Check-In is a mandatory procedure within the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program per the U.S. Department of State. More information about the main campus check-in process and the long distance check-in process can be found below.
*Please note if a J-1 exchange visitor is transferring to the University of Florida from another U.S. Institution as a current J-1 status holder, the J-1 exchange visitor is still required to complete the check-in process. Their UF DS-2019, however, cannot be created and issued until their SEVIS release date. EVS will email the visitor and their UF host department to confirm when the UF DS-2019 is processed.*
Long Distance Check-In Process
Main Campus Check-In Process
Once an incoming J-1 exchange visitor’s Form DS-2019 is processed and issued, the visitor will receive an email with check-in instructions. They will be required to complete a two-part process:
- Part 1: Online completion of Check-In Application (document submission and informational readings included)
- Part 2: Attend Mandatory Check-In Orientation at UF International Center (Tuesday and Thursday at 11am)
Part 1: Online Check-In Application
The J-1 exchange visitor can begin this process prior to entering the United States, but the visitor will not be able to complete the application until they have successfully entered the United States. Within the check-in application are required readings, signature documents, and required documents that must be submitted to complete the application. The Check-In Application must be submitted in order for the UF International Center to review and approve the application. The application must be approved before the visitor is eligible to attend the check-in orientation. The J-1 exchange visitor will receive an email from our office once their check-in application has been approved.
Part 2: Check-In Orientation
Once the J-1 exchange visitor receives an email notifying them that their check-in application has been approved, they are eligible to attend a mandatory check-in orientation. There are two check-in orientations each week, Tuesday and Thursday, at 11am. J-1 exchange visitors must bring the original passports and DS-2019s for themselves and all J-2 dependents in order to attend the check-in orientation. If the visitor arrives later than 15 minutes after the designated time, they will not be permitted to check-in and must return for another orientation time. The check-in orientation typically takes about 30 minutes.
J-1 exchange visitors may check-in up to 30 days before their program start date and up to 30 days after their program start date, however we highly recommend checking in as soon as they are able. Exchange Visitor Services will validate a J-1 exchange visitor’s SEVIS record within 2-3 business days of their attended check-in orientation, and they will receive a confirmation email from their advisor when validation is complete.
Long Distance Check-In Process
J-1 exchange visitors not on the main UF campus (off-site locations) are permitted to conduct the long distance check-in process. Once the visitor arrives at their off-campus Research and Education Center (REC), they must complete the mandatory check-in process. The J-1 exchange visitor will be required to complete a two-part process:
- Part 1: Meet with REC representative to provide required documents
- Part 2: Online completion of Long Distance Check-In Application
Part 1: Meet with REC Representative to Provide Required Documents
Once a J-1 exchange visitor arrives at their off-campus REC, they must meet with their designated REC representative to start the Exchange Visitor Services (EVS) check-in process. The visitor must provide the following documents to their REC representative:
- Passport (for J-1 exchange visitor and each J-2 dependent)
- DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitor and each J-2 dependent)
- J Visa (for J-1 exchange visitor and each J-2 dependent)
- U.S. Port of Entry Stamp (for J-1 exchange visitor and each J-2 dependent)
- I-94 Form (for J-1 exchange visitor and each J-2 dependent)
- Proof of Health Insurance (for J-1 exchange visitor and each J-2 dependent)
- Please review the insurance requirements and pre-approved insurance plans on our website here. The proof of insurance must include the start and end date of coverage.
The REC representative will then create the J-1 exchange visitor’s long distance check-in application. Once the application is created, the visitor will receive an email to complete the online application. The J-1 exchange visitor must complete the application and submit it online to our office.
Long Distance Check-In Application
Part 2: Complete Long Distance Check-In Application
Once the REC representative creates the long distance check-in application, the J-1 exchange visitor will receive an email to complete their online application. The check-in application includes mandatory required readings and signature documents for the visitor to submit. The J-1 exchange visitor must submit the Long Distance Check-In Application in order for the UF International Center to review and approve their application. They will receive an email from our office once their check-in application has been approved. EVS will validate their SEVIS record within 2-3 business days of the approval of the Long Distance Check-In Application, and the J-1 exchange visitor will receive a confirmation email from their advisor when validation is complete.