Check-In

Step 1

To begin or return to your online check-in record, open the ISSS PORTAL and follow the instructions on that page. You will need to upload a copy or screenshot of your documents:

• UF I-20 signed by you on page one
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
• DS-160 visa application form (see FAQ section for more details)
• Passport
• F-1 visa (or approval notice for F-1 status from USCIS)
• I-94 record for your MOST RECENT ENTRY
• Travel history (see FAQ section for more details)

Complete all the required steps and click on the button at the top of the page that says SUBMIT APPLICATION.

Step 2

After you have completed the Online check-in, UFIC will review your documents. You will receive an email if anything is missing from your required documents. Once our review of your check-in materials is completed, we will mark your New International Student Check-In record as Processed. You will receive a message when this step is completed.

Step 3

U.S. & Emergency Address Update - All international students must report their United States local home physical address (no P.O. Boxes) to the University of Florida as it is required that we have the correct home address for our students at all times. If you have not arranged housing yet, please enter the address where you will be staying tonight. You may update it within 10 days of your move-in date in your ONE.UF account by following the steps on the change of address page. The link for these addresses will be in your online check-in.

Important Reminders

Gatorlink Account:

Students must set up their GatorLink account and check their GatorLink email regularly. The Computer Help Desk, in the HUB, next to UFIC, provides assistance to students with their account setup. All important communication from the university will be sent to the student's GatorLink e-mail account (@ufl.edu). They can also help with the WiFi connection.

GATORONE Card:

The GATORONE is the official identification of the University of Florida. All requests for a GATORONE for a student, staff, faculty, and spouse/domestic partner can be submitted online at the myBSD portal. For more information, visit the Business Services Office.

Social Security Number:

An application must be submitted to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Only students with an Assistantship, Fellowship, or other on-campus employment can apply for an SSN. After you have completed the check-in, please visit the Social Security Application Process page for instructions. Students without on-campus employment are not eligible to apply for an SSN.

Complimentary SIM Card:

UFIC usually has free SIM cards for your phone available for your use, with plans for international calling and texting, starting at $25 per month. Check the Information Table outside the UFIC South front door for these cards.

Orientation:

There are multiple orientations held on campus. The Graduate School and International Center orientations are mandatory. Individual academic departments may also have their own required orientations.

• F-1 Graduate student orientation
• F-1 Undergraduate student orientation: Monday, August 19, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm ET. J.W. Reitz Union Rion Ballroom. 
• Academic department orientation: Check with your academic department.

Critical dates and deadlines

Government-Sponsored Students:

If you receive funding from your home government and need to have your tuition/fees billed to your home government, you MUST submit your copy of the billing authorization to the Bursar’s office. See THIRD-PARTY SPONSOR OVERVIEW for more information.

Transcripts/graduationcredentials: 

These must be submitted to the Admissions office. Visit the UF Admissions - International Applicants page for more information.

Continued AttendanceI-20:

After you have completed and we have processed your online check-in, and within 30 days after the Drop/Add deadline, we will process your Continued Attendance I-20. We will issue the I-20 electronically and will provide you instructions on how to access the I-20. You must then print the I-20 so that you have a printed paper document in hand whenever you need it. Also, make sure to sign your name and date in the Student Attestation section on page one of the I-20. We recommend that you print the I-20 in color and sign your name in blue ink.

• This Continued Attendance I-20 is confirmation that you have checked in, completed your address updates, are registered full-time, and your SEVIS record is active; it will not be issued until you have completed all of the above. Only students who have a paid on-campus job (e.g. assistantship or fellowship, UF Welcome Center, Florida Fresh Dining) or who are a SEVIS transfer student may request the Continued Attendance I-20 prior to the 30 days. All other students must wait the 30-day processing time, including those who wish to apply for a Driver’s License or State ID. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP ALL I-20s ISSUED TO YOU; do NOT discard any of the I-20s you have been issued.

Driver’s License or State ID:

Students must wait to have the Continued Attendance I-20 before attempting to apply for a Driver’s License or State ID, or complete the car buying process. See the Continued Attendance I-20 section above for details about the processing time for the I-20.

On-Campus Work:

Students who are maintaining status may work part-time on campus while classes are in session. "Part-time” means 20 hours or less per work week. The work week at UF is Friday through Thursday. See our resource page about employment or training for more information.

Health Insurance:

Health Insurance coverage is required for all F-1 students. See the Health Insurance resource page for information regarding eligible insurance plans for F1 students and dependents.

RTS Bus System:

Bus routes and schedules can be found at go-rts.com. Students may ride the RTS buses free by presenting their GATOROne card upon boarding. Please keep in mind that the buses often do not follow normal schedules between semesters.

Printing Services:

If you need to print something, you can use any computer printing station on campus, such as in the Library, which has color printers for printing your I-20, and the Reitz Union, with your Gator1 card.  If you do not have your Gator1 card yet, you may still be able to use the on-campus computer printing stations with your GatorLink email account.