Pre-arrival Student Checklist
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee: Regulations requires all prospective F- and J- visa holders pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before interviewing with the Department of State for a visa.
- Print the receipt and keep a copy.
- Apply for a visa at the local U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Follow the instructions on the embassy or consulate website.
- Confirm the details (name and date of birth for example) on the issued visa match the same information in the passport before traveling.
Prior to departure, prepare the required documentation:
- Passport
- Visa
- Form I-20 or Form DS 2019
- I-901 receipt
Carry the original documents and make backup copies, one digital copy and one physical copy for example. Do not pack these documents in luggage.
- Contact the Housing and Residential Education for on-campus accommodation.
- Secure a U.S. phone number if you are a J-1 visa holder as it is required to register the immigration record.
Information on tuition and fees is maintained by Student Financial Services and can be found online.
Pay health insurance premiums. Health insurance is required for international students and additional information can be found here.
Activate MyCoyote to register for classes, pay fees, and more.
Print a copy of the I-94 via this website as it is a required orientation document and needed to activate an immigration record.
- Secure a parking permit if driving a personal vehicle.
- Learn more about public transportation options if needed.
- Report to CSUB: Regulations allow visa holders to entry the country up to 30 days before the start date on the Form I-20 or DS 2019.
- Submit the required orientation documents immediately after entering the country so that the immigration record can be activated.
- Contact a school immigration official if entry to the U.S. delayed.
- Monitor the CSUSB inbox for emails about orientation and immigration matters.
- Pay the Orientation Fee, $70 USD.
Become familiar with campus by reviewing the campus map.
For J-1 Students
The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is twofold:
- It allows students to study at a U.S. institution.
- It allows students to experience U.S. life and culture.
Student exchange visitors can study at CSUSB with a J-1 visa for a predetermined period of time based on an exchange agreement with the student's home university.
Please note that many programs have tuition waiver agreements. Consult the Education Abroad Specialists for additional information.