International Student Arrival Guidelines

Care Hub Support Line

This service is open to all Illinois Tech students and is designed to answer questions you may have about arriving on campus and preparing for the upcoming term.

Phone Number: 866.349.5575

Text: “Hello” to 61295

The Care Hub Support Line is open 24 hours/7 days a week.

You do NOT have to provide an institutional code or password to access the SAP services. You will only be asked what university you are from; you can decline to answer and still be provided the services and support if you want to remain anonymous. 

Important Deadlines

September 6: pay fall term bill

September 1: submit Health Insurance Waiver request

August 31: submit photo and opt-in for UPASS

Students must pay by September 6 to avoid penalties such as late fees, enrollment drops, registration holds, and other possible implications.

Travel Information to Illinois Tech

Pre-Travel Requirements

Before arriving in the United States you must have a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 and a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp. Review Illinois Tech’s immunization policy.

General Travel-Related Information

• Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended but not required in indoor areas of public transportation hubs, including aircraft and airports, when traveling into, within, or out of the U.S.
• More information about the airport and immigration process and documentation can be found on the Illinois Tech website.

Post-Travel Requirements

As required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, all incoming international students, including transfer-in international students, must check in with our Office of Global Services (formerly the International Center) during business hours within 24 hours of arriving in the U.S.

Check in will take place virtually in through the ISSS portal, starting from July 20, 2024. Students who arrive after 5 p.m. will be able to check in the next business day.

Required Documents for Check In

• Visa
• I-94 arrival record (Please download here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
• Local U.S. address information
• Local telephone number
• Emergency contact information

International student holds will be removed from your account within 24 hours of checking in. The international student hold does NOT prevent you from registering for classes. You need to check in with the Office of Global Services staff only once.

For questions regarding check in, please contact global@iit.edu.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Transportation to Mies Campus

There are a number of ways to get to campus from either O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport. If you are traveling at night, we recommend using Uber, Lyft, or other car-sharing services.

Learn more about our recommended travel options to Mies Campus on the Illinois Tech website.

Arrival on Mies Campus

If you are living on Mies Campus in a residence hall, you can check in at your assigned residence hall to pick up your keys and HawkCard. Here is a list of our residence halls and their addresses.

If, after arriving at Mies Campus, you have questions about where to go or need additional assistance, reach out to Illinois Tech staff at 312.567.5075 or visit the Welcome Desk in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center, located at 3201 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616.

Late Arrivals

On a case-by-case basis, we will allow late arrivals up until the add/drop date (August 31). You must request a late arrival with an appropriate visa appointment showing your ability to arrive on time. Select students may request this through your individual App Tracker.

Trouble Logging onto the Internet?

Using your Illinois Tech login information, you will be able to connect to the internet easily. Check the instructions based on your device on the Office of Technology Services website. If you have issues connecting, send an email to the OTS Support Desk or leave a message with the Support Desk’s monitored voicemail at 312.567.3375. For Support Desk hours, visit the OTS website.