Can I enter the U.S. as F1 after the date indicated in item 5 of the I-20?

Question

I need to be as late as possible due to some problems. I googled the whole day but did not find satisfactory answer. Please help me with a legal document's link (if available) or at least practical suggestions. Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Well, if your school has established a reporting date on,  then you need to do your best to get there by that date. If you miss it by much chances are fair you won't be admitted. It's not something that the embassy or immigration established, it's what your school told you, and them, was necessary.

As for the 30 day entry rule, you're not allowed to enter the US on your F visa more than 30 days before the start date. It's not a requirement to actually enter 30 days before that date. Check out travel.state.gov and the visa section, there's a section on student visas that makes that very clear:

Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S.

A beginning student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa

Answer 2

What does item 5 say? I don't have one in front of me.

You can enter up until the day school starts but you will have to show to the Immigration officials that you are registered and ready to go to classes. If you are not going to attend your school you will not be allowed entry.

Answer 3

You must report to the intended school of study 30 days prior to the date in which you begin classes. This will be indicated on your I-20 form.

If you would like to report late, you must notify the school so they can write a letter to immigration on your behalf. The later must state why you will be reporting late and it must be signed and sealed by the school official.

You should contact your school for more info.