Timeline: Within 30 days of U.S. arrival
🧐 Why This Is Required
Your SEVIS record currently shows "Initial" status, indicating visa approval and expected arrival. When you check in, your school updates your status to "Active," confirming your physical presence and enrollment.
Failure to check in within 30 days:
SEVIS record remains "Initial"
Government assumes non-arrival
Potential status violations
Future travel complications
Possible status termination
This is a federal requirement, not optional.
☑️ Check-In Procedure
Location: International student office (may be called International Services, International Programs, or Office of International Education)
Your DSO (the official listed on your I-20) works in this office.
Required actions:
Present documentation:
Passport with F-1 visa stamp
Original signed I-20
I-94 record
Complete arrival paperwork:
Confirm arrival information
Provide U.S. address
List emergency contacts
Sign required forms
SEVIS activation:
Staff updates your record to "Active" status
Receive information about status maintenance
Learn about permitted and prohibited activities
Attend orientation (if required):
Many schools mandate international student orientation
Covers regulations, resources, and procedures
Typically 1-2 hours
Scheduling:
Your school will provide check-in instructions before arrival via email.
Options typically include:
Walk-in during business hours
Scheduled appointments (online or phone)
Group check-in during orientation week
Complete this requirement during your first week on campus.
Additional First-Week Meetings
As a student-athlete, you'll also meet with:
Athletic Department:
Coach: Team introduction, practice schedule, expectations
Compliance Office: NCAA/NAIA regulations, reporting requirements, eligibility verification
Athletic Trainer: Physical evaluation, injury history, baseline testing
Academic Services:
Academic Advisor: Course registration, degree requirements, academic resources
Financial Services:
Financial Aid: Scholarship confirmation, distribution schedule, billing procedures
All meetings are mandatory and essential for your success.
👉 Initial Weeks Checklist
Complete these tasks promptly:
✅ Check in with international student office (within 30 days)
✅ Download I-94 record
✅ Attend international student orientation
✅ Meet with coach and athletic staff
✅ Meet with academic advisor
✅ Register for classes (minimum 12 credits for undergraduates)
✅ Obtain student ID card
✅ Activate school email account
✅ Familiarize yourself with campus
✅ Open U.S. bank account (requires passport, I-20, and I-94)
✅ Obtain U.S. phone number if needed
✅ Purchase required items
📄 Practical Guidance
Build relationships with key contacts:
Your DSO is your primary immigration resource for the next 4+ years
International student office staff can assist with adjustment challenges
Connect with other international students who understand the experience
Utilize available resources:
Academic support services
Counseling services
Career services
Writing centers
International student organizations
Allow adjustment time:
Jet lag recovery
Cultural adjustment
Time zone adaptation
Routine establishment
These first weeks establish the foundation for your program.
Approach administrative requirements systematically to ensure proper status maintenance from the start.