
International Student Arrival Guidelines
Welcome to Illinois Tech. We are excited to welcome you to our community and can’t wait for your arrival!
Vaccine and Quarantine Information
Illinois Institute of Technology is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for traveling to the United States as a non-U.S. citizen or immigrant.
Prior to boarding your flight, please view the CDC website for the latest travel updates.
We are excited to welcome you to the vibrant city of Chicago and your home away from home on the Illinois Tech campus.
Travel Information to Illinois Tech
Pre-Travel Requirements
Before arriving in the United States you must have a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 and a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp. Review Illinois Tech’s immunization policy.
Visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date guidelines.
General Travel-Related Information
- Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended but not required in indoor areas of public transportation hubs, including aircraft and airports, when traveling into, within, or out of the U.S.
- More information about the airport and immigration process and documentation can be found on the Illinois Tech website.
Post-Travel Requirements
As required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, all incoming international students, including transfer-in international students, must check in with our Office of Global Services (formerly the International Center) during business hours within 24 hours of arriving in the U.S.
Check in will take place in person in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center (MTCC), located at 3201 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, starting on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Students who arrive after 5 p.m. will be able to check in the next business day.
Required Documents for Check In
- Passport with visa stamp
- I-20
- Local U.S. address information
- Local telephone number
- Emergency contact information
International student holds will be removed from your account within 24 hours of checking in. The international student hold does NOT prevent you from registering for classes. You need to check in with the Office of Global Services staff only once.
For questions regarding check in, please contact icenter@iit.edu.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Transportation to Mies Campus
There are a number of ways to get to campus from either O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport. If you are traveling at night, we recommend using Uber, Lyft, or other car-sharing services.
Learn more about our recommended travel options to Mies Campus on the Illinois Tech website.
Arrival on Mies Campus
If you are living on Mies Campus in a residence hall, you can check in at your assigned residence hall to pick up your keys and HawkCard. Here is a list of our residence halls and their addresses.
If, after arriving at Mies Campus, you have questions about where to go or need additional assistance, reach out to Illinois Tech staff at 312.567.5075 or visit the Welcome Desk in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center, located at 3201 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616.
Late Arrivals
On a case-by-case basis, we will allow late arrivals up until the add/drop date (September 2). You must request a late arrival with an appropriate visa appointment showing your ability to arrive on time. Select students may request this through your individual App Tracker.
Trouble Logging onto the Internet?
Using your Illinois Tech login information, you will be able to connect to the internet easily. Check the instructions based on your device on the Office of Technology Services website. If you have issues connecting, send an email to the OTS Support Desk or leave a message with the Support Desk’s monitored voicemail at 312.567.3375. For Support Desk hours, visit the OTS website.
Next Steps

International Arrival and Welcome Desk
Members of the community will be present at the Welcome Desk in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center if you have any questions upon your arrival to campus starting on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

To-Do’s with Campus Departments
Once you are on campus, you will have to do a number of things with various departments. Learn more about what those things are and what different departments need from you.

English Assessment
We are so excited to welcome you to the United States to pursue your degree at Illinois Tech and build your English skills through our English Language Program! To help prepare you for success, if you are required to take an English language assessment, please make a reservation to take your assessment. If you are unable to make a reservation, email els@iit.edu.
FAQs
We are following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of approved vaccines for our policies. Please see the entire list on the WHO website.
You will be able to check into your housing at the time you arrive on campus. Please check in at your assigned residence hall upon arrival as halls are staffed 24 hours a day.
Starting on Monday, July 24, members of the community will be available at the Welcome Desk in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center (MTCC), 3201 S. State Street, Chicago. They will be onsite from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. almost every day.