Welcome to Illinois Tech and the Office of Global Services (OGS)
A warm welcome to all new and transfer-in international students in F-1 and J-1 status from the Office of Global Services (OGS)! We are looking forward to having you on campus for the Fall 2023 Semester. The information below is for new students for the Fall 2023 semester. Please read carefully.
Required Check-In with the Office of Global Services
All incoming international students, including transfer-in international students are required to check-in physically with OGS, within 24 hours of arriving in the United States. Check-in will take place in person, in the McCormick Tribune Campus Center (MTCC) 3201 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616 starting from Monday, July 24th, 2023. The Office of Global Services will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Required documents/information for check-in:
- Passport with visa stamp
- I-20
- Local U.S. address
- Local telephone number
- Emergency contact information
The International Check-in student hold will be removed from your account within 24 hours of checking-in. The international check-in hold does NOT prevent a student from registering for classes. Students only need to check in ONCE with the Office of Global Services.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email OGS at globalservices@iit.edu
Fall 2023 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for NEW Students
If you do not plan to come to campus for the Fall 2023 semester, and are considering studying remotely from your home country for the entire length of the Fall 2023 semester, be sure to check with your Academic department for details on online course availability and to ensure that your proposed schedule meets program requirements.
The information below is for new international students only, i.e. those coming to the U.S./Chicago, for the first time, including transfer and change of level students who have previously studied in the U.S.
Am I required to report to the Office of Global Services after arrival?
New F-1 and J-1 international students are required to complete an immigration check-in process. More information about the check-in process for the Fall 2023 semester is here.
Can I choose ONLY online classes if I come to campus this Fall?
No. All F-1 and J-1 international students at Illinois Tech are required to be enrolled in “in-person” classes, with just one online class counting toward full-time eligibility each semester.
Please refer to the official government announcement "SEVP Ends COVID Guidance for International Students" here for more FAQs pertaining to course modality in relation to the F-1 or J-1 status.
Will I be able to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa in time to come to Chicago for the Fall semester?
Visa services at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though many U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed routine visa services, local conditions and restrictions continue to impact availability of sufficient visa appointments. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you to find out more about their plans and about your options for scheduling an appointment for a visa interview. Try to schedule your visa interview appointment as soon as possible, since there may still be delays due to backlogs and physical distancing protocols at embassies and consulates. In some cases, the option to schedule a visa interview through “expedited processing” may be available.
Will I need a new I-20 confirming that Illinois Tech is offering in-person and hybrid classes for the Fall 2023 semester?
No you do not. Current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance does not require this. You can use the most recent I-20 you received from Illinois Tech to enter the U.S. If you want, you can also download and print this letter, which explains Illinois Tech’s plans for the Fall 2023 semester.
When should I plan to arrive on campus?
You should plan to arrive on campus no later than the reporting date (program start date) on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Classes for most programs will begin on August 21st, 2023.
Students who are unable to arrive on time can request a late arrival with the Undergraduate and or Graduate Admissions Offices. The latest date an international student may arrive this Fall semester is September 2nd, 2023.
If you are unable to arrive by this day, we encourage you to defer the start of your program till a future semester.
Is COVID-19 vaccination required by the U.S. or by Illinois Tech?
The United States and Illinois Tech both have COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Please read the International Student Arrival information carefully for detailed information about COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements.
Will I need to quarantine once I arrive in the U.S.?
You should follow the International Student Arrival information carefully detailed here.
For further questions or clarifications regarding the above information, please contact OGS at globalservices@iit.edu
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon!