All new international students must complete a mandatory immigration check-in process after arrival to the US and/or campus by submitting the Immigration Check-In e-form through the IntlHokies Portal. Your SEVIS record will be activated only after you complete this mandatory check-in. The Immigration Check In process is also how you request a ‘continued attendance’ I-20 to begin your on-campus work, if that is applicable to you. Failure to check in may result in the de-activation/cancellation of your SEVIS record and could mean you are no longer able to legally stay in the U.S.
For more information see: https://international.vt.edu/new_students/orientation_and_transition.html