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 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 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

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, F-1 health insurance coverage, student life, and more. It is recommended that students complete their class enrollment before attending the Orientation.

• Click to register for the Virtual Late International Student Orientation on Thursday, May 22  from 8:30 am Central Time (USA & Canada)

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.