International Student Check-IN

Welcome!

Please read this page carefully before starting your online immigration check-in.

Who Needs to Check In?

All F-1 students must complete the check-in process:

• Within 10 days of arriving in the U.S. (if arriving from abroad)

• No later than 15 days after the first day of the semester

This includes:

• New international students

• Transfer students

• Students who changed status (COS) to F-1

What You’ll Do in Check-In

• Complete the mandatory F-1 Information Session online via Coursify

• Upload required immigration documents

• Confirm your local U.S. address and emergency contact information

• Submit the Immigration Check-In Form in Populi

Two Required Steps for All F-1 Students

1. College-Wide Orientation (in-person)

   • Learn SFBC policies and how to maintain F-1 status

   • Date will be sent by Student Life via email

2. Immigration Check-In (online)

   • Submit immigration documents for review

   • Must be completed to be eligible for SEVIS registration

Step-by-Step: Immigration Check-In

Step 1: Complete the F-1 Information Session

• Go to https://issd.coursify.me/

• Create a Coursify account (if new) using your SFBC email

• Complete the New International Student Information Sessions course

• Download your Certificate of Completion

Step 2: Complete the Immigration Check-In Form in Populi

• Log in to Populi via web browser: sfbc.populiweb.com

• Go to the Activity Feed page

• On the right-hand side, look for “Forms”

• Open the form: Immigration Check-In for F-1 Students (or F-1 Transfer / COS Immigration Check-In)

• For all F-1 students, please provide:

  • Local U.S. address (no PO Boxes)

  • Emergency contact name & phone number

• Only F-1 Students arriving from abroad, additional uploads required:

  • Valid passport

  • F-1 visa stamp (or Change of Status notice)

  • Canadian citizens: passport entry stamp

  • Form I-20

  • Most recent Form I-94

  • F-2 dependents: passport, visa, and I-20 for each dependent

For Transfer Students

If your SFBC I-20 says “Transfer Pending From: [School Name]”:

• You must complete your ISSD Check-In within 15 days of the semester start

• Once approved, you’ll receive a new I-20 for Continued Attendance

• Orientation is still required — even if you studied in the U.S. before

Important Employment Rules for F-1 Students

• Never work off-campus without written authorization (paid or unpaid)

• Do not work on-campus if you are out-of-status

• Always check with ISSD before starting:

  • Any job, internship, co-op, or volunteer role that looks like work

  • Any course with “internship” in the title or that requires work experience

• Working without authorization is a serious violation and can lead to deportation

✅ Tip: If you’re ever unsure, ask ISSD first. It’s better to double-check than risk your immigration status.