Arriving in the U.S.
- Prepare for Arrival
Preparing for ArrivalInternational students seeking F-1 or J-1 student status may only request entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to, but no later than, the program start date indicated on their I-20 or DS-2019.
Newly admitted students are expected to arrive on campus before the first day of classes. However, we understand that unforeseen situations, such as travel issues and visa delays, may sometimes disrupt your plans. If you anticipate arriving in the U.S. after the first day of classes, please review the process for requesting a Late Arrival here.
Port of entry requirements
International students seeking entry to the U.S. should be prepared to present documentation of their identity, purpose for traveling to the U.S., and ability to financially support themselves. Do not pack them into your luggage, as you will not be allowed to retrieve your luggage until you have gone through immigration.
- Valid passport.
- Valid U.S. visa (exceptions).
- Original I-20 or DS-2019 issued for your current SBU program.
- SEVIS fee receipt.
- Financial support documentation (e.g., bank statement, affidavit of support, scholarship letter required for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance).
- VIS phone number (631-632-4685).
Additional documentation may be required—e.g., admission letter/exchange program acceptance letter, previous I-20/ DS-2019 and transcript (transfer student), etc.
Port of entry procedure
The CBP official will review your documents and may ask you questions about the purpose of your travel to the United States. The CBP official will determine if you are admissible and, if so, may provide you with an admission stamp.
Your admission stamp should indicate your visa status (F-1 or J-1), expiration date of your status in the U.S. (D/S), and the date and port of entry.
*Note: Not all CBP officers issue admission stamps. It is not a problem if you do not receive one at the port of entry.CBP will also create an electronic I-94 record of your arrival. Please access your electronic I-94 two days after entering the U.S. to confirm your entry was recorded properly.
- Getting to Campus
Getting to CampusThere are a wide variety of ways to get to campus depending on where you are coming from. The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the major airport closest to campus. Airport information centers in baggage claim areas provide details on the various ground transportation options, which include:
- Taxis: Available outside all terminals, except terminal 8.
- Lyft/Uber: Follow signs for designated pickup areas.
- Shuttle Services.
- Long Island Railroad (LIRR).
Shuttle Service from JFKStony Brook University coordinates free shuttle transportation to campus on select dates and times for undergraduate and graduate students.
Registration information, including the approved days/times, can be found on the SBU's Mobility & Parking Services webpage.
If you are flying into a different airport, the free shuttle bus will not be available. You are welcome to purchase, at your own cost, separate transportation to JFK airport from where our free shuttles will depart.
Public Transportation from JFKFrom JFK airport, take the AIRTRAIN to Jamaica station. The trip to Jamaica station lasts approximately 5 minutes. From the Jamaica station, take the LIRR (Port Jefferson line, Eastbound) to the Stony Brook station, which is about a 2 hour ride.
Purchase your LIRR ticket from one of the ticket machines before boarding the train. You may purchase your ticket on the train (cash only), for an additional fee. The ticket machines accept U.S. currency in small denominations, as well as credit and debit cards.
Public Transportation from New York CityFrom Penn Station (34th Street and 7th Avenue), take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR)’s Port Jefferson line to Stony Brook station.
Public Transportation from Newark Airport (EWG)Students arriving from Newark Liberty International Airport can take NJ Transit from Newark to Penn Station. From Penn Station, take the LIRR train to Stony Brook.
- Phone Service & SIM Cards
Phone Service & SIM CardsYou may need a SIM card to be able to use your cell phone to talk, text and stream upon arrival to the U.S.
Click here to request to have a free SIM card shipped to your home country.
- Additional Resources
Additional Resources