/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

F-1 International Student Check-In

All F-1 students starting a new program at Stony Brook, transferring to SBU from another U.S. institution, or entering the U.S. with an initial I-20 (this includes those returning from leave) are required to complete the "International Student Check-in" process.

The International Student Check-in is a federally mandated process that ensures compliance with immigration regulations for all international students. It ​includes electronically report​ing to Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) to have your immigration documents reviewed​ and your SEVIS record activated.

If you are unable to complete any of these requirements for any reason, please contact VIS at vis@stonybrook.edu for further instructions.

Step 1: Before You Arrive to the U.S.

Part 1 of the International Student Check-In checklist includes reporting visa information (if applicable) and completing the F-1 International Student Orientation module. This module is designed to equip you with essential knowledge on maintaining your status during your studies. It is mandatory for all incoming students, and completion is required to access other forms within the International Student Check-in.

We encourage you to complete Part 1 of the International Student Check-in before arriving in the United States. Doing so will help expedite the overall process and ensure that you have a solid understanding of how to maintain your status.

How to Access the International Student Check-In in accessVIS
  1. Open your Google browser and go to https://vis.stonybrook.edu or click the 'Start Your Check-in' button below.
  2. Log in to accessVIS:
    • If you have activated your NetID: On the accessVIS main page, click 'LOG IN' and enter your NetID Single Sign-On username and password.
    • If you do not know your NetID: Log in through New Student/Scholar Login (Limited Services) using your Stony Brook ID#, PIN, and date of birth.
      Navigate to 'Arrival & Intake' on the left side menu bar of the accessVIS homepage.
  3. ​Click F-1 International Student Check-In and complete all required e-forms.

Start Your International Student Check-in

Step 2: After You Arrive in the U.S.

After you arrive in the United States, you must complete Part 2 of the International Student Check-In process. This step confirms your arrival and allows Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) to verify your immigration status.

As part of this step, you must provide:

  • Your local U.S. address
  • Your U.S. phone number
  • An emergency contact

You must also upload a copy of your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record so VIS can confirm your immigration status and your authorized stay in the United States.

Understanding Your Form I-94

The Form I-94 is an official arrival and departure record issued by the U.S. government to international visitors.

How you receive your I-94 depends on how you entered or changed your status.

  • If you entered the United States from abroad:
    Your I-94 record is created electronically by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). An immigration officer may also place an admission stamp in your passport.
  • If you changed your status within the United States:
    If you filed Form I-539 to change your status to F-1, you may have received a paper I-94 attached to your approval notice.

Your I-94 record must show the correct immigration category (F-1) and the correct duration of stay.

Uploading Your I-94 in accessVIS

Before completing Form 4: I-94 Information and Upload, download a copy of your Electronic I-94 Admission Record.

When uploading documents to accessVIS, follow these requirements:

  • Files must be PDF format
  • Files must be 100 MB or smaller

Make sure the document is clear and easy to read.

Important Information

Your I-94 record is different from your travel history.

If you recently entered the United States, your electronic I-94 may not update immediately. This is normal.

Allow up to 10 days after your arrival for your I-94 record to reflect your most recent entry. Once it is available, download the record and upload it to complete your check-in process.

Step 3: Enroll Full-Time

U.S. federal regulations require that you enroll in a full-time course load each fall and spring semester while in F-1 student status. You must remain enrolled full-time until you complete your academic program.

If you are not enrolled full-time by the add/drop deadline, you may violate your immigration status. This can lead to the loss of your F-1 status and related immigration benefits.

REVIEW F-1 ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

Step 4: Report Your Local Address in SOLAR

You must report your current U.S. local address in SOLAR. U.S. immigration regulations require international students to keep their address information accurate and up to date.

Follow these steps to add your local address:

  1. Log in to SOLAR using your Stony Brook ID number and password.

  2. Select Security and Personal Data, then click Addresses.

  3. Select Add a New Address.

  4. Enter your U.S. local address.

  5. Under Address Type, select Local.

  6. Click Save, then select OK to confirm.

Even if your address already appears as Home or Mailing, you must still add it as a Local address.

For help entering your address correctly, review the address formatting guidelines.