Virtual Check-In

International students described below are required to complete the Virtual Check-In. If you are traveling to the U.S., please complete the Virtual Check-in immediately AFTER arriving to the U.S.

You are required to complete the Virtual Check-in if you are—

Newly admitted to CSUF (first semester at CSUF)
Transferring to CSUF from another U.S. institution
Changing educational levels at CSUF (example, Bachelor's degree to Master's; Master's to Certificate or Credential)
Returning student traveling to the U.S. after a leave of absence, or status violation, or readmission
J1 Exchange student accepted to an exchange program at CSUF (first semester at CSUF)

Importance of Virtual Check-In

Completing Virtual Check-in satisfies your reporting requirements to CSUF. The information and documents you submit will be used to update your SEVIS record with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Failure to complete this requirement may result in an enrollment hold and/or negative consequence on your student visa status.

How to Complete Virtual Check-in

Step 1: Log into your CSUF Student Portal (Student Homepage) to report your U.S. address, phone number, and emergency contacts.

Please use the address and phone number formatting guidelines below.
You must provide at least two emergency contacts (names with phone or email for contacts).
If you live on-campus in CSUF Student Housing, please check here for street address and building name, but use the format specified in the instructions below.

For detailed instructions, refer to the PDF on How to Update Your Personal Information in Your Student Center.

Step 2: Prepare copies of immigration documents

The Virtual Check-In will require you to upload PDF copies of the following immigration documents. Check-In should only be submitted after your arrival in the U.S. ISS will not accept any documents prior to the 30 days before the Program Start Date on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

I-94 (view I-94 example)
Form I-20 with Student’s Signature or Form DS-2019 with Student’s Signature (view I-20 or DS-2019 sample)
F-1 Visa or J-1 Visa page (view F-1 visa or J-1 visa sample)

Acceptable file formats for uploads are PDF (preferred), JPEG and PNG (includes scans or photos in these file formats). If the uploaded documents are of poor quality (not readable or not properly imaged) your check-in will be rejected and you will need to upload better file copies of your documents.

Step 3: Complete Virtual Check-In (Fall 2024: July 25 - September 8, 2024)

Complete Virtual Check-In

Frequently Asked Questions

You will get a confirmation message that your uploaded documents were received and will be under review.

You will receive an email from ISS when your Check-in has been approved. If ISS needs additional information or documents, you will receive an email informing you that your Check-in has been rejected and instructions on how to complete your Check-in.

Please resubmit your Virtual Check-in Form and attach the appropriate copies. Please do not send documents by email.

Please provide the address for the motel that you are staying. However, once you have moved to your apartment, you must update your U.S. address (home, mailing and SEVIS domestic addresses) in your CSUF Student Center within 10 days of moving.

Please International students including exchange students who are Canadian citizens are not required to have an F-1 or J-1 student visa stamp. Please upload an image of the arrival date-stamp in your passport, showing the date you entered the U.S. as an international or exchange student.