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 Office of Global Services (OGS) 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 OGS. 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—Summer 2025
All incoming international students, including transfer-in international students are required to check-in with OGS, within 24 hours of arriving in the United States. Check-in will take place in virtually, through the ISSS Portal starting from April 18th, 2025. Students must log into the portal using their Illinois Tech (Okta Access) credentials, and submit a "New Student Check-In" request.
Required documents/information for check-in:
- Visa
- I-94 arrival record; Please download here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
- Local U.S. address
- Local telephone number
- Emergency contact information
Watch how to submit a "New Student Check-In" request using the ISSS Portal: https://tinyurl.com/InternationalStudentCheckIn
The Office of Global Services will process your request within 2 business days and remove the International Check-In Hold on your student account. Students only need to check in ONCE with the Office of Global Services.
The Office of Global Services is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m for assistance. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email OGS at global@iit.edu.