All F-1 international students who are new, transfer, and returning must complete the online check-in procedure in accordance with the instructions provided in your email from the Office of International Student Services. International students who are entering the United States for the first time on an F-1 visa are only permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the "program start date" on your I-20. The 30-day rule does not apply to students who are already in the U.S. with a valid F-1 visa.
Approximately two weeks before your program start date, you will receive an email with instructions regarding the online check-in process. As part of this process, it is important that you complete the online check-in form as soon as possible after your arrival to the United States. All new and tranfer students must attend a mandatory in-person check-in during Orientation week. If you do not complete these check-in procedures, you will be in violation of your immigration status.
You will need the following material in front of you to complete the online check-in form.
- Your I-20
- Your passport
- Copies of the following documents in pdf format to be uploaded online:
- Page 1 of WCM I-20
- Passport picture page
- F1 visa (with few exceptions)
- Visa entry stamp
- Electronic I-94 Travel Record (printed AFTER your arrival in the United States)
- If you have a dependent (F2), please include and submit all of the documents listed above.
Note for I-94 Travel Record:
If your I-94 record contains incorrect information or has not properly updated within 3 days upon entering the United States, please correct the information by contacting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Deferred Inspection Site.