ARRIVING IN THE UNITED STATES
Immigration & Customs
You’ve made the journey and have landed in the United States. Your adventure begins! The following information will help you understand the arrival process and what to expect. All U.S. and other citizens must go through standard customs and immigration procedures. Upon arrival in the U.S., you be required to show documents to Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers:
- Passport and J-1 visa
- U.S. Customs Declaration Form (this will be provided to you by the airline)
- Job Offer Letter or DS-2019 4. DS-2007 (Intern/Trainee Only)
- Sponsor Letter (from AAG)
If you do not have all the required documentation, you may be denied entry into the U.S. Please make sure you have all of the documents listed above with you when you arrive in the U.S. Please remember that it is always up to the Customs and Border Patrol officer to determine whether you can be admitted to the U.S.
You may also be asked to go through a secondary inspection. Please do not worry, try to stay calm and answer all questions truthfully.
After clearing Immigration, please pick up your luggage and proceed to Customs. Customs officers may check your luggage and ask you questions about items that you are bringing into the United States. This is a routine procedure for passengers arriving from outside the U.S.
For the list of prohibited items, please refer to the CBP website: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items.
If you have a connecting flight, gate agents or departure information will be located inside the airport terminal. There are always information desks with agents happy to assist foreign travelers.
Missed Flight Connections
If for some reason, you miss your connecting flight, do not worry. Please follow the procedures below.
- Work with the airline customer service representative to book another flight.
- If AAG Representative is meeting you at the airport, please call 1-866-622-7623 and provide your new arrival information. Please make sure you have your AAG ID when you call.
- Email your Outreach Coordinator at AAG with your updated arrival information.
- If your Host Company is providing airport pick up, please contact your Host Company representative via phone and email to let them know your updated travel information.
- Please make sure to notify your housing provider of your new arrival information and let them know when to expect you. If you arrive outside of housing check in time, you may need to plan to spend the night at a hotel/motel near the airport. Please see airport Information Desk to get help locating a hotel/motel near the airport.
Onward Travel Plans
After clearing Customs and Immigration, please proceed to your final destination. This is the location of your Host Company or Host School. This information should be included in the arrival instructions included with your Job Offer or Training Offer.
If you are arriving to your housing outside or normal hours of operation, it is best to make prior arrangements. If you have not made arrangements for a late or after-hours arrival it may be necessary to stay in a nearby hotel/motel/hostel at your own expense.
