Online Check-in for New Arrival Students

Importance of Completing the Online Check-In

U.S. immigration regulations require all new students arriving on F-1 visas, and students entering on travel reinstatement I-20s to provide the necessary immigration documentation as part of their reporting requirements. Completing the online 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.  You need to check-in online immediately after arriving in the U.S., you cannot check in if you are outside the U.S.

How to Complete the Online Check-in

Before Submitting the Online Check-in:

Using your smartphone, tablet, or available computer and scanner, you will need to photograph/scan/screenshots and upload the documents required for submission. 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 Online 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 (check your emails including spam/junk folders to find LFForms@hccs.edu email) that your online check-in is completed and the International FMJ hold removed along with instructions about the Next Steps; and DSO comments. You need to proceed with enrollment at your local HCC campus or through the HCC Virtual Enrollment & Advising Services. 

If your online check-in documents are missing/incomplete, you will receive an email from LFForms@hccs.edu (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 online check-in form again by providing all required documents.

Need password reset? If you are not able to log in to your HCC student account, you must call the HCC IT Service help desk phone number 714-718-8800 to get assistance with the password/login issue.

 

 

Submit the F-1 New Arrival Online Check-in Form

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 I-94 dhs.gov webpage > 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 non-refundable 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 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