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International Student Check-In and Orientation
SEVIS Check-In
You are required by U.S. immigration law to enroll full time and complete the SEVIS check-in within 15 days of your program start date. Once you have completed these steps, your SEVIS record will change from Initial to Active. Your SEVIS record must be in Active Status to begin any on-campus work and be eligible for any benefits, including a social security card or driver’s license.
Process Steps
The SEVIS Check-In is completed online through your Student iStart portal. Please read the instructions below to complete this process:
- Arrive inside the U.S. by the start of classes for your admission term.
- Enroll full time in degree-required coursework. Remember, only 3 online credits can count towards the full course of study, whether a graduate or undergraduate student, regardless of term.
- Fall/Spring Start:
- Graduate Students: 9 credit hours
- Undergraduate Students: 12 credit hours
- Summer Start:
- Graduate Students: 6 total credits (6 credits in long summer or 3 credits in each sub-term)
- Undergraduate Students: 12 total credits (12 total credits across the summer term)
- Fall/Spring Start:
- Visit the iStart Portal and complete all e-forms within the SEVIS Check-In group under the Orientation tab on the left. You must complete all the e-forms within the group for our office to begin processing your SEVIS check-in.
Required Documentation
We recommend you obtain electronic copies of the following documents before starting your check-in process. You will be required to upload these documents as part of the check-in.
- I-94 Record.
- I-94 Travel History (Only required if transferring your SEVIS record from another U.S. institution).
- Copy of visa page within passport (please be sure the image includes your entry stamp).
- Passport biographical page.
If you are employed by the University and require a Social Security Number (SSN), you will need the Employment Verification Letter (EVL) to be signed by your hiring department. Once you receive the email from our office confirming your SEVIS Check-In has been approved and your SEVIS record activated, you can have our office sign section III of the form. Then you can apply for an SSN.
Orientation
After arriving in Clemson, all new international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. At Orientation, you will learn about Clemson University and the U.S., meet other new students, and meet the IS team. You will also receive information on immigration, Clemson University resources, health care and other logistical support items. Please note that you must still attend either the Graduate School or Undergraduate Studies Orientation and any department orientations.
