Completing the Required F-1/J-1 Student Check-in
Who needs to complete the initial check in?
An initial immigration check in is required for all new F and J students. This includes students transferring from another school, students pursuing a new degree program at the University of Tennessee, and students who are returning on a newly issued form I-20 or DS-2019.
What does it do?
The initial immigration check is required by Federal regulation in order to activate your immigration status. We do this by registering your record with the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Once this is done, you will be able to apply for a Driver’s License, complete an on-campus employment verification (form I-9), and apply for a social security number. Also, your EVEA requirement cannot be cleared until you complete the Immigration Check-in.
What do I need to complete the Check In?
In order to complete the check in, you must be physically in the U.S. and have the following available:
Your physical address in the U.S.;
a scan of your passport;
a scan of your visa (some students may not have this);
a copy of your form I-94 from the https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home. Click on “Get Most Recent I-94” to access the form;
other immigration documents (most students will not have these);
scans of your dependents documents (if you have dependents).
How to Complete the Check In
Step One: Log Into the ISSS Portal
Access the ISSS Portal and select “Log In.” Use your UT netID and password to log in to the ISSS Portal. This is the same username and password you use to log in to your University of Tennessee email account.
Step Two:
Navigate to the Request section of your home screen and locate the Student Check-in request.
Step Three:
Complete the Welcome! form located in “My To-Do List”. Information in this form will determine additional forms you’ll need to complete.
Step Four:
After submitting the Welcome! form, you’ll see a list of additional forms and document uploads in your to-do list.
Step Five:
All to-do items must be completed before the ISSS office can review your complete request, register your SEVIS record and produce a Continued Attendance I-20.