What is a Form I-515A?
January 28, 2013
As an F or M student, there are certain forms you need to bring with you when you arrive in the United States. If you don’t bring these forms, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the point of entry will issue you a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor.” This form is a checklist that tells you what information is missing or incomplete and what your next steps should be.
If CBP issues you a Form I-515A, do you know what to do?
- Tell your designated school official (DSO) that you have been given this form. He or she can help you submit the right information to complete this form.
- You have 30 days from the date you enter the United States to submit correct paperwork to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-515A processing team. You need to collect all of the required paperwork and send original documents to this address:
Student and Exchange Visitor Program
DHS/ICE
ATTN: SEVIS/I-515A Processing Team
500 12th Street SW STOP 5600
Washington, DC 20536-5600
Do you know how to avoid CBP issuing you a Form I-515A?
- Bring all required documents with you including a valid passport, a valid Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” and proof of financial support. Carry these documents with you. Do not put them in your checked luggage.
- Bring evidence of acceptance from your school, such as recent tuition receipts or an acceptance letter, your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System I-901 fee payment receipt and contact information for your DSO.
Make sure all paperwork has all of the correct information.