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Arrival for New International Students

When Do I Need to Arrive in the U.S.?

International 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 the I-20 or DS-2019.

The International Center strongly recommends that students do everything to arrive on time. If students will arrive to campus after the first day of classes, we strongly suggest they defer their admission.

Although Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the U.S. airport might permit students to enter past the program start date, it is our experience that late-arriving students have a stressful time settling in and meeting all the pre-registration requirements (mandatory arrival reporting, orientations, housing, etc). The inability to meet all these requirements may jeopardize a student’s F-1 or J-1 visa status.

If Entering Late

If a student decides to try and enter the country after the first day of classes, despite recommendations to defer their admission, they should contact the following areas as soon as possible:
  1. Academic department to communicate about late registration.
  2. International Center (internatl@hartford.edu) to meet International Student Orientation/Check In requirements.

Please note, even if a student is granted late arrival at the U.S. border, they may face the following consequences:
  • Late registration for courses
  • Limited class availability
  • Late registration fees

Late arriving students are required to maintain full-time enrollment throughout the semester. The International Center will not approve reduced course loads for students who are not able to find the right classes or who are likely to receive poor grades.