Navigating International Travel to Duke University: A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Scholars

For international students and scholars preparing to embark on their journey to Duke University, understanding the intricacies of visa applications, port of entry procedures, and essential steps upon arrival is crucial. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information, addressing frequently asked questions and offering valuable insights to ensure a smooth transition.

Pre-Departure Essentials

Visa Application Process

Congratulations on your acceptance to Duke University! The journey begins with securing the appropriate visa. Your school or department will provide you with Part 2 of the Request for Temporary Visa Form (RTVF). It's important to note that you will only receive Part 2, not Part 1.

The U.S. government designates specific forms with letters and numbers. These documents typically identify you, your affiliation with Duke, the duration of your visit, and your funding sources and amounts. Here's a breakdown of common visa types and their corresponding forms:

F-1 (Student): I-20
J-1 (Student, Scholar, Physician Trainee): DS-2019
H-1B (Temporary Worker): I-797 Approval Notice
O-1 (Outstanding Professor/Researcher): I-797 Approval Notice
TN (Canada and Mexico - Employee under NAFTA): Appointment letter for initial entry; I-797 approval notice if an extension has been granted.
H-1B1 (Free Trade - Chile and Singapore): Appointment letter; ETA-9037 Labor Condition Attestation.

Document Management and Timeline

The management and timeline of your documents depend on the type of visa you are obtaining. Some documents are under Duke's direct control, while others are not. Visa Services begins processing your documents once they have received all necessary information from your school's admissions office or your department. Incomplete forms or sets of documents will not be processed. Completed forms should be returned to your school or department.

Important Note: Do not make travel plans or airplane reservations based solely on estimated processing times. These are only estimates.

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Here's a general timeline for document processing:

F-1 Visa: Duke issues the I-20 form. After receiving the I-20, you must pay the SEVIS fee and schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
J-1 Visa (Under Duke's Control): Duke issues the DS-2019 form. After receiving the DS-2019, you must pay the SEVIS fee and schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
J-1 Visa (Under Another Program Sponsor): The program sponsor issues the DS-2019 and sends it to you. After receiving the DS-2019, you must pay the SEVIS fee and schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
H-1B and O-1 Visas: Duke files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, you can schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
TN Visa (Canada and Mexico): Duke sends you an appropriate appointment letter with instructions.
H-1B1 Visa (Free Trade - Chile and Singapore): Duke sends you an appropriate appointment letter with instructions.

For F and J visas under Duke's control, the processing time is generally around 15 days. However, delays can occur due to database issues on the government side. For H-1B and O-1 visas, the process is largely controlled by DHS, and processing times can take several months. Premium Processing Service (PPS) is available for H-1B and O-1 visas for an additional fee, which can reduce processing time to approximately 20 days.

Health Information and Vaccinations

Ensure you have provided all required health information and vaccination certificates to Duke. Incoming students receive instructions with their admission materials. Scholars should contact their department regarding any necessary health clearances.

Visa Interview Preparation

Before your visa interview, check the U.S. embassy or consulate website for any special provisions in effect at the time of your application. Answer all questions truthfully and concisely. Avoid providing excessive information that could complicate your situation.

Passport and Visa Verification

If your current passport is about to expire, obtain a new one before applying for a visa. After receiving your passport from the consulate, verify that you have received the correct visa stamp/foil. An F-1 visa is for students, a J-1 visa is for J-1 students or scholars, and F-2 and J-2 stamps are for dependents.

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Travel Planning

While booking travel in advance may be cheaper, it carries a risk. If you do not have a visa stamp, you cannot travel. Those entering in F and J status may enter no more than 30 days before the start date on their visa document (I-20 or DS-2019). Those entering in other visa classes such as H-1B, O-1, or TN may generally enter 10 days before the start date on their documents.

Essential Documents Checklist

Organize your passport, visa documents, and supporting documents in one easily accessible place.

Port of Entry Procedures

The first point of contact with U.S. immigration officials is the "port of entry" (POE). For most Duke students and scholars, the destination is Durham, NC, and the POE may be Raleigh-Durham (RDU) airport or an airport in a larger city with a connecting flight to RDU.

Arrival and Inspection

Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration inspection area, separate from the lines for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Have all your visa documents readily available. The officer will review your documents and may ask you a few questions. If entering in F or J status, you may be asked to step into an office for additional review, which is standard procedure.

The officer will scan the barcode on your I-20 or DS-2019 or manually enter your file number to update your SEVIS record. They will then stamp your passport with your date of entry and visa classification. For F and J status, the stamp typically indicates "D/S," meaning "duration of status," allowing you to stay for the duration of your educational or scholarly program as long as you maintain your lawful status. For H or O status, the officer will stamp your passport with your date of entry and visa classification, usually matching the ending date on your I-797 approval notice.

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Ensure that the visa class on your passport matches the visa stamp and visa document.

Form I-94 Automation

The officer will provide you with a sheet containing instructions on the Form I-94 automation process. You will need this form to request a Social Security Number or Driver's License. You will not be able to print the automated I-94 at the airport but as soon as you arrive on campus, find a computer lab on campus and print this form.

Customs

After immigration, you will go through Customs to ensure you are not bringing in prohibited items such as food, plants, animals, firearms, or drugs.

Post-Arrival Steps at Duke

Social Security Number

If you will be employed and have never been issued a Social Security Number (SSN), you will need to apply for one. Duke Visa Services (DVS) can confirm that the proper steps are completed to apply for an SSN.

Stay Informed and Seek Guidance

Due to the ever-changing landscape of immigration policies, it is crucial to stay informed and seek guidance from Duke Visa Services.

Travel Warnings and Precautions

In the past, Duke University has issued travel warnings to international students, including green card holders, due to potential travel bans and immigration restrictions. In such situations, the university advises members of the Duke international community to avoid international travel unless essential.

It's important to note that immigration personnel may elevate screening procedures, including asking extra questions and searching electronic devices. If international travel is unavoidable, and you have questions or concerns, consult with your Duke Visa Services liaison.

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