30 days policy for F-1 Students

[jameslew]

First time as a F-1 student entering U.S. Previously I have been on my VWP. My I-20 states classes begin in January 21, 2008. If I arrive on December 19 or 20, will I encounter any problem with the customs officials, since it is few days more than the 30 day period allowed. Only reason I am planning to travel early because of the cheap ticket prices. Please help.

[PraetorianXI]

• Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S.
• A beginning student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry. Before beginning any studies, he or she must obtain a change of classification, filing Form I-539 (/show-form/i-539), Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, and also submit the required Form I-20 to the Department of Homeland Security office where the application is made. Please be aware that there is an additional fee of $140 for this process, and that one may not begin studies until the change of classification is approved.

So, do not expect to be accepted unless you obtain a visitor visa. You may or may not get in, but very likely you will be turned down at the POE and sent back.