Skip to main content

Cornell University

International Services

Office of Global Learning

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 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 F-1 check-in form or J-1 check-in form.