International Center

International Student Check-in

An institution approved to issue I-20 or DS-2019 by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the U.S. Department of State is required to maintain specific documents and information on all F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents. To comply with the record-keeping requirement, Illinois Institute of Technology’s International Center requires all incoming new F-1 and J-1 students to visit the office to check-in within two business days of their arrival to Chicago.

If you are an incoming new F-1 or J-1 student, a registration hold has been placed on your student account and will remain in effect until you check-in with the International Center. This hold will NOT prevent you from enrolling in courses or obtaining a student ID card. This check-in is separate from both the SOAR (orientation) and housing check-ins. 

New International Student Check-In—Fall 2023

If you are an incoming new F-1 or J-1 student, a registration hold has been placed on your student account and will remain in effect until you check-in with the International Center. This hold will NOT prevent you from enrolling in courses or obtaining a student ID card. This check-in is separate from both the SOAR (orientation) and housing check-ins. 

All incoming international students, including transfer-in international students are required to check-in physically with the International Center, 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 International Center will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Please note, check-in will not occur on weekends.

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 International Center.

After you have completed the check-in form and updated your contact information, as listed above, please refer to the New International Student Checklist for a list of the next steps.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the International Center at icenter@iit.edu.