Launch of Current Student Check In – Fall 2023

This is important information for current students regarding maintaining your F-1 status for fall 2023. Please read this information completely.

We hope you have had a restful summer break, and we are looking forward to seeing you in the fall. We wanted to remind you of your requirements for Current Student Check In for fall 2023.

What is the purpose of Current Student Check In?

F-1 students have a regulatory expectation to be physically attending the face-to-face courses that you are enrolled in each fall and spring term. You should be physically present on campus or at your designated educational site and receiving face-to-face instruction from the start of the semester and for the majority of the semester, unless you have an ISSO authorized exception (RCL, study abroad, etc). If you are not meeting the physical presence requirement at the start of the term or for a significant amount of time during the semester, you are risking violating your F-1 status and losing future immigration benefits.

When can I submit my Check In for Fall 2023?

The Current Student Check In form will be live in iComet starting Monday, July 24, 2023. It can be found in the “Check In” section of iComet.

What do I need to submit?

In the Current Student Check In iComet form, you will submit a copy of your most recent I-94 confirming your latest entry into the U.S., or if you are a Change of Status student, a copy of your I-797 approval notice. You will also verify that you are currently in the U.S. and present to attend your classes on campus or at your designated educational site, like a CPT internship. Note that all CPT work must also take place within the U.S., even if the position is remote.

Do I have to be inside the U.S. to submit my Check In?

Yes. You must be physically inside the United States to submit your Check In, you cannot complete the requirement from abroad.

What is the deadline to submit Current Student Check In?

All current enrolled students must complete the Check In by no later than Fall 2023 Census Day – September 6. If you fail to submit your Current Student Check In by Census Day, your F-1 record will be terminated for failing to meet your F-1 physical presence requirements.

Can I travel abroad during Fall after I submit my Check In?

Yes. Keep in mind that you are expected to be present in classes (or at your designated education CPT site or study abroad site) for the majority of the semester. By submitting the Current Student Check In you are agreeing that you will return to the U.S. to continue enrollment after a brief absence. If you are no longer able to return to the U.S., please contact ISSO through the iComet “Ask an Advisor” eForm

What if I can’t arrive to/ be in the U.S. on Census Day?

If you are unable to meet your physical presence requirements and be in the U.S. by Census Day, you will not be able to maintain your F-1 status for Fall 2023. You may need to consider other options like Authorized Early Withdrawal. Make an appointment with the ISSO if you believe you will be unable to meet this requirement.

Do I still need to complete the Check In if I never departed the U.S. after I first arrived?

Yes. All continuing students must complete Current Student Check In each fall and spring term, even if you have not travelled abroad since your first entry into the U.S. or since your last Check In.

Do alumni on OPT/STEM have to complete Current Student Check In?

No. Only continuing enrolled students must complete the Check In each fall and spring term.

Still have questions?

• Contact the ISSO through the iComet “Ask an Advisor” eForm or during Live Chat hours
• If you would like to speak with an advisor, you may schedule an appointment – isso.utdallas.edu/advising/