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International Student Check-In

  • Overview

    All F-1 and J-1 students starting a new program at Stony Brook, transferring to SBU from another U.S. institution, or entering the U.S. with an initial I-20/DS-2019 (this includes those returning from leave) are required to complete the "International Student Check-in" process. The process differs slightly for F-1 and J-1 students, so please read the respective instructions carefully.

    If you are unable to complete any of these requirements for any reason, please contact VIS at vis@stonybrook.edu for further instructions.

  • F-1 International Student Check-In


    F-1 International Student Check-In

    The International Student Check-in is a federally mandated process that ensures compliance with immigration regulations for all international students. It ​i​ncludes electronically report​ing to Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) to have your immigration documents reviewed​ and your SEVIS record activated.

    PART 1: BEFORE YOU ARRIVE TO THE U.S.

    Part 1 of the International Student Check-In checklist includes reporting visa information (if applicable) and completing the 'F-1 International Student Orientation' module. This module is designed to equip you with essential knowledge on maintaining your status during your studies. It is mandatory for all incoming students, and completion is required to access other forms within the International Student Check-in.

    We encourage you to complete Part 1 of the International Student Check-in before arriving in the United States. Doing so will help expedite the overall process and ensure that you have a solid understanding of how to maintain your status.

    How to Access the International Student Check-In in accessVIS
    1. Open your Google browser and go to https://vis.stonybrook.edu or click the 'Start Your Check-in' button below.
    2. Log in:
      • If you have activated your NetID: On the accessVIS main page, click 'LOG IN' and enter your NetID Single Sign-On username and password.
      • If you do not know your NetID: Log in through New Student/Scholar Login (Limited Services) using your Stony Brook ID#, PIN, and date of birth.
    3. Navigate to 'Arrival & Intake' on the left side menu bar of the accessVIS homepage.
    4. ​Click 'F-1 International Student Check-In' and complete all required e-forms.

    Start Your Check-in

    PART 2: AFTER YOU ARRIVE TO THE U.S.

    Upon arriving in the United States, you are required to complete Part 2 of the International Student Check-In checklist. This section involves providing your local address, phone number, and emergency contact information. You will also need to submit your Form I-94 so VIS can verify your immigration status and the duration of your authorized stay in the U.S.

    The I-94 is an arrival and departure record issued by the U.S. government to all foreign visitors. If you entered the U.S. from abroad, your I-94 record is created electronically, and an immigration officer will also stamp your passport. If you filed a change of status (Form I-539) from within the U.S., you should have received a paper I-94. It is crucial that your I-94 record accurately reflects your F-1 international student status and is up-to-date.

    Before starting Form 4: I-94 Information & Upload, ensure you have a copy of your Electronic I-94 Admission Record available for upload. Documents uploaded to accessVIS must be in PDF format and should not exceed 100MB in size.

    Please note: The I-94 record is not the same as your travel history. If you have entered the U.S. multiple times, your I-94 record may not reflect your most recent entry immediately. Allow up to 10 days after your arrival for your I-94 record to be updated.

    Step 3: Enroll Full-Time

    Federal regulations require that students in F-1 status be registered for a full-time course load each fall and spring semester until graduation. Failure to be registered full-time by the add/drop deadline is a violation of your nonimmigrant status, may result in the loss of your F-1 status.

    For information on enrollment requirements, including limitations on online course enrollment, click here.

    Step 4: Report Your Local Address in SOLAR

    If you haven't done so already, you must report your U.S. local (off-campus) address in SOLAR. Please follow the steps below to do so:

    1. Login to SOLAR with your Stony Brook University ID number and password.
    2. Go to Security and Personal Data then click Addresses.
    3. Select Add A New Address to add your local (off-campus) address. Even if your address is listed as "Home" or "Mailing", you must still add it as your "Local" address.
    4. Verify your address information, and select "Local" under Address Type.
    5. Click Save, then OK. Your local address should now appear.

    For guidance on formatting your address correctly, click here.

  • J-1 International Student Check-In


    J-1 International Student Check-In

    The International Student Check-in is a federally mandated process that ensures compliance with immigration regulations for all international students. It ​i​ncludes electronically report​ing to Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) to have your immigration documents reviewed​ and your SEVIS record activated.

    PART 1: BEFORE YOU ARRIVE TO THE U.S.


    Part 1 of the International Student Check-In checklist includes reporting visa information (if applicable) and completing the 'J-1 International Student Orientation' module. This module is designed to equip you with essential knowledge on maintaining your status during your studies. It is mandatory for all incoming students, and completion is required to access other forms within the International Student Check-in.

    We encourage you to complete Part 1 of the International Student Check-in before arriving in the United States. Doing so will help expedite the overall process and ensure that you have a solid understanding of how to maintain your status.

    How to Access the International Student Check-In in accessVIS
    1. Open your Google browser and go to https://vis.stonybrook.edu or click the 'Start Your Check-in' button below.
    2. Log in:
      • If you have activated your NetID: On the accessVIS main page, click 'LOG IN' and enter your NetID Single Sign-On username and password.
      • If you do not know your NetID: Log in through New Student/Scholar Login (Limited Services) using your Stony Brook ID#, PIN, and date of birth.
    3. Navigate to 'Arrival & Intake' on the left side menu bar of the accessVIS homepage.
    4. ​Click 'J-1 International Student Check-In' and complete all required e-forms.

    Start Your Check-in

    PART 2: AFTER YOU ARRIVE TO THE U.S.

    Upon arriving in the United States, you are required to complete Part 2 of the J-1 International Student Check-In checklist. This section involves providing your local address, phone number, and emergency contact information. You will also need to submit your Form I-94 so VIS can verify your immigration status and the duration of your authorized stay in the U.S.

    The I-94 is an arrival and departure record issued by the U.S. government to all foreign visitors. If you entered the U.S. from abroad, your I-94 record is created electronically, and an immigration officer will also stamp your passport. If you filed a change of status (Form I-539) from within the U.S., you should have received a paper I-94. It is crucial that your I-94 record accurately reflects your J-1 international student status and is up-to-date.

    Before starting Form 4: I-94 Information & Upload, ensure you have a copy of your Electronic I-94 Admission Record available for upload. Documents uploaded to accessVIS must be in PDF format and should not exceed 100MB in size.

    Please note: The I-94 record is not the same as your travel history. If you have entered the U.S. multiple times, your I-94 record may not reflect your most recent entry immediately. Allow up to 10 days after your arrival for your I-94 record to be updated.

    Step 3: Enroll Full-Time

    Federal regulations require that students in J-1 status be registered for a full-time course load each fall and spring semester until graduation. Failure to be registered full-time by the add/drop deadline is a violation of your nonimmigrant status, may result in the loss of your J-1 status.

    For information on enrollment requirements, including limitations on online course enrollment, click here.

    Step 4: Report Your Local Address in SOLAR

    If you haven't done so already, you must report your U.S. local (off-campus) address in SOLAR. Please follow the steps below to do so:

    1. Login to SOLAR with your Stony Brook University ID number and password.
    2. Go to Security and Personal Data then click Addresses.
    3. Select Add A New Address to add your local (off-campus) address. Even if your address is listed as "Home" or "Mailing", you must still add it as your "Local" address.
    4. Verify your address information, and select "Local" under Address Type.
    5. Click Save, then OK. Your local address should now appear.

    For guidance on formatting your address correctly, click here.

 

New Students
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