Travel to US & Purdue

You will need TSA approved locks for USA customs- you can’t use a normal padlock. Money should be carried in a hidden money pouch or belt. If possible, avoid handheld passport pouches so their hands stay free…and passports stay on bodies and not misplaced. A fanny pack (also known as a belly bag or a bumbag) type passport pouch would be ideal. Also have a backpack, with one pocket completely free- so that when you pass through X-ray security you can put all your personal items such as rings, chains , bracelets, watches, phones, keys, belts and such like in that pocket before being scanned in order not to lose them. Print your name and address and your contact number and email address and put one in your passport pouch, your backpack. Put luggage tags with the same info on each check-in and hand bag. Take pictures of your check in bags and note down the colour/brand name and size of the bag. This will be needed if your bags get lost in transit and will help the airline locate them for you. If you have Air Tags or something similar, put one in each bag- so if the airline loses it, you can track its location.

Certain items, like medical devices and powerbanks, must be brought in your carry-on luggage. Items such as sporting equipment or a corkscrew are required to be packed in your checked in luggage. Federal law allows travelers to include up to 3.4 ounces of shampoo, lotion, or similar liquid in their carry-on bags. You must pack anything over 3.4 ounces (100.55 ml) in your checked luggage. If you have questions about specific items, refer to your airline’s website, or search the Transportation Security Authority (TSA) database for packing instructions. 

Check if you plan on bringing anything like Fruits and vegetables, Plants and cut flowers & Meat and animal products, as they have the highest level of US Customs restrictions.

Make your luggage easy to spot and add a sticker, ribbon, or brightly colored identifier to distinguish your luggage from a group of similar-looking suitcases. Also, bags get lost every day, so make sure what’s packed in your carry-on can get you through a few days. If you are travelling as a family, distribute your clothes across a few bags, so in case one bag is misplaced- you still have something to wear while its being located.

It is much easier to access cash digitally than it used to be, but it is still a good idea to bring $250–$500 on your person or in your carry-on in case of emergencies. If you intend to carry large amounts of cash with you (e.g., more than $10,000), you must report the money to CBP. Customs has a helpful website available for reporting the international transportation of currency. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may inspect a student’s phone, tablet, computer, or any/all of their electronic devices including digital cameras, cell phones, media players, and disk drives. This includes asking for passwords to review social media accounts- so make sure your electronics and accounts are “clean”! To prepare For this possibility, students should not carry data that they do not want others to see. Students should not carry the only copies of data that they cannot afford to lose- keep a backup at home before you leave.

Wear a comfortable outfit to the airport. Make sure to wear something with pockets that are secure (buttons/tight velcro etc). I like cargo pants- which give you 4 pockets to put your pass and other items.

Once you check-in, ensure the name on your boarding pass is correct. Also check that each check in bag has been securely tagged with a luggage tag and you receive one tag for every bag on your boarding pass. Pay attention to what destination is shown on the tags. Airline staff have been known to tag the wrong destination or just the transit point in error. So make sure it reads ORD or IND as per the destination you are flying to. Don’t lose your boarding pass- airlines will charge you an extra $100-150 to replace it for you. At every stage immediately take a clear pic of whatever document you receive, like boarding passes/ baggage tags etc, with the barcode visible and readable. All documents can be a in a digital folder- passport and all.

Before you leave home to attend university in the United States, it is a good idea to double-check that all of your US travel docs are in order. As an international student about to embark on your first trip to your new university in the United States, remember to pack all your essential travel- and school-related documents in your carry-on bag. Do not pack these away in your checked luggage. You will need many of these documents at customs, and you will also need them when you arrive at your university. Keep them accessible and safe.

It is also a good idea to pack some essentials in your carry-on bag, like a change of clothes and basic toiletries. (Make sure you follow the toiletries guidelines listed below.) Be sure to include some cash in US dollars and an electrical adapter to charge your phone in US outlets, as your luggage could get lost or delayed.

You will need the following documents:

• Passport: This one should be a no-brainer: be sure your passport is current and valid for at least 6 months into the future when entering the U.S, and remember to keep it in a safe place on your person.
• Valid U.S. Visa Sticker/Stamps: An unexpired visa sticker/stamp, issued by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, is required for every entry into the U.S., except for Canadian citizens.
• I-20 form: The ISS office at Purdue sent your I-20 to you upon acceptance. Make sure to bundle your most recent issued i-20 with your other important travel documents. 
• Letter of Admission: When you pass through customs or speak with an immigration official, you may be asked to show your letter of acceptance from Purdue. 
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt: Keep the receipt as proof of payment with your other US travel docs. 
• Financial Support Documentation: F-1 students will need to carry proof of their financial support documentation (i.e., the same documentation you provided when you applied to ISS for the i-20 and again when you applied for a US visa. Keep most recent bank statements as they might have become dated from the time you did that.
• Proof of Student’s Home Country Connections: Students must show “non-immigrant intent” when entering the U.S. in F status. This is also the same documentation that you presented for your US visa application at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad.

In addition, you will need to have: 

• Academic transcripts: For a first time student, you can carry certified copies of your school transcripts in the unlikely event you may be asked for it. For continuing students returning to the US for e.g. after a summer home visit, you must carry transcripts for the latest semester/year at Purdue.
• Academic certificates: These certificates document your previous educational performances and your acceptance into a US-based university. 
• English proficiency test scores: You may not need these to get through customs, but you may need to show them to your advisor at Purdue. 

It is also a good idea to make at least two sets of copies of these documents: one copy to leave with your family before you depart and one copy to carry.

When entering the U.S. from abroad, every individual (including U.S. Citizens), will be subject to questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers. “Primary Inspection” will be where CBP Officers will ask a student to present their U.S. immigration documents and ask questions about where they are arriving from and the purpose of their stay in the U.S. The officer may ask you questions about what you will be studying at Purdue, where you will be staying, and what your plans are for returning to your home country. You may be fingerprinted and have your photo taken by the immigration officer. This is a normal procedure and is nothing to be worried about.

NOTE: In addition to CBP checkpoints at U.S. Ports-of-Entry (i.e., airports and land border crossings), CBP also has Preclearance locations in certain countries, so some inspections/questioning may occur prior to boarding a flight to the U.S.

ATTENTION: Be advised that entry into the U.S. is at the sole discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the U.S. Port-of-Entry.

NOTE: Recent changes in U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance allows CBP Officers to ask any question needed to determine a student’s eligibility to enter the U.S., including their past travel history, financial information, information about their family members, previous travel to the U.S., as well as request the student to provide access to their electronic devices, email and/or social media accounts for review. DHS guidance indicates that no passwords or other personal information will be retained. While such requests are not always made, we want to be sure students are aware that such requests can be made at the port-of-entry. If a CBP Officer cannot determine the student’s eligibility to enter the U.S. from the documentation/information provided by the student, or the officer requires additional information, the student may be directed for additional questioning at ‘Secondary Inspection’. This doesn’t happen often, but I am adding this in order for you to understand the process in case you are required to do this.

‘Secondary Inspection’ is a separate, guarded area where students will be asked to wait to speak individually with a more senior-level CBP Officer. In Secondary Inspection CBP Officials have access to additional information, including more details about a student’s U.S. immigration status, visa sticker/stamp, and SEVIS record. In Secondary Inspection, students may be advised that they are not allowed to make any phone calls without permission from the CBP Officer — please follow their directions. NOTE: Wait times at Secondary Inspection may take several hours. If a student has to wait for an extended period of time, Secondary Inspection offices have bathrooms/toilets and access to water. If there are any concerns, the student will be advised to speak with a Secondary Inspection Officer for assistance.

IMPORTANT: There is no way to expedite or speed-up processing in Secondary Inspection, so it is advised for students to remain patient and calm.

Being referred to Secondary Inspection DOES NOT necessarily mean that the student has done anything wrong. Similar to a student’s visa interview and processing at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad, security procedures must be completed in order for a student to enter the U.S. and this can take some time to be resolved, but can vary based on the type of procedure and/or number of individuals in Secondary Inspection at the time of the student’s entry into the U.S. You should remain patient. If a student is waiting for an extended period of time at Secondary Inspection, they may request from CBP (which may or may not be granted) the ability to contact anyone who may be waiting for them at the airport. CBP Officials also have access to Purdue ISS contact information.

Once you clear immigration, your passport will be stamped with your visa status and “D/S,” which stands for Duration of Status. Having your documents correctly stamped is very important!

After entry to the U.S., I would suggest you download a copy of your I-94 Entry/Arrival Record while still at immigration and check all the details for accuracy. The I-94 is a record of your entry date, your status, and your “admit until” date. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has an automated form I-94 at air and sea ports.  After entering the U.S., you need to go here to produce a printed version of your electronic I-94 arrival record.  

You may need the printed version when dealing with other agencies in the U.S., such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Social Security Administration, and when completing employment documents such as E-Verify and the I-9 system. Students entering at a land border will receive a printed I-94 card instead. If you find there is an error with your I-94 record (e.g. entry status is not F-1 or J-1 and you intended to arrive in that status, etc.), or you cannot locate your I-94 arrival record- then getting it amended or rectified on the spot is much better than trying to get it done later

If you notice your I-94 record is incorrect after traveling or leaving the airport, please submit MyISS>F-1 and J-1 Student Services>I-94 Correction Request to inform Purdue ISS as well as to give them permission if needed to request US govt assistance. You may also need to contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Deferred Inspection. Contacting them by telephone or email requesting information or a correction is best and will depend on where you entered the U.S./passed through U.S. passport control and customs. For a list of CBP Deferred Inspection sites: https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites

You will submit the Customs Declaration Form to the customs officer after you have picked up your luggage and are ready to leave the secured area of the airport. Before you leave the claim area, be sure to inspect your bags for damage.

Here is a guide on how to fill in the Customs Declaration Form

Passports, Visas, and Arrival/Departure Records (admission stamp or paper Form I-94) are official travel documents that foreign citizens coming to the United States (U.S.) must have in their possession to show their country of citizenship and legal status in the United States.

The USCIS encourages all travellers to make a copy of their passport biographic page, U.S. visa and admission stamp or paper Form I-94, if provided, as soon as possible after their arrival in the United States. Its important because, as a foreign student, if you lose your passport/ U.S. visa, you can remain for the duration of your authorized stay, as shown on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. (Note that many U.S. airports will no longer stamp your passport when you enter the U.S. Instead, the I-94 will be your only official record of entry to the U.S.)

If you bring your own national currency, please exchange it to U.S. dollars upon arrival at the airport because there is no bank that is able to immediately exchange currency in Lafayette, Indiana. Some banks provide this service for a fee, but it takes several days to get your money exchanged

Upon coming out, make your way to the shuttle you should have arranged in advance, unless you plan on taking a Uber to West Lafayette and Purdue.

If like most international students and their families, you are landing at Chicago ORD airport and taking a shuttle to W.Lafayette, you will need to make your way to the Multi- Modal Faciliity (MMF). All passengers being picked up by Reindeer Shuttle and Lafayette Limo from O’Hare will need to ride the Airport Transit System (also denoted as Airport Transit or ATS) from all terminals to the MMF. This includes passengers arriving at Terminal 5, as pick ups will no longer be allowed at door 5E of Terminal 5. The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a convenient, fast and reliable people mover system at O’Hare International Airport, offering fully-automated service every 3-5 minutes during peak hours, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The map shows the ATS line in red passing through all the terminals and going to the MMF at the bottom right of the pic. Please note the location of the Airport Transit Systems (ATS) at each terminal.

After clearing customs, follow the signs for the ATS. Ride the ATS to the MMF. When you have reached the MMF, take the escalator or elevator to the ground level, then follow the signs for “Shuttles”. Please note that your shuttle will only wait for a 15 minute window of time for boarding at the MMF; passengers must be on time or take the next available shuttle.

After several hours drive, whether it be from IND or ORD airport, you will finally arrive in West Lafayette! Take an Uber from the shuttle stop to your hotel and check in. All the hard work you have put in so far in preparing for your child’s move has now finally borne fruit.

Purdue University lies in the town of West Lafayette (population: 45,000) and across the Wabash river from its bigger sibling, the town of Lafayette (with a population of 71,000). Lafayette is the seat of Tippecanoe County and is 63 miles from Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana state. The economy of West Lafayette is heavily influenced by the presence of Purdue, with an enrolment of over 50,000 which is more than the city’s population! The university employs 12,000 people, most of whom live in either West Lafayette or Lafayette.

Although the two combined towns are often referred to as Greater Lafayette, they are actually two separate municipalities. To be even more confusing, downtown Lafayette spans both towns. On the west is the Chauncey Village District (which abuts the Purdue campus and is part of W. Lafayette), on the east is the Arts & Market District of Lafayette, and in between, the Wabash Riverfront District. All three can be reached by the John Myers Pedestrian Bridge.

Lafayette began as a fort, which became a trading post, and was platted and named in 1825 for General Lafayette, a French officer who fought in the American Revolution and actually turned down a dictatorship in his homeland. West Lafayette was originally Chauncey, Oakwood, and Kingston, three smaller communities that merged in 1888. They wanted to be part of their big brother to the east because they needed help with their infrastructure, but Lafayette said no- fearing it would cost them too much. West Lafayette’s fortunes changed when, while it was still Chauncey, Purdue University was founded in 1869. Focused on agriculture, the mechanic arts, and military leadership, it was named for John Purdue, a local merchant banker who donated $150,000 to found the university. His largesse was combined with $50,000 from Tippecanoe County, 100 acres donated by local residents, and revenues from the sale of public lands. Classes began five years later in 1874. 

CityBus is offering fun for all ages with a weekly FREE guided bus tour throughout the summer called “Tour the Town.” A volunteer tour guide shares interesting facts about landmarks, people and neighbourhood history while travelling on one of our buses from downtown Lafayette to Purdue University and back. Two tours take place each Saturday starting May 11th through August 17th. The bus will depart from the north-east corner of Fifth and Main streets. Tours begin at 9:30 am and 10:30 am and are available on a first come, first served basis. See here