Per U.S. federal regulations, if you are coming to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 visa status with an I-20 or DS-2019 that reads "Initial Attendance" for the "Form Issue Reason" on page 1, the earliest you may enter the country is 30 days before your program start date.
If you are an F-1 international student who has already studied at an SEVP-certified school and are transferring your SEVIS record to Quinnipiac, you may travel outside the U.S. and reenter more than 30 days before the program start date listed on page 1 of your Quinnipiac I-20.
When you arrive in the U.S. at an airport or land border, you will go through an immigration inspection. Students entering F-1 or J-1 status will need to present the following items to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official. Explain that you are a student on an F-1 or J-1 visa and present the following documents to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer:
- Valid Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
- Valid F-1 or J-1 visa (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
- Printed Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) issued to you by Quinnipiac University. The immigration document must be printed. At the border, you cannot present your electronic I-20 on your phone.
- Printed SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt (physical copy you have printed)
- Copy of your admissions letter and proof of funds: while you may not be asked for it, it is advisable for new students to carry these documents as well. Proof of funds can include the same documents you submitted to obtain your I-20 or DS-2019, such as bank statements and scholarship/financial aid letters.
Pack the immigration documents listed above in your carry-on bag because you will not pick up your luggage until after this process.
Upon entry into the United States, the CBP Officer will produce an electronic version of your I-94 admission record using your official passport and visa. You should access your I-94 record on the CBP’s website to ensure that you were admitted in the correct (F-1 or J-1) status and for the correct period (typically, for the Duration of your Status or D/S).
New border procedures require digital imaging of fingerprints, a photograph, and verification of your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the U.S. government student database.
Most Quinnipiac students and scholars will clear U.S. immigration after your documents are reviewed by a CBP officer. However, it is possible that you may be referred to another officer to verify your immigration status or for additional questioning. This is referred to as “secondary inspection.” Although a referral to secondary inspection can be intimidating and make you feel anxious, there is usually little cause for alarm. Be aware that it can take a while to complete this inspection process. Do not panic – this does not mean there is a problem.
If any questions arise during or after your time at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Primary or Secondary Inspection, you or CBP can contact Quinnipiac's Office of International Students and Scholars directly at +1-203-582-7400. During normal business hours (Monday-Friday between 9:00 am-5:00 pm Eastern Time), please contact OISS by phone. Outside of business hours, you may contact Quinnipiac University Public Safety at +1-203-582-6200 (24/hour phone line) and the officer on duty will notify OISS Staff to contact you by the phone number you provide.
Quinnipiac University students have a variety of options for airports within driving distance to the campus. The nearest major international airports are John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, NY (JFK), Newark International in Newark, New Jersey (EWR), and Logan Airport in Boston, MA (BOS). We advise international students to choose JFK as their arrival airport as this is the most convenient airport for international arrivals.
Bradley International in Windsor Locks, CT (BDL) and LaGuardia Airport in New York, NY (LGA) are additional options. Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport is a smaller airport located just outside of New Haven with limited flights during the day.
It is important for the Office of International Students and Scholars to know your complete flight itinerary. Within your QStart pre-arrival checklist, you will be instructed to complete an Arrival Form once you have confirmed your travel plans before the start of the semester.
Quinnipiac’s Office of International Students & Scholars Shuttle Service:
Quinnipiac's OISS offers a complimentary airport shuttle service from JFK and LaGuardia airports through Go Airport Shuttle of Connecticut for new international students during specific days and hours in the days preceding the International Student Orientation. Information about this service, the dates it is available, and the link to the Quinnipiac international student reservation portal will be made available on the Q-Start pre-departure checklist and sent to new students via email during the months preceding the start of the term.
Go Airport Shuttle of Connecticut:
This shared shuttle service operates from John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) with convenient drop-off at QU’s Mount Carmel and York Hill campuses. The cost for the trip to/from Quinnipiac University is approximately $83 for the shared shuttle, which includes one carry-on and one checked bag. The shared shuttle service can also be arranged to any destination in Hamden, North Haven, or neighboring towns. Additionally, Go Airport Shuttle offers a private car or SUV service from Newark Liberty (EWR) or Bradley International (BDL), as well as JFK and LGA. For more information, visit www.2theairport.com or call +1-203-672-8900.
By Ride Service or Taxi:
Download the app for Uber or Lyft to book a ride from the airport directly to your destination. A ride from JFK to Quinnipiac's Mount Carmel Campus will cost approximately $150-300 USD. The cost will depend on the time of day and the type of vehicle you choose. You may opt to book a taxi from the airport to Quinnipiac. It's a good idea to have both cash in U.S. dollars and a credit or debit card with you as some transportation services may be cashless.
By Car:
Follow the directions for the best way to get to each of our 3 campuses, no matter where you’re coming from.
By Bus or Train:
Amtrak trains, Metro-North trains, and Peter Pan buses all make regular stops at the New Haven railroad and bus station (Union Station), which is located in Downtown New Haven. From there you can take a quick fifteen-minute taxi ride to campus. Metro Taxi New Haven's telephone number is (203) 777-7777.
Additional information on car rentals and private car service options from the airport to campus are available in the Q-Start pre-arrival checklist.
Quinnipiac University does not offer temporary housing. Accommodation may be found at nearby establishments listed below or at any Airbnb or Vrbo listings in the area.
Graduate international students living off-campus can review the resources on the Living in the U.S. page to support their search for permanent housing.
May I travel with my family?
Of course you may! Your family may find the following information helpful when planning their visit:
What happens if I arrive late or have travel delays?
For travel delays, students should call the Office of International Students & Scholars and leave a detailed message at +1-203-582-7400 or email oiss@qu.edu to inform us about your delay. Please note that the business hours for the Office of International Students & Scholars are Monday-Friday between 9:00 am-5:00 pm Eastern Time.
If you arrive at Quinnipiac after business hours, go to the Office of Public Safety to get a key and be escorted to your room. You can enter campus through the South Entrance. The Office of Public Safety is located on Bobcat Way on the Mount Carmel Campus. You can call the 24-hour phone number +1-203-582-6200 to speak with an officer on duty.
What do I do if my visa, passport, or other important documentation is lost during the trip?
If you lost your documents outside of the United States:
- Email the Office of International Students and Scholars at oiss@qu.edu and inform them of the problem.
- You will be required to return home to obtain replacement documents.
If you lose your documents inside of the United States:
- First, you should contact the local police immediately. You will need a police report to present to the consulate/embassy to prove that your documents were lost.
- Contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at oiss@qu.edu and inform them of the problem. They will tell you what to do based on your individual situation.