Check In with the VISA Office

Students New to CWRU or Beginning a New Program at CWRU:

To Check In:

If you will be on campus this semester to begin your program, please access the Instructions on How to Check In with the VISA Office and complete the process. Please note that you:

• check in online AFTER you arrive in the US with your valid I-20 or DS-2019

• can check in up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019

• must check in by the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. If there is a delay, please notify us immediately

We cannot process any on-campus employment or Social Security Number paperwork until you have been checked in.

If you will not be coming to the United States this fall, do not check in using the instructions above. It is critical that you complete the survey instead.  If you have not done so yet, please do so immediately. 

Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

Registration & Your Visa Status

The VISA Office just wants to remind you that, as international students, you are required to be properly registered for a full-time course load while you're studying in the United States as an F-1 or a J-1 student. This is mandatory by US Federal Regulations.

There are very few exceptions to full-time registration requirements and only the VISA Office can determine whether you qualify for one of them.  Always register for full-time and never drop below a full-time courseload without first speaking with an advisor in the VISA Office.   Improper registration could have serious consequences, including termination, for your visa status.

If you have already completed coursework abroad through online learning during previous semesters, you must still be registered full-time unless the VISA Office determines that you qualify for an exception. 

We will be verifying each student's registration over the next several weeks. If we detect a problem with your registration or have questions, we will be contacting you by email. It's extremely important that you follow up with us promptly and work to quickly resolve the matter so that your visa status is not negatively impacted.

If you have questions, never hesitate to contact our office at visa@case.edu or get in touch during advising hours!

For F-1 Students:
Considering an internship, co-op, or other practical training this fall?  Remember to apply for CPT!

F-1 students must obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization for off-campus training or employment such as internships and co-ops.  You must obtain the authorization BEFORE you start working.  If you have any questions about CPT, contact us at visa@case.edu.

Also see our website for our CPT presentation and  application: https://case.edu/visa/forms-and-resources/student-forms-and-resources

Coming soon!  CPT workshops during the fall semester!  We will provide more information in VISA News in the coming weeks.

Chat with VISA Staff Online During Advising Hours

Virtual Advising is available Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., EST.

If you have a question or concern that you need to address during that time frame, reach out to an advisor through the chat box. The chat box (it looks just like the picture) will be available on our website.

Beware of Scams

The Visa Office wants to make sure that international students are aware of these scams and know how to protect themselves.   Visit this website for more information.

Manage Tuition Payments & More

Time and venue change for Graduate Student Council's Welcome Picnic

Join the Graduate Student Council for a delightful Welcome Picnic on Thursday, August 25, 5:30-8pm at Thwing Excelsior Ballroom. Connect with fellow students and staff, make new friends, and learn more about graduate student groups, while enjoying delicious food and fun activities. We can't wait to celebrate together!

Rainbow Welcome - August 31st

The LGBT Center invites members of the Case Western Reserve University community to the Rainbow Welcome Thursday, Aug. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Student Organization Space in the Tinkham Veale University Center.

This event is an annual celebration to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies back to campus for another school year.

Register to attend.