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F-1 International Student Check-In

All F-1 students on initial NSU I-20s must submit the F-1 Check-In documents in order to have their SEVIS records registered and activated.  

Initial students include:

  • Students who are starting a new program at NSU
    • First time NSU students
    • Continuing NSU students starting a new academic program
  • Students who have transferred from another university
  • Students who have been issued a new initial I-20 after an interruption in their status and/or studies (termination, leave of absence, etc.)
IMPORTANT:
Students who fail to submit the F-1 Check-In Form by the deadline will have their SEVIS record terminated.  Once a SEVIS record has been terminated, the only option is for the student to leave the country and re-enter with a new I-20 or file for reinstatement.

Complete Your F-1 Check-In

After you arrive in the United States in F-1 status, you must submit the F-1 Check-In documents in order for your SEVIS record to be activated.  

To complete your F-1 Check-In, you must email intl@nova.edu the following documents and information: 

  • Biographical page of your passport
  • Copy of the first page of your NSU I-20
    • Copies of the first page of each F-2 dependent I-20, if applicable
  • I-94, printed from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov click on 'Get Most Recent I-94
  • Copy of F-1 visa (except students from Canada or Bermuda)
    • If you obtained your F-1 status through the Change of Status process, please submit the I-797 Notice of Action indicating your Change of Status to F-1 was approved.
  • Proof of your $350 SEVIS Fee payment, printed from https://www.fmjfee.com click on 'Check I-901 Fee Status
  • F-1 Student Responsibility Acknowledgement (signed) internationalaffairs/students/prospective/F1-Student-Responsibility-Acknowledgement.pdf
  • Your current local US Address. This is the address where you will be living.

Processing Time:

  • Your SEVIS record will be activated approximately 5-7 business days after you submit your F-1 Check-In Documents.
  • SEVIS activations must be completed 24-72 hours before students are able to apply for a Social Security Number or Driver's License. 

Students who fail to complete the F-1 Check-In by the deadline will have their SEVIS records terminated. 

Deadlines:

  • Students with an INITIAL ATTENDANCE or CHANGE OF EDUCATION LEVEL I-20:  The F-1 Check-In must be completed no later than 10 days after the start of the program start date, as listed on your valid NSU I-20.
  • Students with a TRANSFER PENDING I-20: The F-1 Check-In must be completed no later than 10 days after the start of the program start date, as listed on your valid NSU I-20.
  • Students with a CHANGE OF STATUS I-20:  Do not submit the form until your Change of Status has been approved.  Once approved, submit the F-1 Check-In Form must be submitted no later than 10 days after the start of the program start date, as listed on your valid NSU I-20.

International Student Orientation

In addition to submitting your F-1 Check-In Form, all new students must complete the International Student Orientation.

The International Student Orientation is mandatory and provides critical information for students to understand how to maintain a valid immigration status at NSU and within the United States.

Learn More About the International Student Orientation

Students who do not complete the International Student Orientation will have a hold placed on their account and will not be able to register for future terms of study at NSU.

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