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, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. A shuttle can take you from the Tucson International Airport to the UA campus or within a 10-mile radius of the UA.

Sign-up Instructions

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

Download Uber or Lyft to arrange for a ride service to the UA. If you have arranged a ride, you can meet your car and driver outside the Car Rental Facility, which is a short walk east from baggage claim. Cars and drivers do not wait at the stop but will arrive when ordered through the mobile app.

For other options, go to Tucson International Airport: Parking & Transportation.
 

Purchase Health Insurance If You Are Arriving Early

The Student Health Insurance Plan is effective January 1, 2019. If you will be arriving to the United States prior to January 1, we encourage you to purchase health insurance to cover your first days in the U.S. You can apply for early enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan through Campus Health.

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.