your Admit Until Date.
- Note: “DS” stands for “Duration of Status.” This allows you to stay in the U.S. as long as you maintain your F-1 or J-1 student status.
Access the online copy of your I-94 and save it as a PDF. It is recommended to always carry a copy of your most recent I-94 with you when you travel in the U.S. and to keep all copies for future reference. If there is any incorrect information on your I-94, inform the ISSS Office.
4. Grab your luggage, then proceed
Take all your papers and carry-on luggage from the inspection area, then pick up any checked luggage at your flight’s baggage carousel. Once you have your luggage, you will go through Customs.
If the Port of Entry is your final stop, exit after completing Customs procedures. If you are taking a connecting flight to another U.S. airport, follow the procedures recommended by the airport and/or your airline to check your luggage in for your next flight.
2026 Pre-Arrival and New International Student Orientation Overview
- Move-In Day: August 19, 2026
- New International Student Orientation: August 20, 2026 to August 21, 2026
- General New Student Orientation: August 22, 2026 to August 29, 2026
2026 Orientation Schedule
The 2026 Orientation Schedule will be posted both here and on the Orientation Engage Page during the summer. For general information about orientation, review the below.
2026 Orientation Schedule
Mandatory Information Sessions
There will be several sessions covering information important to your upcoming experience as international student, including:
- Visa and immigration-related information
- Meeting faculty to learn about the American college classroom
- Navigating intercultural adjustment in the U.S.
All international students arriving in the U.S. with an F-1 or J-1 visa will be required to attend all orientation sessions.
Students with an international background (such as dual citizenship, different visa status, or third-culture experience) are encouraged to attend.
There will also be optional activities and sessions, such as a trip to Target. Mandatory and optional events will be marked as such on the schedule.
Meals
ISMP mentors will bring students to Frary Dining Hall for lunch and dinner throughout international student orientation. Frary will only accept meal swipes during orientation, so bring your student I.D. with you.
Sharing meals with your fellow international students is encouraged but optional. If you do not want to eat at the dining hall, there are many restaurants in the nearby Claremont Village.
Social Activities
In addition to group meals, ISMP mentors will also host various social events during international student orientation. These events are also optional. We understand that you may be tired from travel, so you are welcome to instead settle into your new room and rest.
International Family Activities
Families are welcome to attend all mandatory orientation sessions.
In addition, we are delighted to host our international Sagehen families at the Fall 2026 New International Families Welcome Dinner on Thursday, August 20! Families can sign up for this dinner.
International families are also invited to attend other family events held throughout the following week during General Orientation.
Access on E. Bonita Ave., across from Wig Hall