UCI International Center

Airport Procedures
When you exit the plane, you will be directed by airline personnel to the Immigration Station. On a busy day, you may have to wait in line up to an hour before you reach the immigration officer. The officer will ask to see your passport, I-94 card, either your SEVIS I-20 OR SEVIS DS-2019 form, and possibly your proof of funding. A SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 was sent to you by your school or sponsor. The SEVIS I-20 is for an F-1 visa, and the DS-2019 is for a J-1 visa. The I-94 card will be given to you by your flight crew. It is a short white form that says "Welcome to the U.S." at the top and requires you to fill in your name, country, passport number, and address in the United States. If you do not have a definite address, write the name of your university (University of California, Irvine) and the city (Irvine) and state (CA). The immigration officer will review these forms and may ask you questions regarding the nature of your stay. This is a typical routine! You may simply explain where you will be studying and/or conducting research, and for how long. Your passport, a portion of your I-94 card, and your SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 form will be stamped with the date you entered the U.S. In addition, the Immigration officer will update your SEVIS information regarding your arrival in the U.S. Please make sure to report to the International Center also.

When you finish with the Immigration Station, proceed to the Baggage Claim area. Your luggage will be on a moving carousel, above which you will see your arrival flight information displayed. There will be luggage carts available for your use to transport your baggage from the carousel to the Customs Desk. Some airports charge a small fee for the use of these carts, so have some U.S. dollars available! At the Customs Desk, show your passport and the customs declaration form, which should have been given to you by your flight attendant. The officer may ask you to open your bags for a random check.

Customs regulations do not allow you to bring fresh fruit or plants into the country, so you should leave them at home. Other items that are prohibited or restricted include meats, vegetables, clothing made from skins of endangered species, lottery tickets, obscene articles and publications, weapons, and drugs without a doctor's prescription. If you have questions concerning U.S. customs regulations, please consult with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

If possible, try to make hotel and transportation reservations before you leave home. It is best to get a good night's sleep at a nearby hotel before embarking on your journey to UCI. If you are arriving at any international airport in the U.S., you should try to obtain a connecting flight to the John Wayne Airport in Orange County (also know as SNA). This airport is located approximately three miles from the UCI campus.

Transportation from LAX to SNA (John Wayne/Orange County Airport)

**All rates are subject to availability and were in effect at the time of publication.**
Tax is not included in the rate.
Rates are bases on single occupancy room per night.
Be sure to mention that you are a UCI affiliate.

Directions to UC Irvine
http://www.uci.edu/campusmap/freeway.html
For recorded driving directions, please call (949)824-8799.
If arriving by car, please park at the Student Center Parking Structure, which is located at the corner of Campus Drive and West Peltason Drive, across from the University Center and UCI Student Center. One entrance to the parking structure can be accessed from Pereira Drive in front of the Student Center. A second entrance can be accessed from eastbound Campus Drive.

Check-In Required
All international scholars may first check-in with their respective departmentss and then with the International Center. Please bring your I-20/DS-2019, passport with visa stamp and I-94 card and address information if available.