All international students coming to ODU for the first time and international students returning to start a new academic program must check in with Visa & Immigration Service Advising (VISA). An "international student" is an individual from another country who does not have a green card or a U.S. passport.
For incoming NEW students, check-in will take place online.
International students returning to start a new academic program can check-in with us virtually.
Required Documents for Check-In for DEGREE-SEEKING Students
- Completed check-in form with your U.S. address (even if temporary)
- A copy of your passport ID page
- All visa documentation (e.g. current and previous I-20/DS-2019s, visa stamp, proof of visa status change, etc.)
- Your I-94 entry record
- For new graduate assistants: your offer letter with all of the required information
- For student athletes: a copy of your scholarship letter
- For SACM students: a copy of your current financial guarantee
International Students on a visa status other than F or J
If you are an international student and your visa status is not F or J please complete the check-in form and email it to VISA along with any proof of visa status (I-797 approval notice, visa stamp, etc.)
Nondegree Students
Please e-mail VISA with your UIN and student email address for information on what you will need to do for the removal of your check-in hold.
Spring 2024 Check will now be conducted Online.
Please see the required documents list above for a list of the documents that you will need to check in. If you are a Transfer student, please fill out the Transfer-In Form before filling out the Check-In form. You must receive an ODU I-20 in order to check in.
If you plan to transfer out, please fill out the Transfer Out Form. Please note that if you will be immediately transferring upon arrival, you will have to meet with International Admissions first to discuss you plans.
ALL new students are required to watch the Required Information Session Recording in its entirety and submit the Student Responsibilities Under SEVIS form. When filling out the Online Check in Form, please select whether you will come in person or watch the recorded information sessions.
In-Person Required Information Session
- Friday, January 5, 2024
- 2 to 4 p.m.
- CONSTANT HALL 1005
If you have a Graduate/Teaching Assistantship, you MUST come in person to complete employment paperwork. Please register for a day on the Check In form.
You must be on time at 1 p.m. or you will have to come another day. Please check if you were hired by ODU or ODU Research Foundation and attend the appropriate day.
Employment Paperwork Dates and Times
January 3-January 25 (Monday-Thursday)
- ODU: Monday or Wednesday 1 - 2:30 p.m.
- ODURF: Tuesday or Thursday 1 - 2:30 p.m.
If you are a student Athlete, you MUST come in person to complete tax paperwork.
You can select any day from January 3-January 25 (Monday-Thursday) and must come before 12:00pm or you will have to come back on a different day. Please register for a day on the Check in form.
