Arrival and Travel Information

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing travel dates to the US and to WT:

• Per the federal Department of Homeland Security regulations, students may enter the US up to 30 days before the start date listed on their I-20
• and must enter the US before the start date listed on their I-20
• Keep in mind the dates that on-campus residence halls open
• Undergraduate students are encouraged to the attend the final New Student Orientation (August for Fall and January for Spring). NSO dates can be found here.
• Athletes should contact their coach for any arrival dates they may have

Please email us at internationaladmissions@wtamu.edu to let us know that you will not be able to travel to the US before the start date listed on your I-20. We must know the specific reason why you are not able to make it before classes start and the (approximate) date that you plan to travel to the US.

If you are delayed due to a late visa appointment, you must also send us the confirmation of your scheduled visa appointment time.

The closest airport is the Rick Husband International Aiport, located in Amarillo, Texas. The aiport code is AMA.

The airport is about 25 miles (40km) from Canyon and WT.

Amarillo and Canyon do not offer public transportation options, and there is no shuttle service between WT and the airport.

The Amarillo airport is a very small airport, with extremely limited transportation options. As a result, taxis or other services may not be waiting or ready upon your arrival. We strongly recommend arranging transportation to WT before your arrival at the Amarillo airport.

There are uber/lyft options as well as taxi services.

Unfortunately, WT does not have a shuttle service between WT and the airport. Students will need to arrange their own transportation.

Canyon and Amarillo do not offer public transportation services.

Many students use uber, lyft, or similar services for transportation needs.

Please note that these services are not affiliated with WT, nor does WT endorse these services. Use of these services is solely at the risk of the student. WT is not liable for any agreements, arrangements, etc that students may enter into with these companies.

Uber Website

Lyft Website

WT requires students to physically check-in with the Office of Admissions - International, in Old Main 124.

Check-in Times

• Monday-Friday 1-3pm
• or Schedule an Appointment

Start the Process Before You Get Here!

• Provide us with your US address here
• Check out our packet with important information about WT, your immigration status, and the US here

Please check your Applicant Portal for any outstanding documents that may still need to be submitted. This includes documents that are not checked-off and/or that have a comment that "(final) official documents are required once admitted."

What is an Official Document?

• Original, physical document (not copies of the original)
• Documents in a signed and sealed envelope issued directly by the institution's Registrar or equivalent. Document must be presented to the Office of Admissions - International in the sealed envelope
• Documents sent via email to internationaladmissions@wtamu.edu directly by the institution's Registrar or equivalent
  • Must be sent from a school-issued email address
  • Person sending it must identify themselves and their role at the institution

What is Not an Official Document?

• Copies of documents
• Notarized copies of documents
• Certified copies of documents
• Electronic documents submitted by students, even if they are copies of the original
• Documents in an unsealed envelope
• Documents sent by a generic email address, such as gmail, yahoo, hotmail, etc.

It is very important that you bring your immigration documents in your carry-on bag. Do not pack these documents in checked baggage.

• Passport, valid at least 6 months into the future
• Valid visa stamp
• I-20, issued by West Texas A&M University
• Proof of financial resources

We encourage students to bring cultural items with them when they arrive. Cultural items are important for many reasons:

• Help with feelings of homesickness
• Decorations for your dorm/apartment/house
• Educational for us and other US students, staff, and faculty
• WT occasionally puts on international events, where different cultures are showcased

When you arrive in the US, you may be asked to provide some information when you arrive, including, but not limited to:

• Name (full, legal name)
• Date of Birth
• Country of Citizenship
• Passport Number
• Visa Type
• US Contact Information
  • If you have family or friends in the US, you may use that information
  • WT Contact Information:
    • Heather Salinger
    • Relationship/Title: PDSO (Primary Designated School Official), West Texas A&M University
    • Address: 2501 4th Avenue, Canyon, TX 79016
    • Office Phone Number: 806-651-2073
    • After-hours Phone Number (outside of 8-5 Monday-Friday): University Police Department (UPD): 806-651-2300
• Customs Declaration
  • Items that you have brought with you and their value
  • The amount of cash that you have with you

In addition to the above items, we recommend bringing the following.

Carry-On Items

• Immigration documents
• Outstanding documents
• US Border and Customs information
• Money - be sure to bring cash so that you can pay for things for your first few days in the US
• List of contact information for emergency contacts in the US and at home
• Medical records
• Prescription medications
  • Be sure to have an official doctor's note, in English, that indicates what the drug is, what it treats, and the quantity
  • Please also be aware that some medications, even prescriptions, may be considered illegal in the US and may not be allowed into the US
• Other documents and items that you cannot lose

Other Items

• Clothing
• Cultural items
• Electronics, such as phone, laptop, tablet, etc.
• Wall plug adapters for electronics
• Other essential items that you will need

US Customs and Border Control prohibits and restricts some items from entering the US, such as the following. We recommend reviewing the Customs and Border Control website for more information.

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Meat
• Other Food items
• Defense items and weapons
• Animals
• Plants and Seeds
• Large amounts of money
• Other items