Mandatory Immigration Check-In for SEVIS Registration

All students in initial or transfer F-1 and J-1 status are required to complete Immigration Check-In to be registered in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). International Student and Scholar Advising staff (ISSA) must receive and review your immigration documents and contact information, including address and telephone data, to register you as an active student in SEVIS. 

WHY? 

This process is necessary so ISSA can resiger in SEVIS your legal status in the United States.  Federal laws and regulations require nonimmigrant student information to be updated and maintained in SEVIS.

Failure to be registered in SEVIS will cause the student’s legal status in the U.S. to be terminated.  A terminated SEVIS record will prevent a student from working in the U.S., getting a driver’s license, and may result in immediate U.S. departure.

Failure to complete Immigration Check-In upon arrival will result in an academic ‘hold’ on the LionPATH record preventing future academic enrollment.  Once the process is approved, the ‘hold’ will be removed by ISSA.

WHO?

F-1 and J-1 students new to Penn State or returning students with a new initial SEVIS ID must complete Immigration Check-In.  Students who have been approved for a change of status with USCIS must complete Immigration Check-In upon approval of the new status.  Fulbright students, exchange students, and Intensive English students must complete Immigration Check-In.  Continuing students who have the same SEVIS ID in their 2nd, 3rd, and future semesters do not need to complete the process again unless a new SEVIS ID is issued.

HOW?

You will check-in with International Student and Scholar Advising during International Student Orientation.  Part of Check-In is completed online in iStart. Part of Check-In is completed in Accounts Management

WHEN?

AFTER YOU ARRIVE TO YOUR PENN STATE CAMPUS- the following forms must be submitted and approved:

  1. I-20 or DS-2019 Upload
  2. F-1 or J-1 visa Upload
  3. I-94 Record Information and Travel History
  4. Update Personal Information at accounts.psu.edu
  5. Submit Immigration Check-In

HINT:  Graduate Assistants/Fellows:  Complete the SSN letter request at the same time!