New International Student Check-In
Source: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/check-in/ Parent: https://isss.illinois.edu/
International Student Check-In is a federally mandated process that requires every international student to report to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and have their immigration documents reviewed. Check-in should be completed as soon as possible after arrival to the United States. Check-in is held virtually.
Steps to Check-In
1. Complete Virtual Check-In E-Form (REQUIRED)
Submit Virtual Check-In E-Form
After arriving in the United States, check-in by submitting thecheck-in eform. Students with a Fall 2025 start date should submit thecheck-in e-form as soon as possible. Students with a Spring 2026 start date should submit the check-in e-form after check-in begins at 9:00 AM CDT on January 14, 2026.
Do not submit the e-form before you arrive in the United States. You must check in with ISSS to validate your student immigration status.
The following documents will be reviewed by ISSS:
F-1/J-1 Students
- Passport
- Entry Visa (Not applicable to Canadian citizens)
- I-20 or DS-2019
- I-94
Pending Permanent Residency
- Passport
- Entry Visa (if applicable)
- I-797 receipt notice of I-485 application submission
- EAD card (if applicable)
- I-94
Other Statuses
Examples: E-2, J-2, H-4, etc.
- Passport
- Entry Visa (if applicable)
- Notice of Action/Approval Notice (if applicable)
- I-94
2. Complete all relevant items in the New International Student Checklist
New International Student Checklist
When do I need to arrive in the United States?
If you have been issued an “Initial” I-20 or DS-2019, you may arrive as early as 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Students should arrive on campus by the start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019. (If you won’t be able to arrive on time, please refer to the “What Will Happen If I Cannot Arrive On Time?” section below).
The start date listed may be earlier than the actual start date of the semester. It is in your best interest to arrive with enough time to complete the Check-In process with ISSS, register for classes, settle into your new housing accommodation, become familiar with campus, and complete your New International Student Checklist.
What will happen if I cannot arrive on time?
Undergraduate Students
Newly admitted first year and transfer undergraduates should arrive on campus by the “no-later-than” report or start date indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019. Undergraduate Admissions will not give approval for arriving after this date. If you have questions about delaying admission, we encourage you to contact Undergraduate Admissions. Any student who arrives after the “no-later-than” report or start date indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019 will do so at their own risk and should contact their college office. Such students may not be allowed to enroll.
Graduate Students
If you are unable to arrive prior to your start date, please contact your graduate program to discuss your options.