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Immigration Orientation and Check-in

Immigration Orientation and Immigration Check-in  are mandatory for all new F-1 or J-1 students (freshman, transfer, and graduate), including current FAU students who have requested a change of status to F-1 from another visa category or changing degree levels.

* Please note that if you are currently abroad you should not enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019.

Important: Immigration Check-in and International Orientation are mandatory. Failure to attend will result in a registration hold on your account and negative immigration consequences.

Please take a moment to read our pre-arrival information (Including the powerpoint presentation and sign-in here to register for the Spring 2019 Immigration Orientation and Immigration Check-in.

Immigration Orientation

All international students who are starting as a new student, changing status, or changing level of study, must sign up and attend the Immigration Orientation. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in negative immigration consequences.

Spring 2019 New International Student Orientation - Immigration Orientation:

Boca Raton Campus:

Friday, August 15:       2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Location: BU 120, Business School, Boca Raton Campus

Please note that in addition to the Immigration Orientation for New International Students, you will also need to attend your other university-wide orientation(s) as well.

• If you are a First-Year Student (formerly known as freshman):

  • We recommend you to choose the orientation date January 3-4, 2019 (Thursday/Friday)* your orientation will end on time to attend our immigration orientation.
    
  • Please note that you can only chose the first session date (November 30-December 1, 2018) if you are already in the U.S. (for example transferring from a different university). ** If this is your first time in the U.S. you CANNOT enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to your program start date. **
    
    • For more information about the first-year orientation please visit http://fau.edu/orientation/freshman/dates.php

• If you are a Transfer Student :

  • If you are already in the U.S. we recommend you to choose an orientation date in December.
    
  • If you are not already in the U.S. We recommend you to choose an orientation date that is less than 30 days from your program start date. ** If this is your first time in the U.S. you CANNOT enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to your program start date. **
    
    • For more information about the transfer orientation please visit http://fau.edu/orientation/transfer/alldates.php

• If you are a Graduate Student :
  

  • We recommend you to choose the orientation date January 2 (Wednesday) since it is closer to our Immigration Orientation Date.
    
    • For more information about the Graduate Student Orientation please visit: http://www.fau.edu/graduate/current-students/spring-orientation.php
  • If you are a Graduate Student AND a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) you will also need to attend:
    • GTA Orientation: Spring 2019 Orientation Date to be announced soon
      • For more information please visit: http://www.fau.edu/graduate/events/gtaorientation.php
    • SITA (Seminar for International Teaching Assistants) Pannel Presentation: Spring 2019 Date to be announced soon.
      • For more information please visit: http://www.fau.edu/international/internationalassistants.php

Immigration Check-In

All international students who are starting as a new student must sign up for the check-in process. The location for check in is in the International Services Office. The process takes approximately 30 min and it is first-come, first-served.

What to expect during immigration check-in:

When you arrive at the Florida Atlantic University to start your program, you need to come to the International Services (IS) for a short time to complete the Check-In process. IS is located at 777 Glades Road Bld. DP-49 , Boca Raton, FL 33431.

During the immigration check-in you will do the following:

1. You will use our automated form to submit your most up to date personal information
2. You will sign the Responsibility Form
3. We will make copies of your documents

Bring the following documents to IS at the time of check-in:

• Valid Passport with your valid F1/J1 visa stamp
• SEVIS Fee Receipt
• Signed I-20 or DS-2019
• I-94 form - you will be able to download the I-94 form at the time of your check-in

*Students transferring from another U.S. school must bring a copy of the I-20 issued by the previous institution.

Students who are already in the U.S., wish to gain F-1 status, and did not receive an I-20 from FAU must contact the IS Office immediately to determine whether a change of status is required.

Attention graduate students who have assistantships but do not have a social security number (SSN): You must wait 7-10 days after entering the U.S. before applying for the SSN. Allow approximately one month to have the number in hand. Visit the SSN application requirements.