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.
- If you changed your immigration status to J-1 by applying through USCIS: DS2019, and Form I-797 Approval Notice issued by USCIS.
You may upload screenshots, photos, and/or pdfs of the required documentation. If you have dependents, please submit their immigration documents as well.
Note: In the future, should you travel outside of the US while in J-1 status, please complete the Travel Re-Entry Form.