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
Planning Your Arrival
When Should I Arrive?
Fall 2026 classes begin on Monday, August 24, 2026.
New students entering the U.S. with an F-1/J-1 visa may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date listed on their I-20/DS-2019.
Please plan to arrive with enough time to allow for a successful transition period before classes begin. Consider the dates of housing move-in availability, welcome events and orientation programs.
What if I Can't Arrive by the First Day of Classes?
We know that things outside of your control, like travel and visa issues, can happen. If you will not be able to arrive in the U.S. by your program start date, please visit our Modifying Your Arrival Plans page to learn how to:
- request late arrival permission
- request admission to a future semester
- withdraw your admission
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.
Getting to and Around Buffalo
Most students flying from overseas to the U.S. will arrive at a major U.S. international airport. You will pass through immigration and customs at the first U.S. airport at which you arrive. After clearing immigration and customs, you will travel to Buffalo.
Most people book a connecting flight from the international airport to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). However, there are alternative options.
UB will not be able to meet you at the airport and does not provide transportation from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
You will need to arrange your own transportation from the airport to UB, your new apartment, hotel, etc. We recommend that you set up your mobile phone service before you depart home so you can activate it upon arrival in the U.S
Transportation Options:
- Buffalo Airport Taxi (24 hours per day, 7 days a week; accepts cash payments)
- Uber or Lyft (Ridesharing app; Need a credit card and cell phone that works in the U.S.)
- Arranging a pickup from a family member or friend.
If you arrive in New York City, there are a few different ways to travel to Buffalo:
- Book a connecting flight to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF).
- Book a seat on an Amtrak Train to Buffalo (Depew or Ellicott Street Station).
- This option takes 8 to 9 hours to travel from New York City to Buffalo.
- Book a seat on a Coach Bus to Buffalo (Downtown Buffalo Bus Station).
- Some bus companies that travel between New York City and Buffalo are Greyhound, Trailways, and Megabus. ISS cannot recommend a specific bus company. If you plan to travel by bus, you will need to choose a bus company that best suits your needs.
- Buses take about 8 to 8.5 hours to travel from New York City to Buffalo
Some students choose to fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and then cross to the U.S. at one of the land borders. Toronto Pearson Airport is about 99 miles (159 km) from Buffalo. If you are considering this option, be sure to verify the immigration requirements for entering Canada.
You will enter the U.S. via a land border crossing from Canada. At the land border crossing, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your documents and determine your eligibility for entry into the U.S. You will need to have a plan for what to do in the event you are denied.
Getting to Buffalo from Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Book a seat on a Via Rail/Amtrak train or a coach bus from Toronto Union Station to Buffalo (Downtown Buffalo Bus Station). You can travel to Union Station using public transportation or a rideshare service.
- Some bus companies that travel between Toronto and Buffalo are Greyhound, Trailways, and Flixbus. ISS cannot recommend a specific bus company. If you plan to travel by bus, you will need to choose a bus company that works best for you.
- Buses take about 3 hours to travel from Toronto to Buffalo. This time can vary depending on the amount of time it takes to cross the border between Canada and the United States.
- Use a shuttle/airport limousine service. ISS cannot recommend a specific service.
Similar to transportation from the Buffalo Airport, you will need to arrange a taxi, a ride-share, or a pickup from a family member or friend.
The bus station/stop and the train station are not in very populated areas, so it is important to arrange your transportation before you arrive in Buffalo, especially if you will arrive in the evening.
Transportation Options:
- Taxi (24 hours per day, 7 days a week; most accept cash payments)
- Uber or Lyft (Ridesharing apps; Need a credit card and cell phone that works in the U.S.)
- Arranging a pickup from a family member or friend.
Canadian students who live near the U.S. border may wish to drive to Buffalo. It takes about 25 to 40 minutes to get to campus from one of the three local land borders (Rainbow Bridge, Peace Bridge, or Lewiston-Queenston Bridge).
As a reminder, Canadian students do not need a U.S. visa to enter the U.S. However, you must:
- pay the SEVIS fee & print your receipt. Bring the receipt with you when you enter the U.S. to begin your studies.
- enter the U.S., presenting your I-20/DS-2019 to the border official, no earlier than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.
Setting up Mobile Phone Service
We encourage you to set up your moblie phone service before you depart your home country. eSIM cards available through campusSIMS let you set up service before you arrive in the U.S., then activate it once you arrive, as long as your phone is eSIM-compatible.
Important Considerations
Consider your arrival time and destination when planning your transportation:
- If your flight arrives in Buffalo in the morning or afternoon, use one of the options above to travel to UB or your destination.
- If you arrive late in the evening or at night, you may want to consider getting a hotel near the airport, then traveling to UB or your destination the next day. This will ensure there are people around to help you, so you do not have to wait outside a building in the dark.
- If you will go to an off-campus apartment, we recommend that you arrange to have someone meet you at the apartment to let you in.