Use this request to notify OISS that you have arrived in the U.S. in J-1 status so that your SEVIS record can be validated. With the validated J-1 status, you may engage in your J-1 exchange visitor activities and work/employment for the position and period authorized on your most recent DS-2019.
When to Make This Request
Once you arrive in the U.S., you are required to check in with MyOISS as soon as possible. We recommend that you complete your I-9 verification (federally required if you receive Yale funds) after your SEVIS record has been activated. Checking in a timely manner is crucial for maintaining your immigration status.
Preparing to Make the Request
You will receive an email from OISS with instructions for enrolling in and completing your New Scholar Orientation on Homebase. Homebase is the website that hosts the online course module component of the Scholar Orientation that you must complete to meet J-1 visa guidelines.
Once you have completed the New Scholar Orientation on Homebase, you will receive a code you'll need to enter when completing your 'New Scholar Check-In' request.
In addition to this online orientation component, we also recommend that you sign up for an in-person New Scholar Meetup to meet other new scholars at Yale and ask any questions you may have after reviewing the online component. The signup link may be found in the 'Your Next Steps' section of the Homebase online module.
You are required to complete the New Scholar Orientation online module at the start of each new J-1 exchange program at Yale, even if you have already attended one previously.
You will need a copy of your I-94 record in order to complete new scholar check-in. I-94 is created upon your arrival in the U.S.
You will need to upload the following documents and information:
- Your I-94
- An image of the J-1 visa in your passport
- A scan of the paper DS-2019 that a visa officer returned to you after you applied for your visa (or if Canadian, the DS-2019 that a port of entry officer reviewed for your admission to the U.S.).
- Images of the above documents for each J-2 dependent (if any) who has entered the U.S. with you
- If you are on the Student Intern Exchange Visitor Category (see section 4 of DS-2019), images of both pages, front and back, of your Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002). Make sure that it includes all three signatures and signature dates.
- Code found at the end of the New Scholar Orientation in Homebase.
How to Make the New Scholar Check-in Request in MyOISS
J-1 interns at Yale should submit their New Scholar Check-in requests in MyOISS as described above, but use the 'J-1 Student Intern Check-In' request instead of the 'J-1 Scholar Immigration Check-In'.
Next Steps for J-1 Interns
Your request should be processed within 5-6 business days. Once your request has been validated by OISS, you will receive an email notifying you that your record is active in SEVIS and that a new DS-2019 signed for travel is now available in MyOISS. Once your record is active, you may proceed with other administrative matters, like completing the I-9 process (if you will be compensated by Yale) and applying for your Social Security Number.
Next Steps after Submitting this Request
Your request should be processed within 5-6 business days. Once your request has been validated by OISS, you will receive an email notifying you that your record is active in SEVIS and that a new DS-2019 signed for travel is now available to download in MyOISS. Once your record is active, you may proceed with other administrative matters, like completing the I-9 process (if you will be compensated by Yale) and applying for your Social Security Number.
Remember that with the validated J-1 status, y<>ou may be engaged in your J-1 exchange visitor activities and work/employment only in the position and period authorized on your most recently issued DS-2019.
Please see Your First Two Weeks for detailed information on your next steps.
Need Help?
If you have trouble completing this request, please email Arlen Stabbe.
