ISS Visa Clearance for Spring 2024

What is Visa Clearance?

ISS Manoa's Visa Clearance is a multi-step process required for international students who are starting their F-1 student or J-1 student program and have received their Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 for F-1, DS-2019 for J-1) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

The process provides the following:

  • Introduces students to the general rules of your visa status
  • Verifies student's immigration documents upon arrival in the U.S.
  • Ensures student's U.S. address information is formatted properly.

ISS Manoa Visa Clearance is required in order for our office to register your SEVIS record which allows you to stay in the U.S. for your academic program.

Who is Visa Clearance For?

You are required to complete Visa Clearance if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are starting an F-1 or J-1 program on your current SEVIS Record with the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the first time. This includes but is not limited to Students who:
    • Are transferring from another school in the U.S. or another University of Hawaii Campus
    • Previously attending UH Manoa but are on a different SEVIS Record.
    • Are from Canada who do not require a visa in their passport but are still here on an F-1 or J-1 program.
  • You received your Certificate of Eligibility (an I-20 for F-1 students, a DS-2019 for J-1 students) from The University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Students who received their I-20 or DS-2019 from University of Hawaii at Manoa Outreach College or East-West Center should contact their respective office to see what processes they require for your arrival.

J-1 Student Interns for the University of Hawaii at Manoa, please check your email for information on the J-1 Student Intern Check-in process.

What do I need to do for Visa Clearance?

ISS Manoa's Visa Clearance breaks down into 2 sets of actions:

  1. Step that can be done before you arrive in the U.S.
    1. Preparation for Visa Clearance - actions needed before you can do the rest of the steps.
    2. ISS Visa Clearance Video, Quiz & Consent Form for your Visa Status (F-1 or J-1)
    3. Submit your Documents using F-1/J-1 Documents using UH FileDrop
  2. Steps that must be done after you arrive in the U.S.
    1. Enter your U.S. Address and U.S. Phone Number Information
    2. Retrieving and Submitting your I-94

All must be completed and approved by the ISS Office. Failure to complete Visa Clearance will prevent the ISS Office from being able to register your SEVIS record.