Check-in & Arriving at UB
To meet reporting requirements & be able to register for classes, complete your International Student Check-in early.
Who Needs to do International Student Check-in?
All F-1 and J-1 students starting a new program at UB, transferring to UB from another U.S. university or entering the U.S. with an initial I-20/DS-2019 are required to complete the International Student Check-in. There are several steps involved so we recommend you begin as soon as possible.
Have you activated your UBIT Account?
You cannot access your International Student Check-in until you have activated your UBIT account. If you're having trouble activating your account, visit buffalo.edu/ubit/help for assistance.
Completing International Student Check-in
Before You Begin
How to Access International Student Check-in
- Click on the “Start (Semester) International Student Check-in” button below.
- Click the "LOG IN" button on UB Global's main page.
- Enter your UBIT username and password and then click on the “Log In” button.
- Click on the ISS Check-in link which can be found below "Requests" on the UB Global homepage.
E-form Processing Times
ISS prioritizes e-form requests based on timing of submission and order of processing priority for the office. Find a list of e-form processing times for all ISS e-forms.
After Starting Check-in
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Arriving in the U.S.
When you arrive in the United States, it is important to have the right documents and know what to expect at the border.
You will need to carry the documents listed below with you. Do not pack them in your luggage because you will need to show them to the immigration inspector when you enter the U.S.
- Passport
- U.S. Visa Stamp
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Proof of SEVIS Fee payment
- Financial Documents
If your dependents will accompany you to the U.S., we recommend that they carry the following documents (in addition to their immigration documents):
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Birth certificate(s) (for children)
- Health and immunization records
First, after deplaning you will proceed to passport control.
- An immigration officer will inspect your passport, U.S. visa stamp, I-20 or DS-2019, and financial documentation.
- You will provide fingerprints and be photographed.
- Finally, once admitted to the U.S., you will be issued an I-94.
- Your I-94 will likely be electronic. To view and print your I-94, visit CBP's website.
Second, you will proceed to the baggage claim area and go through customs.
- At your first city of arrival in the U.S., you will collect your checked baggage (even if this city is not your final destination).
- A customs inspector may examine your luggage to see what you are bringing into the U.S.
- It is important to declare certain items at the border, including plants, certain foods and large amounts of money.
- You must declare to the officer any amount of money above $10,000 that you are carrying. This includes cash, money order, certified check, travelers’ checks or letter of credit. If you don’t, it can be seized.
- After exiting the customs area, you will place your baggage on the "re-check" belt or give it to the baggage attendant (your bags will then continue to Buffalo or to your final destination).
Always be honest
Never make false statements to a border officer as the penalty for doing so is very severe.
Arrival Deadlines
Know When to Arrive
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019.
Classes begin on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Graduate, J-1 and UB/SIM Students
- Plan to arrive on or before Sunday, August 17, 2025, to attend your International Student Welcome program and allow for a successful transition period.
Undergraduate Students
- Tuesday, August 19, 2025: On-campus residential move-in
- Wednesday, August 20, 2025: Plan to arrive in Buffalo, NY no later than this date
- Wednesday, August 20, 2025: International Welcome Weekend begins
Late Arrival
We know that things outside of your control, like travel problems and visa delays, can happen. If you will not be able to arrive in the U.S. by your program start date, please review the process for requesting a late arrival support letter.