US Initial 72-Hour Survival Guide: Port of Entry (I-94), SIM Card & Cash

Executive Summary: Landing in the United States

Landing in the United States as an international student marks the transition from pre-departure preparation to active campus life.

The first 72 hours require clearing US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), retrieving your electronic Form I-94, activating US mobile connectivity, and reporting your physical US address to your university International Student Services Office (ISSO) (Ssn Application Guide).

Here is what Indian families need to know upfront:

1. Earliest Allowed Entry (30 Days): You are legally permitted to enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the official Program Start Date printed on Page 1 of your Form I-20 (I20 Issuance Deposit Payment).
2. Passport Stamp "F-1 D/S": The CBP officer will inspect your Passport, F-1 Visa, and Original Signed Form I-20, stamping your passport "F-1 D/S" (Duration of Status). This means you are legally authorized to remain in the US as long as you maintain full-time student status.
3. Form I-94 Download Within 24 Hours: Your electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) is generated upon landing. Download your PDF from i94.cbp.dhs.gov immediately—it is required to open a bank account and apply for an SSN (Ssn Application Guide)!

US Port of Entry CBP Inspection Workflow

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CBP PORT OF ENTRY FLOW │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 1: Arrive at US Port of Entry Airport (e.g. JFK, ORD, SFO, DFW) │
│ Step 2: Present Passport with F-1 Visa & Original Signed Form I-20 │
│ Step 3: CBP Officer verifies SEVIS status & records digital fingerprint│
│ Step 4: Passport stamped "F-1 D/S" (Duration of Status) │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

72-Hour Arrival Checklist for Indian Students

• Hour 1–6 (Airport Landing): Activate Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, or AT&T e-SIM; connect to airport Wi-Fi to notify family in India.
• Hour 12–24 (Housing Check-In): Check into temporary housing or off-campus apartment (US-ARRIVE-04: Off-Campus Housing Guide); download Form I-94 PDF from i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
• Hour 24–48 (Campus Orientation): Attend University International Student Orientation; complete mandatory SEVIS address check-in via university ISSO portal.
• Hour 48–72 (US Bank Account): Open a student checking account at Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo using your Passport, I-20, and I-94.

Next Steps for Students & Parents

1. How to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN): US-ARRIVE-02: SSN Application Guide.
2. Save money on university health insurance: US-ARRIVE-03: Health Insurance Waiver Guide.
3. Find off-campus student housing: US-ARRIVE-04: Off-Campus Housing & Lease Guide.