International Students
International Affairs provides comprehensive educational materials on how to maintain your international student immigration status while in the United States to all new international students. Please read below for more details. Students will also receive email invitations to international student activities and educational programming. Questions can be directed to intaff@saic.edu.
In addition to the New Student Orientation online course and Welcome Week, international students will have additional information provided in an online course and an in-person morning session on Wednesday, January 24th. International Affairs will provide important information about maintaining your F-1 visa status, working in the United States, traveling, and more. The orientation class will be held in Canvas, the same online system used for New Student Orientation. International Students are also required to complete an in-person check-in with the International Affairs office after their arrival to the United States. Information about the in-person check-in, which will be held on January 24th at 9:30 a.m. will be emailed to all incoming international students in early January 2024.
Getting to SAIC from the Airport:
For a shuttle from the airport, visit Airport Express: SAIC Airport Transfer Reservations and select Arrival > One Way. Fill in your information for your availability, and select service (the most economical is Shared Van Service, valued around $40 USD). You must provide payment using a credit card and you will receive a confirmation from Airport Express. A 10 percent discount applies for SAIC students.
Airport Express also has ticket counters located at O'Hare Airport on the baggage claim level in each terminal: Terminal 1 (door 1E), Terminal 2 (door 2E), Terminal 3 (door 3E), and Terminal 5 (door 5D) and at Midway Airport across from the Southwest Airlines baggage claim.
Only use authorized taxis from the airports. Authorized taxi stands will be clearly marked outside baggage claim areas, with an attendant assisting. Do not accept rides from taxi/limo services that approach you outside the designated taxi stand area/queue.
Private limo services are also available. Companies that service both O’Hare and Midway airports include A1 Limousine Service and O'Hare-Midway Limousine Service. Rates vary and can typically be around $70 for one to three passengers (for first available vehicle—sedan, stretch, SUV, etc).
Port of Entry Information:
When you enter the United States, you will need to clear Customs and Border Protection at your Port of Entry. Go to the US Department of Homeland Security’s website for an outline of the process.
Important Reminder about Electronic I-94 Cards:
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues electronic I-94 cards. All traveler information is entered electronically. Paper I-94 cards are no longer issued except in rare circumstances.
If you need an I-94 number to apply for benefits you can visit the CBP website to print out a paper copy of your I-94 to use in the application process. For example, you will need to print a paper I-94 to apply for a Social Security number, driver’s license, state ID, and to complete the I-9 packet which is required to work on campus.
If you were issued a paper I-94 card prior to May 2023, you may continue to use this paper I-94 card up until your next departure. The next time you depart the United States and re-enter, you will be issued an electronic I-94 and will need to print it out yourself.
For more information, please visit the CBP website which describes the electronic I-94 card and instructions.
Please plan your travel accordingly and check back for detailed information. Email updates will also be sent providing more detailed information.
Please do not hesitate to contact International Affairs with any questions at intaff@saic.edu or by phoning 312.629.6830.
Be sure to like the SAIC International Affairs Facebook Page where you will be able to connect with helpful staff and get important information.
