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Cornell University

International Services

Office of Global Learning

Coronavirus Updates: Visit Cornell’s COVID-19 and Reactivation Planning for campus-wide information. Visit FAQ for Cornell's International Community for university coronavirus plans, academic resources, visa status, travel, and more.

Check-In for Students

  • For Students

Welcome to Cornell!

We're happy you arrived. The next step is to check in.

If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student, and your I-20 or DS-2019 was issued by Cornell, you must complete the check-in procedure on our website. Do not visit our office to check in. If you're studying abroad or doing Study Away in your first semester, you do not have to check in now; check in when you begin your in-person program.

When should I complete the online check-in?

  • Two to three days after you have entered the United States in F-1 or J-1 student status for your Cornell program
  • No more than 30 days before you begin your program
  • No later than 30 days after the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019

What happens if I forget to check in?

You may lose your valid immigration status if you don’t complete the check-in procedure on time.

 How to Check In

  1. Gather Docs

  2. Complete Form

1 Gather your documents and information.

  • I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) form
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • I-94 arrival record created when you entered the United States
  • Local address (where you are currently living, not a P.O. box)
  • Cornell NetID

2 Complete the online check-in form.