Arriving to the US 

Put your preparation into action

• Do not attempt to arrive to the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 form. You may be refused entry!
• Keep in mind that sometimes luggage is temporarily misplaced. In order to avoid considerable problems if this happens to you, we recommend packing items you need for 2-3 days in your carry-on luggage (extra clothes, money, prescription medication, eyeglasses, contact lenses, personal toiletry items, etc.)
• Bring a pen. On the airplane, flight attendants will distribute Custom Declaration Forms CF-6059 and Arrival-Departure Record Forms I-94. These must be completed before landing.
• Certain articles are forbidden or restricted to bring into U.S. These include plants, fruits, meats and vegetables. For the most updated list of restricted items, visit US Customs and Boarder Protection Website: www.customs.ustreas.gov

Hand carry the following items:

• Passport (needs to be valid for at least six month beyond the date of your expected stay)
• SEVIS Form I-20. For new students, US Consular Officer may put your I-20 in a sealed envelope, sometimes attached to your passport—Do NOT open the envelope! The CBP officer at the US port of entry will open it.
• Address of where you live in US (on campus room assingment info or off-campus address)
• Contact information of our office:     

• In addition, it is strongly recommended that you hand carry the following documents:
• Evidence of financial resources
• Evidence of student status, such as recent tuition receipts, transcripts, letter or acceptance and class schedule.
• Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797

What to expect at the Airport

1. Have the following documents available for presentation: your passport, SEVIS Form I-20; Arrival-Departure Record Form I-94; Customs Declaration Form CF-6059 and other recommended documents.
2. When you arrive you will proceed to the customs/inspection area. Inform the Custom and Boarder Protection (CBP) officer that you are a new or returning student in the United States.
3. The CBP officer will process your I-20 form and return it to you, take a digital photo and your fingerprints.
4. Pick up your baggage at the baggage claim carousel.
5. Proceed through CBP checkpoint and show your Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059) to the CBP officer (your baggage may be examined).
6. If your first entry to the U.S. is at Sea-Tac International Airport, you will need to drop off your baggage once after inspection, take a shuttle train to the Main Terminal Baggage Claim area, and pick your luggage up again there before leaving the airport.

Transportation and Lodging

Matriculated Students need to arrange their own airport-pick up.

Capital Aeroporter
Shuttle Express

Be sure to be dropped off in front of “Harstad Residence Hall” where Campus Safety/ Information Office are located. If you have on-campus housing assingment, International Peer Advisor will come meet with you and will take you to your room.

All PLU Transition Students will be picked up by a transfer agent arranged by Study Group.

Hotels & Bus Routes

If you need to arrive earlier than the move-in day or your family is looking for a place to stay, here are some suggestions:

Best Western Tacoma Dome
Route 1
Distance to Bus Stop: 0.3 miles away

Hotel Murano
Route 1 & 45
Distance to Commerce St. Transfer Area:  0.1 or 3 miles Away