This immigration check-in is for UChicago foreign national employees, scholars, or visitors that are new to the J-1, H-1B, TN, or E-3 statuses.

Why the check-in is important:

The check-in confirms that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processed your immigration information correctly. Errors on your I-94 record can affect your employment, travel, and future immigration applications, and they are easier to correct when found early.

For J-1 scholars: The check-in also allows OIA to validate your record in SEVIS, the federal database for exchange visitors. Validation confirms you are following federal regulations, protects your J-1 status, and ensures you can begin your academic or professional activities without disruption. If you do not complete your check-in on time, SEVIS will automatically change your J-1 record to “No Show.” This can cause serious problems with your immigration status. Complete your check-in by the deadline to avoid this.

When to complete the check-in:

How You Obtained your Immigration Status	deadline
You obtained a visa from the U.S. embassy and traveled to the U.S.	No later than 5 calendar days after you arrive in the U.S.
You applied to USCIS for a change of status.	After your change of status has been approved, and no later than 5 days after your status start date.

Documents you will upload:

Have digital copies of these documents ready before you begin. You will upload them directly in the form.

If you traveled to the U.S.:

Your most recent Form I-94 (download it from the CBP website)
Your U.S. visa
Your DS-2019 with embassy stamp (J-1 scholars only)
Your CBP entry stamp, if you received one (entry stamps are being phased out, so you may not have one)

If you changed status through USCIS:

Your most recent Form I-94
Your USCIS Approval Notice (Form I-797)

Special note for J-1 scholars: U.S. address and phone number required

You must provide a U.S. residential address and phone number in the check-in form. OIA cannot validate your SEVIS record without this information.

If you don’t have permanent housing or a U.S. phone number yet, you may provide temporary information, such as a hotel address or a temporary phone number. When your information changes, report your new address using the J-1 Scholar Change of Address process.

Complete the check-in:

Complete the Immigration Check-In Form Here

Questions?

Contact your OIA adviser. To find your adviser, visit the OIA Staff Directory.

J-1 Scholar Transfer Out Request