Communicating with ERDT & Monthly Check-In

During your program, there are several times when you must communicate with ERDT. Please read carefully below.

Complete SEVIS Step 1: Check-In within 24 hours of arrival

Within 24 hours of arrival, complete this procedure. If you miss this deadline, ERDT must terminate your program.

Complete SEVIS Step 2: Post-Arrival Orientation within 1 week of arrival

Within 1 week of arrival, complete this procedure. If you miss this deadline, ERDT must terminate your program.

Monthly Check-In: Respond to all emails from ERDT within 1 week

30, 60, 90 and 120 days after your arrival in the USA, you will receive an email from ERDT with instructions for how to complete the monthly check-in.  You must follow these instructions within one week of receiving the email, or ERDT must terminate your program.

Request to Change Housing

If you change your housing, you must submit a Housing Request within 1 week after you move. We strongly suggest you submit a Housing Request before you move, so that you do not have to move again if ERDT rejects your Housing Request.

If you do not submit a Housing Request within 1 week of moving, ERDT must terminate your program.

Inform ERDT within 1 week if your job site address changes, or if you are working at 2 or more job sites.

You do not need to get permission from ERDT if you are working for the same employer at a new address, but you do need to inform ERDT within 1 week.

Get permission from ERDT before beginning working or training at a new or 2nd job

If you wish to change jobs or add a 2nd job, you must follow the instructions here before you begin working or training. 

If you begin working or training at a new job without permission, even for 1 day, ERDT must terminate your program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't follow the communication rules?

The U.S. Department of State requires ERDT to terminate the program of students who don't follow the communication rules.

What if I don't have internet access?

When ERDT approved your job and housing, we checked to see if internet was available at your job, in your housing, or at a nearby library, community center or internet cafe. If you do not have any way to access internet, contact ERDT immediately so that we can help, or visit www.openwifispots.com to find a place with WiFi. If you fail to respond to emails from ERDT within one week, and you never contacted ERDT for help with internet access, ERDT must terminate your program.