J-1 Scholar Check-In

Your immigration record needs to be validated in the SEVIS system. To validate your record, all individuals in J-1 status must check-in electronically with OIA. This should be done within 3 days upon arrival in Chicago or within 3 days of receiving an approval notice from USCIS to change status to J-1. Without this validation, your immigration record will become inactive. An individual whose immigration record is inactive may not work and must depart the U. S.

OIA's check-in process cannot be completed without the required documentation listed below:

If you traveled to gain J-1 status: DS-2019, Form I-94, and visa and entry stamps
If you changed your immigration status to J-1: DS2019, approval notice from USCIS

If you do not have a way to scan/upload your documents, you can check-in with our front desk during our regular office hours (M-F, 9-4pm). No appointment is required and the process only takes a few minutes. Please be sure to bring your passport and Form DS-2019 with you. If you have dependents, please submit their immigration documents as well.

Note: Should you travel outside of the US while in J-1 status, please send a copy of your new admission stamp to OIA upon your arrival.

Personal Information

First Name *

Middle Name

Last (Family) Name *

Gender *

Email *

U.S. Phone number *

A U.S. based telephone number is required to activate your record. You may list your U.S. mobile or department number.

Division *

Arrival Date in the U.S. *

Month

Day

Year

Spouse Email

If applicable

Residential Address in the U.S.

Please enter your residential address in the United States. Do not provide your department or lab address.

Street Address *

Address Line 2

If applicable, please include room/apartment number

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Document Upload

If you have scans of the following documents for you and/or your dependents, please upload them here. OIA cannot validate your record in SEVIS without the proper documents.

DS-2019(s)

Visa Stamp(s)

Required for all scholars except Canadian citizens

visa image.jpg

Form I-94

Upload your most recent I-94 here. You may obtain your I-94 by visiting https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov

I94_Electronic Copy.png

Admission Stamp(s)

USCIS Approval Notice-Change Status to J-1

Dependent Documents (if available)

Confirmation

Please Read and Check Each Box to Confirm You Understand the Following *

I am aware that a federal regulation requires me to maintain health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State's regulations for J-1 Exchange Visitor's in the U.S. This requirement applies to my J-2 dependents as well as myself.

Whenever I or my dependents travel outside the U.S., we will provide OIA with a copy of our new I-94 record or paper I-94 card by submitting the Travel Re-Entry Form.

I am aware that U.S. law requires me to update my residential address within 10 days of moving. If I move, I will submit the electronic change of address form to OIA.

I will consult OIA’s website before traveling outside the U.S.

Leave this field blank

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