Admitted Graduates: Traveling to Tucson
Enter the United States
You can enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the start date on your I-20/DS-2019.
We recommend that you hand-carry the following documents to present at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the U.S. Port of Entry:
I-20/DS-2019
Passport with valid visa (if applicable)
Entry to the U.S. is at the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and CBP may require you to go through Secondary Inspection and/or choose to inspect your electronic devices to further verify information. Since this may cause delays at your initial port of entry to the U.S., make sure you have enough travel time between any connecting flights.
Read more about entry to the U.S. on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website: Student Process Steps: How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System.
Print Your I-94
Your entry to the United States is recorded by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. The I-94 records the date you entered the United States, your immigration status and the date your stay in the U.S. expires.
If you enter by air or sea, your I-94 record will be electronic. When you go through the port of entry, a CBP officer will stamp your passport. You can use the information from your passport to access your electronic I-94 record from U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. If you enter by land, CBP will stamp your passport and issue a paper I-94 in your passport.
You are required to carry evidence of your admission (entry) to the U.S. at all times. You can carry your passport with admission stamp, a print out of your electronic I-94, or your paper I-94 to satisfy this requirement.
Arrange Airport Transportation
The University of Arizona campus is about 10 miles from the Tucson International Airport and there are several transportation options.
| Free Shuttle | ISS provides new international students with free airport pick-up service. A shuttle can take you from the Tucson International Airport to the UA campus or within a 10-mile radius of the UA. Free shuttle pickup is not available Friday evenings from 4:00 pm through Saturday 7:00 pm. |
Taxi | A taxi ride from Tucson International Airport to the UA will be approximately $25-$30. Most taxis will accept credit or debit cards in addition to cash. |
App Ride Services |
For other options, go to Tucson International Airport: Parking & Transportation.
Apply for Early Enrollment in the Student Health Insurance
The University of Arizona requires all international students registered for at least 1 unit to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan. You will be automatically enrolled in the health insurance plan after you register for classes.
ADMIT TERM | STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE EFFECTIVE DATE |
Summer 2019 (beginning Summer I) | June 1, 2019 |
Fall 2019 | August 16, 2019 |
If you will be in the United States before the effective date of the Student Health Insurance, we strongly recommend applying for early enrollment or purchasing private health insurance so you have coverage during the gap.
For students beginning in Fall 2019, Campus Health offers 2-week and 4-week early enrollment options.
DURATION | DATES | ELIGIBLE STUDENTS | DEADLINE TO ENROLL |
|---|---|---|---|
4-week coverage | July 19, 2019 – August 15, 2019 | Available to students who arrive before August 2, 2019 | July 19, 2019 |
2-week coverage | August 2, 2019 – August 15, 2019 | Available to students who arrive on or after August 2, 2019 | August 2, 2019 |
J-1 students are required to carry health insurance that meets the minimum coverage required by immigration regulations for J-1 Exchange Visitors at all times while in the U.S. (read more under J-1 Students: Health Insurance).
Download an overview of the mandatory insurance and temporary insurance ID card