Arriving to the U.S.
The Unted States immigration regulations permit new F-1 /J-1 visa students to enter the country up to 30 days prior to but no later than the program start date printed on page one of the I-20/DS-2019 form. Students who cannot arrive before classes begin must reach out to their Program Director and the Office of International Admission to make sure there are available seats for registration.
Airport and Transportation to SIUE
St. Louis - Lambert International Airport (STL) is approximately 45 minutes from SIUE. It is the primary airport and all major airlines provide service to St. Louis. New international students arriving on the ideal dates can request for a free airport pick up from the St. Louis Airport to SIUE. Students arriving outside the ideal arrival dates will need to arrange and pay for their own transportation.
Missed the shuttle?
If you miss a shuttle or arrive late at night, you have the option to wait at the airport for the next shuttle to SIUE or stay at a hotel near the airport (at your own cost), and return to the airport the next morning. Below is a list of hotels with free shuttle to and from the airport:
- Double Tree by Hilton Hotel St. Louis Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd, Maryland Heights, Mo. Phone: 314-434-0100. Call hotel upon arrival to arrange pickup.
- Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport, 11228 Lone Eagle Dr, Bridgeton, Mo. Phone: 314-291-6700. Call hotel upon arrival to arrange pickup.
- Marriott St. Louis Airport, 10700 Pear Tree Lane, St. Louis, Mo. Phone: 314-423-9700. Shuttle service every 20 minutes, 4 a.m.-2 a.m.
- Hilton Garden Inn St. Louis Airport, 4450 Evans Place, St. Louis, Mo. Phone: 314-521-6444. Call hotel upon arrival to arrange pickup.
- Hampton Inn St. Louis Airport, 10820 Pear Tree Lane, St. Ann, Mo. 314-429-2200. Call hotel upon arrival to arrange pickup.
Options for Alternative Transportation
You may also arrange for personal transportation from the airport through a friend or relative.
Lyft or Uber. With a smartphone app and a credit card, you can call for a ride. The estimated cost for the trip from the airport to campus is about $45-$50. The app will show you the actual cost of the trip to a destination.
Excel Transportation Services is a reputable St. Louis region transportation company that has built a relationship with SIUE. The cost is about $65 from Lambert St. Louis international airport to SIUE. Call 618-251-9410 to make a reservation, and an Excel driver will meet you at the end of the concourse on the first floor, immediately before the baggage area. The driver will have a sign with your name on it. If there is a DELAY, FLIGHT CANCELLATION or you MISS YOUR FLIGHT, contact Excel Transportation directly. Please note: If you arrange airport pick-up, you are responsible for paying for it whether or not you use it.
Laclede Cab is a local taxi company in the St. Louis region. Students can also book their transportation through Laclede Cab. To make reservations please contact Laclede Cab directly at 314-652-3456.
When you travel as a student, you should carry the following original documents: Passport, visa, Form I-20 or DS-2019, evidence of financial resources (recommended) and contact information for your Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) at SIUE: Cheryl Borowiak (for F-1 students) or Amy Nusser (for J-1 students). If you need to reach us, please call 618-650-3785 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central time).
To learn about what to expect at the U.S. port of entry, please visit this Homeland Security website with resources about how to prepare for entry to the U.S. You Have Arrived is a short video produced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that explains what to expect at the Port of Entry. Please note that international students are not eligible to use the Global Entry system. Our office also provides additional information on immigration and travel.
Form I-515A
If you don’t bring these documents, 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 gives you a Form I-515A, please let your immigration advisor know at isss@siue.edu and she will provide you with additional instructions. 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.
