Check-in timing
Our office uses a virtual check-in process in our URcompass client portal. You’ll receive an email from ISO inviting you to complete the Immigration Check-in based on your scheduled program start date.
In some cases, students may need to request an earlier check-in:
- Change of Educational Level
The immigration check-in will be used to activate your new level of study at the University of Rochester. This should happen only after you have completed all activities associated with your previous program of study, including off-campus CPT/OPT authorization. However, if your current program ends and you plan to participate in any University of Rochester activities before starting your new program, especially paid research or other employment, the immigration check-in must be completed before starting any work in order to retain active on-campus permissions. Please discuss your plans with ISO to strategize your timing.
- Immigration Transfer
If you are arriving to campus and will engage in activities or services (research, campus employment, housing, etc.) before the academic term starts, it is best to activate your SEVIS record when you arrive, even if your program of study begins later. Please request an early check-in using the email below.
Please send inquiries for early check-in to admitquestions@iso.rochester.edu.
Additional considerations
- You only need to complete the immigration check-in once when you start a new program of study or get a new SEVIS record. Returning students with an Active SEVIS record don’t need to do it every year.
- If you’re transferring your SEVIS record from another US school, you must submit your check-in details within 15 days of your program start date.
- If you’re starting a new program at the University, you must wait until you finish all the authorized activities for your previous degree level before you complete the check-in.
- If you’ve applied to USCIS to change your immigration status, you must wait until the application is approved before you complete the check-in.
- If you have dependents who will join you in Rochester, you can report their arrival using the Dependent Check-In tool in URcompass.