Pre-Departure Orientation Manual - US Agency for International ...

06/14/2012 New Edition
small allowance for on-site purchase of basic necessities. Speak with your program implementer about
any questions that you have.
ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES
Please maintain communication with your program
implementer, so that you both have the latest updates
on your arrival location and time.
Some participants may arrive at other ports of entry
on route to their training site. Should you need
assistance with onward travel, please seek an airline
attendant during the flight, or the traveler’s aid station
in your transit airport.
UNITED STATES CUSTOMS: WHAT TO
SAY WHEN YOU ARRIVE
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulates who and what may enter the United States. On a
typical day, CBP welcomes more than 1.1 million international travelers at air, land and sea ports. CBP
officers use the latest technologies and procedures to ensure travelers have a pleasant and efficient
experience entering the U.S. Nonetheless, security protocol is rigorous and may involving waiting lines
and many questions. Remember to be patient and honest; these are usual and customary procedures.
CBP FORM I-94
During your flight, an attendant will distribute CBP Form I-94 (white form), the arrival-departure record
for non-immigrant visitors with a U.S. entry visa. The form asks for your contact and passport
information, and where in the U.S. you will stay. Complete both the arrival and departure sections of
the form, and keep them ready for customs inspection. Make a photocopy of the stamped I-94. Make
absolutely sure that you turn in the second half of the I-94 to airline or security personnel when you
depart the U.S.
CBP FORM 6059B
Flight attendants also will distribute CBP Form 6059B, your declaration of potentially prohibited items
(such as plants and foods) and gifts you would like to bring into the U.S, and their monetary value. The
customs officer will determine disposition of all items. If the total cost of goods or purchases exceeds
an exempted limit, the customs officer will assess duty fees as appropriate.
If you do not understand a form, ask a flight attendant for assistance.
Upon arrival, airline or airport personnel will direct you to customs inspection. Look for the lane
designated for non-U.S. citizens. A CBP official will review your passport, J-1 visa, I-94 and DS-2019
forms. (Your program implementer provides the DS-2019 in advance of your J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.)
These documents prove you meet Immigration and Naturalization (INS) regulations.
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