USA Port of Entry and I-94 Guide for Nepali F-1 Students 2026–2027

Use a hand-carry entry file

Hand-carry these records; do not place the only copies in checked baggage. Save secure digital copies as backup, but be ready to present the documents the officer requests.

Follow the programme start date and school instruction

The Department of State explains that new students may not enter more than 30 days before the programme start date shown on Form I-20. Continuing students follow different travel and SEVIS considerations. Confirm the itinerary with the designated school official when a connection, delay, deferral or changed start date creates uncertainty.

Use the same passport connected with the visa and SEVIS record unless official guidance covers a replacement. If the university defers admission or issues a new Form I-20, ask which document and SEVIS ID should be used before boarding.

Answer the study purpose clearly and truthfully

The officer may ask about the university, degree, funding, accommodation and reason for travel. Concise answers should match the Form I-20, visa application and current admission plan. Do not memorize a consultant’s script or hide a material change.

Secondary inspection is not automatically a refusal; it can allow CBP to review records or contact the school. Keep the DSO number accessible, remain calm and follow the officer’s instructions. Never present altered documents or false information.

Check the electronic admission record promptly

CBP records most arrivals electronically. Retrieve the Form I-94 from the official CBP website after entry and save a copy. Check the name, passport number, most recent entry, admission class and admitted-until notation. F-1 students commonly see class F-1 and “D/S,” meaning duration of status, but the individual record must be reviewed.

If information appears wrong, contact the school’s international office promptly. The DSO can help identify whether the issue should go to CBP or a deferred inspection location. Do not edit a PDF or assume the error will repair itself.

Treat Form I-515A as an urgent instruction

If the student arrives without required documents or with a record problem, CBP may deny entry or, at its discretion, issue Form I-515A for temporary admission. Official Study in the States materials explain that a student who receives it must respond to SEVP within the stated deadline, commonly 30 days.

Notify the DSO immediately, keep the form and admission record, and submit only through the official process. Missing the deadline can negatively affect status. Form I-515A is not a routine extension and should not be ignored.

Connect admission preparation with real answers

Port-of-entry confidence comes from a genuine academic plan. Undergraduate students should understand why their programme and any SAT evidence fit. Graduate, MBA and doctoral students should be able to explain the programme choice and relevant GRE or GMAT preparation. English readiness may be shown through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo where the university accepts it.

MKS Education helps Nepali students organise this evidence and practise clear explanations without manufacturing answers or promising an entry result.