California CBP Provides Tips for Mexican Students Entering U.S.

As part of an awareness initiative before school starts, CBP Port Director Billy Whitford of the Calexico, Calif. ports of entry reminds residents of Mexicali, Mexico that there are documents necessary to speed the process of entering the U.S. F-1 Students attending grade school, high school or college and reside in Mexicali, Mexico are strongly urged to follow these tips in order to facilitate the inspection process.

• Verify that your passport (with an F-1 student visa) is valid. If your passport has expired you will need to obtain a valid one.
• Verify that your I-20 (Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status) form is properly endorsed by the designated school official at your school for the new school year.
• Verify that you have an I-94 document with your passport.
• If you recently obtained an F-1 student visa from the American Consulate, present yourself at the pedestrian permit office, at either port, to process it before classes commence.
• Upon "application for entry," have your entry document(s) and school identification ready to present to the inspecting officer.
• Once a student enters the pedestrian building at the downtown port of entry, a student may apply for entry at the far left pedestrian booth, Monday through Friday.
• If a student is applying for entry through the SENTRI lane, or in a carpool, the above requirements also apply.

An F-1 student visa is approved and issued to an international student by an American Consulate aboard who desires to purse a full-time academic education in an accredited school in the United States. Certain requirements must be met. Please check the State Department Web site for more information. ( State Department Web site )