Mandatory Check-in Procedures


All international students must complete all three of the check-in procedures described below before you can enroll. These are typically called "holds". Some of these procedures require individual appointments, while others are done through scheduled sessions. You will be helped to sign up for appointments during your international student orientation.

If you are a readmitted student, i.e. you previously attended KU and are being readmitted or returning from absence, please read information about your unique arrival and check-in processes.

Types of Check-In

Approximate completion time 1-2 hours

There are several steps to this process, including copying and reviewing your immigration documents, updating your personal data on a computer, and receiving important information about staying in legal status while studying in the U.S. Bring your passport, visa, I-20 (F-1 status) or DS-2019 (J-1 status), I-94 record, and any other documents that verify your immigration status. If you are in a dependent status, you should likewise bring evidence of the status for the person from whom your status is derived. Also, have your local address, international address, and emergency contact information with you.

There is a $35-$50 charge to complete the ISS Check-in. All students will have this fee billed to their student account upon completion of their ISS Check-in.

AEC website

Approximate completion time: 2.5 hours if testing is required

All international students must have their English proficiency evaluated by the AEC. Bring your original TOEFL, IELTS scores, or an original diploma from an English-based institution, if you have them. If testing is required, you must register for the test by 3 p.m. the business day before a test date. You need to be in the U.S. for 24 hours before you can take the AEC test. It may take up to two weekdays to get your test results.

Watkins Health Center

Approximate completion time: 1 hour

When you come for your Health Services Check-in, bring your completed Health History and Immunization Screening History forms. These forms should have been mailed in your admission packet.  If you are missing the forms, please refer back to Prepare Health Documents.

You will also be given a Tuberculosis (TB) screening and complete the following immunization requirements, if not previously completed

  • TWO vaccinations for Measles, Mumps and Rubella
  • Meningococcal Meningitis Immunization or waiver