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 F-1 and J-1 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 this check-in form.
Spring 2025 check-in date: Friday, December 6, 2024
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 will be required to attend the in-person Required Information Session on January 7, 2025 at 12 p.m. When filling out the Online Check in Form, students will also be required to sign the Student Responsibilities Under SEVIS acknowledgement as part of the check-in form and upload copies of their I-20/DS-2019 (if F-1/J-1), passport biographical page, visa stamp, I-94, and GA Offer Letter/ Athletic Aid Agreement/ SACM Financial Guarantee/ other scholarship documents (if applicable). Non-F-1/J-1 visa holding students can upload their I-797 or other documents relating to their visa in lieu of the I-20/DS-2019.
In-Person Required Information Session
- Tuesday, January 7
- 12 p.m.
- Webb Center North Cafeteria
If you have a Graduate/Teaching Assistantship, you MUST come in person to our sessions to complete employment paperwork before your start date. Please register for a day using the Employment Paperwork Registration . Limited seats per day.
You must be on time at 1 p.m. or you will have to come another day. Please check if your assistantship is funded by ODU or ODU Research Foundation and attend the appropriate day with original and copies of all required documents.
Employment Paperwork Dates and Times
Spring 2025: January 1 - January 30
- ODU employment session- Mondays or Wednesdays
- ODURF employment session- Tuesdays or Thursdays
- No late walk-ins
If you are a student-athlete, you MUST come in person bringing all your documents ,including any scholarship agreements, to complete tax paperwork.
You can select any mornings from January 6th- January 30th (Mondays through Thursdays only).
