Immigration Check-in and Orientation Information

I mmigration Check-in and Orientation 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.

Students who are currently abroad should enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. All students are encouraged to arrive to the U.S. on or before Saturday January 7, 2012 and check-in no later than Monday, January 9, 2012.

2012 Spring Pre-Arrival Brochure for F-1 students

2012 Spring Pre-Arrival Brochure for J-1 students

                                                          Immigration Check-In

F-1 and J-1 students must visit the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) to “check-in” within 10 days of arriving in the United States and prior to registering for classes. Students who are already in the U.S. and transferring from another institution or continuing at FAU in a different program level (i.e., bachelor’s to master’s, etc.), or changing status from another visa category to F-1 must also complete the check-in process.

  F-1 and J-1 students must present the following documents to ISSS at the time of check-in:

         1.   Valid Passport

         2.   F-1/J-1 visa stamp or Change of Status approval notice

         3.   I-94 card

         4.   FAU I-20 or DS-2019

*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 ISSS 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 this link for SSN application requirements.

                                             Immigration Orientation   

Immigration Orientation is mandatory and is an important step in understanding your immigration responsibilities. If the dates conflict with other programs you must attend, please contact ISSS in advance to make alternative arrangements. If you would like to correspond with a member of the ISSS staff regarding immigration orientation you may contact ISSS office at isss@fau.edu.

At the immigration orientation students receive information regarding the rules and regulations of their immigration status, the benefits of the visa program and the type of services offered by the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office at FAU. The following topics are covered at orientation: maintenance of valid F-1 or J-1 status, SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System), enrollment requirements, employment, social security number, medical insurance and off-campus resources for international students.  

Students should bring their immigration documents to orientation to help them understand how to interpret the information and understand their responsibilities.