As a newly admitted international student in F-1 or  J-1 status who is still in your home country you may enter the United States (U.S.) 30 days before the Program Start Date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please DO NOT attempt to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your program start date!

Upon arrival in the Port of Entry (airport, seaport or border) you will need to present to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer the following:

1. A Form I-20 or DS-2019, signed by you and a EKU school official
2. A valid visa containing the SEVIS ID and the name of the school the student will attend (unless the student is  from a visa exempt country like Canada and Bermuda)
3. Financial documentation as evidence of your ability to pay tuition and living expenses
4. A valid passport
5. Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee (i.e. confirmation of payment receipt)