International Check-in and Orientation

Importance of Completing the Virtual Check-In:

U.S. immigration regulations require all new students arriving on F-1 visas, those who have had their status changed, and students who have received travel reinstatement to provide the necessary immigration documentation as part of their reporting requirements. Completing the virtual check-in is the first step in maintaining your F-1 status in the U.S. Failure to fulfill this requirement may result in a hold on your account and/or negative consequences for your F-1 status.

How to complete the Virtual Check-in: 

Using your smartphone, tablet, or available computer and scanner you will need to photograph/scan/screenshots and upload the documents listed below. Acceptable file formats for uploads are PDF (preferred), JPEG, GIF, and PNG. In addition, be ready to provide your HCC ID number, a current local US address, a US phone, and emergency contact information.

After submitting the Virtual Check-in documents:

The International Office will review (within 1-2 business days) the submitted form and documents; if the documents are approved, you will receive an email from LFForms@hccs.edu (note: check your emails including spam/junk folders to find LFForms@hccs.edu email) that your virtual check-in is completed and the International hold removed along with instructions about the Next Steps; and DSO comments.  You must click on the Next Steps link to review/follow the next steps instructions and connect with the HCC Enrollment Services staff located on the HCC campuses or via the HCC Virtual Lobby for assistance.

If your virtual check-in documents are missing/incomplete, you will receive an email from LFForms@hccs.edu (note: check your emails including spam/junk folders to find LFForms@hccs.edu email) informing you about the missing/incomplete documents required to provide. You need to complete the virtual check-in form again by providing all required documents.

F-1 NEW ARRIVAL & TRAVEL REINSTATEMENT STUDENTS: 

Prepare to upload copies of the following documents immediately after arriving in the U.S., you cannot check in if you are outside the U.S.::

1. Form I-20* 
2. Passport (photo page)* 
3. F-1 Visa page*(citizens of Canada and Bermuda provide a copy of the passport entry stamp indicating F-1;D/S) 
4. I-94*  Go to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home > click on Get most recent I-94. and follow the instructions to download the I-94.  Do not upload a copy of the CBP "travel history" webpage. If you cannot retrieve your most recent I-94, or if you receive an error that your I-94 was “Not Found”, or if a student's I-94 record has an error (names spelled wrong, immigration status incorrect, etc.) then you must contact CBP deferred Inspections Office to have I-94 corrected. Refer:I-94 Correction Instructions
5. Receipt of online payment for the $50.00 orientation fee – you can pay this with a credit/debit card online through the PeopleSoft / Student Account sign-in. For more information, see International Payment Tutorial (Flywire). Allow pop-ups on your browser.
6. Receipt of SEVIS fee I-901. If you need to retrieve it, go to http://www.fmjfee.com/, and click on “Check I-901 Fee Status’.

*Provide this document for all dependents (spouse/ children) on F-2 visa.

Click below to complete the form and upload the documents listed above.

 

Check-in as a newly arrived student

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CHANGE-of-STATUS APPROVED STUDENTS

Prepare to upload copies of the following documents:

1. Form I-20*
2. COS Approval Notice I-797A* if you filed online with USCIS, download your electronic approval notice. 
3. Receipt of payment of the $50.00 orientation fee – you can pay this with a credit/debit card online through the PeopleSoft / Student Account sign-in. For more information, see International Payment Tutorial (Flywire). Allow pop-ups on your browser.

*Provide this document for all dependents (spouse/ children) on F-2 visa.

Click below to complete the form and upload the documents listed above.

Check-in as a COS approved student

 

 

 

The International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new, transfer, reinstatement, and change-of-status F-1 students. During the orientation, we will cover topics such as maintaining F-1 status, academic requirements, academic integration, Title IX, F-1 health insurance coverage, student life, and more. It is recommended that students complete their class enrollment before attending the Orientation.

Students must choose and attend only ONE of the Orientation sessions listed below:

• Virtual: Click to register for the Online Orientation on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 9:00 am Central Time (USA & Canada)
• Face-to-Face: Click to register for the Orientation on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 9: 00 am at Central Campus, St Jacinto Building-  Auditorium, 1300 Holman St, Houston, TX 77004

 

The virtual orientation will be conducted via Webex. You will receive an invitation at your primary email address, including a registration link. It's recommended to download and install the Webex application before the orientation day.

To register, provide your last and first names, a valid email address, and your HCC ID number on the left side of the registration form. After the registration, you will receive a confirmation email. It is important to ensure that your calendar is configured to use the Central Time (USA & Canada) zone.

If you register for the Face-to-Face orientations, you will receive an email confirmation with a QR code. Please keep this email safe, as it will serve as your ticket to the event. Make sure to arrive early to allow enough time for parking and finding the venue.