CISP

Immigration Document Information

There is an immigration law in existence regarding the need for "aliens" to carry INS documentation at all times. The law reads as follows:

NOTE:  Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 264(e) states - Every alien, 18 years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction for each offense be fined not to exceed $100 or be imprisoned not more than 30 days, or both.

We recommend that students and their spouses carry copies the following documents at all times:

  1. A copy of your Form I-20 if you are an F-1 or Form DS 2019 if you are a J-1 Exchange Visitor
  2. Photocopy of your passport ID pages and visa page
  3. Notice of Action (Form I-797) if you changed status in the U.S.
  4. Photocopy of your most recent I-94 (which provides evidence of "registration") 

If you would like your spouse to have her/his own student copy of an Form I-20, please request that a "dependent Form I-20" be made by contacting our office.

If you have any questions about this information, please schedule an appointment an advisor.