California CBP Provides Tips for Mexican Students Entering the U.S.
To facilitate the inspection process at the border, CBP Port Director Billy Whitford of the Calexico, California, ports of entry recently released the following tips for F-1 students attending grade school, high school, or college and residing in Mexicali, Mexico, to follow in advance of entry into the U.S.:
- Verify that your passport (with an F-1 student visa) is valid. If your passport has expired, you will need to obtain a valid one.
- Verify that your I-20 (Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status) form is properly endorsed by the designated school official at your school for the new school year.
- Verify that you have an I-94 document with your passport.
- If you recently obtained an F-1 student visa from the U.S. Consulate, present yourself at the pedestrian permit office at either port to process it before classes commence.
- Upon “application for entry,” have your entry document(s) and school identification ready to present to the inspecting officer.
- Once a student enters the pedestrian building at the downtown port of entry, a student may apply for entry at the far left pedestrian booth, Monday through Friday.
- If a student is applying for entry through the SENTRI lane, or in a carpool, the above requirements also apply.
Mr. Whitford’s tips are available at www.cbp.gov.
