Who Must Complete Immigration Clearance?

You must complete OGS’ immigration clearance within 30 days of your program start date if you are:

  • A new F-1/J-1 international student with an Initial I-20/DS-2019
  • A new or continuing F-1/J-1 student with a Change of Degree Level I-20/DS-2019
  • A new or continuing student with a Change of Status I-20/DS-2019

You must complete OGS’ immigration clearance within 15 days of your program start date if you are:

  • A new or continuing F-1/J-1 student with a Transfer Pending I-20/DS-2019

Required documents

  • Valid passport
  • Electronic copy of your Visa Stamp (PDF recommended)
  • Electronic copy of your I-94 or Change of Status approval notice (PDF recommended)
  • Valid address in the U.S.

Online Immigration Clearance process

1 Arrive in the U.S.*

  • You must have physically arrived in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa before you can complete the Online Immigration Clearance

*If you have a transfer pending, change of degree level, or change of status I-20/DS-2019, you may already be inside the U.S.

2 Receive the Office of Global Services Online Immigration Clearance email.

  • The Office of Global Services will email your Northeastern student email account ([email protected]) with a link to the e-form at the beginning of the academic term

3 Follow the link to the e-form and complete all of the information requested of you.

  • The e-form can be completed on a desktop, laptop, or other mobile device

4 If you are having complications with your e-form, please contact the Office of Global Services.

NOTE: J-1 scholars and visiting student do not need to complete the Office of Global Services check-in process and must only attend their mandatory clearance session.