Incoming Students

Congratulations on your admission to CSULA and welcome you to our family of international students and scholars.

The International Student Orientation is designed to provide important information that is necessary to maintain your international student status in the U.S. It will also provide you with important resources at the campus available to you that will ease your transition to the U.S. college culture.

It consists of workshops presented by various CSULA departments, providing information about the Student Health Center, assistance in navigating GET, information on the Proficiency Writing Exam, safety, etc.

This orientation program is co-sponsored with two CSULA student organizations: Students Going Global and International Students Association. Their missions are to bring the various cultures at CSULA together.

Spring 2013 Orientation

Attendance at the in-person orientation is mandatory for all new students, including transfer-in students from another U.S. institution. The orientation fee is a non-refundable $60.00.

The orientation program is scheduled for :

Thursday, March 28, 2013 , 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Golden Eagle Ballroom (3rd floor)

After you arrive in Los Angeles, it is mandatory that you check in at the International Office with your original immigration documents (I-20/DS-2019, passport, visa stamp and I-94 card). Failure to report in will result in the termination of your SEVIS record and international student status. The International Office is required to report to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (via SEVIS) when a student reports to the school. If the student fails to check-in, the SEVIS record automatically terminates. You will then be required to apply for reinstatement to stay in the U.S. and continue your studies.

To assist with your check in, please complete the following forms prior to checking in at the International Office:

✔ Personal Data Form
✔ F-1/J-1 Student Contract

Transfer students are those who come from another U.S. community college or university. Attendance at the International Student Orientation is required.

If you attended the University Orientation, you are still required to attend the International Student Orientation as we cover issues related to immigration regulations and visa status.

Please view the International Student On-line Orientation information for early enrollment date opportunity.

When to Apply

If you are in one nonimmigrant classification and wish to change to another classification (i.e. F-2 to F-1), you must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for a change of status prior to expiration of your current status.

As a B-1/2 or F-2 visa holder, you are not permitted to begin studies until you receive the approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You will apply like a regular international student. Upon confirmation of your eligibility to be admitted to the University, you will be notified to contact the International Office for information about the change of status. You will work with the Immigration Counselor to discuss your options for changing your status to F-1 or J-1 international student.

Your admission to CSULA will be deferred to the next available term upon approval of your change of status petition.

Change of Status

An individual may change status by:

• Exiting the US and applying for a new visa and making a new entry; or
• Applying to change status within the U.S.

Applicants for change of nonimmigrant status are encouraged to meet with the Immigration Counselor to review the application procedure and check documents prior to submitting the application for change of status.

Procedure

• Obtain evidence of your eligibility for the new status (SEVIS I-20/DS-2019);
• Complete form I-539 (form I-539 can be downloaded at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539.pdf; Instructions are at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539instr.pdf;
• Financial verification (e.g. bank statement, assistantship offer letter, etc.);
• Letter requesting change of status and explaining why the change is needed. Include the reason you did not enter the U.S. in desired status from the start, if applicable;
• Copy of valid passport with visa;
• I-94 form (front and back), be sure to photocopy this card to keep with your records.
• $290 check or money order (payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security);
• If on dependent visa, provide a copy of principal's documents (e.g. passport, visa, I-94 and I-20/DS-2019);
• Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable;
• I-94s of any dependents who will be changing status with you; and
• Copy of SEVIS fee receipt (see SEVIS 901 Fee) www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm.

Check Status of Application

USCIS maintains a website where you can check the status of your application. Please visit Case Status Search Page to check the status of your application.

Electronic Immigration System (ELIS)

USCIS has launched a new online submission system called Electronic Immigration System (ELIS). It allows individuals to create an account and submit the Form I-539 (used for reinstatement and change of status) online. You will attach the necessary supporting documents onto the system and submit all the paperwork, including payment, online.

ELIS will also allow you to follow the status of your petition more closely compared to the current system.

Notification of Change of Status Approval

If you change your status while at CSULA (i.e. from F-1 to H-1B or permanent resident), you must notify the International Office with appropriate documentation (e.g. approval notice, stamped I-20/DS-2019). The International Office will provide the Admissions Office with a copy of said documents so that your student record will reflect your correct visa status.