General Information

Glossary of Frequently Used Terms

I-94:
Also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, a small white card usually stapled to the passport. This card records the date of entry, port of entry, visa status, and duration of stay. The I-94 form, which is made available during your flight, is an important document because it is often used to establish employment authorization.

Visa Status or Classification:
Visa status/classification is assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to visitors after they are in the United States. Visa status determines the duration of the visitor's stay in the US and the regulations with which s/he must comply. A visitor's status is noted on the I-94.

Applying for a Visa Stamp
In most cases, non-immigrants require a valid visa stamp in the passport to enter the United States. When you haven been accepted into a UT Southwestern program, the International Affairs Office will issue you the document necessary to apply for a visa stamp at a US embassy or consulate: a DS-2019 for J-1 Status, I-20 for F-1 Status, and I-797 for H-1B Status. (Refer to J-1 Visas, H-1B Visas, F-1 Visas, and Other Visa Categories for more information.)

Be aware that visas are granted solely at the discretion of the consular official and that the burden of proof rests on you to establish non-immigrant intent.

Entering the US
Upon entering the US, the immigration inspector will review your passport and visa document. Once satisfied that your documents are in order the inspector will date stamp your visa document and issue an I-94 Departure Record. Keep both documents in your passport at all times. Please refer to "General Information"  under each Visa Status Classification for specific entry information.

US Customs
Information regarding US Customs regulations (http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/) will accompany the visa documents issued by this office, including a listing of what you may bring duty/import tax free. You may also contact the US embassy or consulate, click here for more information