SEVIS validation is a mandatory process for all J-1 scholars to activate their SEVIS records upon their arrival at ASU.
Mandatory SEVIS check-in/orientation
The U.S. Department of State requires ASU, as your program sponsor, to provide you with a SEVIS check-in/orientation. After you attend, your arrival will be validated in the SEVIS database. This validation notifies the Department of Homeland Security that you have arrived and begun your J-1 scholar program and updates your SEVIS record to “Active” status.
Failure to attend orientation and have your SEVIS record validated may result in the automatic cancellation of your J-1 scholar program and future immigration complications.
Orientation sessions
After your arrival, you need to attend a SEVIS check-in/orientation session as soon as possible. Sessions are held Monday-Thursday at 2 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m and are by appointment only. Typically, SEVIS check-in/orientation lasts for about 45 minutes to one hour. Please call (480) 727-4776 or email ISSC to schedule your SEVIS check-in/orientation.
SEVIS check-in/orientations are conducted in a group setting, so please be on time for your appointment and have all of your documents with you.
What to bring
You will need to bring the original and a copy of each document listed below to your orientation session, for yourself and any accompanying J-2 dependents. J-2 dependents need not accompany you to the SEVIS check-in/orientation, as we have limited space.
DS-2019(s)
Passport(s) (must show J-1 visa and entry stamps)
I-94 Arrival/Departure records(s). Paper or Electronic I-94 retrieved from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (click on GET MOST RECENT I-94).
Proof of insurance. The insurance document(s) should contain the following information:
Insured name (scholar name)
Insurance provider name (company)
The period of coverage (beginning and end dates)
Types and limits of coverage (usually found in policy the section titled table of benefits), specifically:
Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
Medical Evacuation of at least $50,000
Repatriation of remains of at least $25,000
A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Please also bring your local U.S. address, local phone number, and email address, along with the name, phone number, and email address of 2 emergency contacts — one inside the U.S. and one outside of the U.S.
Novel coronavirus information
Spring 2021 update | FAQ page | Class flexibility for students | Novel coronavirus updates
Admission FAQs | Current international student FAQs | Helpful resources