New F-1 Students

Immigration regulations permit initial F-1 students to enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the Program Start Date listed on their Form I-20.

Before you enter the US:

1. Review the ISSS website for information for your visa category (and more!)
2. Carefully check your immigration documents for accuracy
   • Learn more at: Understanding Immigration Documents
3. Review your ISSS Welcome Guide
   • Undergraduate students: Click here
   • Graduate students: Click here
4. Pay the required SEVIS I-901 Fee
5. Check RPI emails regularly for updates from ISSS and other RPI offices
6. Make travel arrangements that allow enough time to arrive and participate in orientation activities

After you have arrived in the U.S.: 

1. Via International (VI) portal
   1. Log into your portal and complete your profile set-up
   2. Submit your immigration requirements by the Immigration Reporting Deadline 
2. Attend International Orientation
3. Continue to monitor your RPI email for important communications from ISSS and other campus partners

International Orientation is the first ISSS Signature Event hosted each semester!
 

Our programming combines community-building, campus connections, and key immigration information to help new international arrivals start their RPI experience with confidence. You will meet fellow exchange and degree-seeking students, connect with ISSS staff, and begin building your support network at RPI.
 

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
  • Event is for all incoming international exchange and degree-seeking students
  • CASE students in Brooklyn are not required to attend but are welcome to join
• Time: 11:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Eastern
  • Arrive between 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to check-in
  • Hot lunch will be available between 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Light refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the event
• Location: Union Ballroom (Floor 1)
  • Event is in-person at the Rensselaer Student Union
  • Check how long it will take you to get there at: (Google Maps) address

Not able to attend? You must contact ISSS by email at isssoffice@rpi.edu and provide reason(s) as to why you are not able to attend.

After arriving in the U.S., you must complete immigration requirements through your Via International (VI) portal.

1. ELECTRONIC CHECK-IN (ECI)
   • ECI is required for all incoming international exchange and degree seeking students, as well as for international scholars.
     • Because ECI requires information about your arrival in the U.S., it can only be submitted after you enter the U.S.
   • ECI helps ISSS confirm your arrival and collect required immigration information needed to activate your SEVIS record for the semester.
2. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FOUNDATIONS (ISF)
   • ISF is required for all incoming international students.
     • You may complete the ISF before or after arriving in the U.S.
   • ISF provides important information about maintaining your F-1 status and understanding your responsibilities as an international student at RPI.

DEADLINE: You must submit your completed immigration requirement(s) in VI by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, September 08.

1. Administrative Division
   1. Set up your RCS Account (RPI Email) - Follow these instructions
   2. Submit your campus card photo (Student ID Card) - Follow these instructions
   3. Complete your mandatory, online Percipio Trainings - Follow these instructions
2. Bursar
   1. Review your tuition bill (eBILL) via your Student Information System (SIS)
   2. Pay Tuition - access your eBILL via SIS
3. Public Safety
   1. Update your contact information in your RPI Alert | Campus Portal 
   2. Download RPI Alert (Everbridge Mobile App)
4. Student Health and Wellness
   1. Review your New Student Health Requirements
   2. Review your Insurance Requirements
   3. Submit your requirements in your Student Health Portal

1. First-Year Experience (FYE)
   1. Review the Communication Archive to check you haven't missed information provided by FYE
2. Connect with your academic Advising Hub
   • HASS Hub
   • Science Hub
   • Engineering Hub
   • Lally Business Hub
   • Architecture - contact your Faculty Advisor directly

1. Graduate Admissions
   1. If your enrollment documents are from outside the U.S.? Email gradops@rpi.edu for guidance
   2. If your enrollment documents are from another U.S. institution? Have official documents sent to Admissions team directly from the university
2. Office of Graduate Education (OGE)
   1. Review your Academic Orientation Seminar and TA Training Requirements
3. Graduate Student Experience
   1. Subscribe to the Graduate Experience Newsletter

1. Payroll
   1. Review their International Student Workers webpage
   2. Complete your International Student Pre-employment Checklist

Not sure if your job is on-campus or off-campus employment? 

1. Review the Working On-Campus section of ISSS' Employment in the U.S. webpage
2. Contact ISSS by email at isssoffice@rpi.edu to confirm before you start any work!