Mandatory Immigration Check-In

The Immigration Check-In is a federally mandated process by which the student’s presence is verified and reported in the student’s SEVIS record. Students must be physically present in the U.S. and have a local U.S. address.

This process -

Activates the student’s SEVIS record - confirming the entry and enrollment; and,
Allows eligibility for benefits – e.g. obtaining a Social Security Number, obtaining a driver’s license, and access to employment opportunities as permitted by visa regulations.

Students with initial status I-20s/DS-2019s are required to complete the Immigration Check-In as follows–

New MSU students arriving from abroad.
New MSU students transferring from another U.S. institution.
Returning MSU students (from a period of absence or Optional Practical Training.
Current MSU students changing educational levels at MSU.
Current MSU students who completed a program immediately began a new one.
New or continuing students who have approved change status to F-1 or J-1.
New or continuing students with approved Reinstatement to F-1 status.

When to Complete the Immigration Check-In

All students traveling from abroad must check-in within 10 days of arrival to the U.S. All check-ins must be complete no later than the end of the first week of classes.

Current students changing levels or programs not traveling between programs can check-in once they have been awarded the degree for the previous program and are enrolled full-time for the upcoming term.
Transfer students not traveling between programs should check-in upon arrival to the Springfield area.
Students whose status has been changed or reinstated must check in upon receipt of their approval notice.

Immigration Check-In Steps

Log into MyMissouriState and complete the online International Student Change of Address Form located on the Registrar's website.
Log into the International Student Portal and scroll right to the Control Center and click on the Immigration Check-in icon to access the form.

Answer all questions and be prepared to upload the following documents:
- I-20/DS-2019 (SIGN your I-20 or DS-2019 in BLUE INK before scanning and uploading it)
- Form Issuance Reason should be: Initial, Transfer Pending, Change of Level, or Change of Status
- Passport ID page (should show name, expiration date, and date of birth)
- Visa (with entry stamp if available)
- Canadians – upload a copy of the I-901 Payment Confirmation
- Most Recent I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
- I-797/I-94 Approval Notice (only for students with approved Reinstatement or Change of Status to F-1)

Consequences of non-compliance:

Failure to comply with the mandatory check-in process can lead to termination of the SEVIS record and subsequent loss of immigration status and offer no grace period by which to depart the U.S.