International Student Scholar Services

New International Student Check-in

All new and transfer students must complete the international student check-in no later than 30 days after arriving to the U.S.   ISSS is unable to register your SEVIS record without a local address.   Please e-mail isss@colum.edu the following information:

1. PDF of your F-1 or J-1 visa
2. PDF of your I-94 arrival record which you can retrieve HERE.  If you are unable to retrieve your I-94 record, please contact isss@colum.edu and authorize us to retrieve it for you. 
3. Your complete Chicago area address, including your apartment number.   In addition, please ensure you update your mailing address on MyColumbia to your local address.      

                 Go to MyColumbia  ➡ Personal Information  ➡ Mailing Address 

             If you move in the future, simply update your mailing address to your new address. Our office will

              be automatically notifed and we will update your SEVIS address.  You must report any address changes within 10 days of the change of address. 

• J Visa Information

  Overview

  J-visas are part of an "exchange", often in accordance with an agreement between Columbia College Chicago and another university or organizations.  J-visa holders can also be scholars, professors, or experts here for short-term academic or cultural exchanges. 

  Immigration Documents

  J-visa recepients have a DS-2019, a document that outlines their stay at Columbia. The travel signature on page one is valid for 1 year.  

  Students must remain enrolled full-time throughout their studies at Columbia College Chicago. 

  Any changes to program of study or local residential address should be reported by updating the mailing address on your MyColumbia student account.  

   

• Immigration Information

  This is a quick reference for students currently holding F-1 immigration status in the US. This site contains information regarding on and off campus employment, curricular and optional practical training, full-time and part-time enrollment, and other information in order to maintain valid F-1 status.

  VISIT STUDYINTHESTATES.DHS.GOV