International Students & Scholars Office
International Student Advising
The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) provides immigration advising and support to Cal State LA international students. If you have questions about your F-1 status, employment, travel, enrollment, program completion, or another immigration-related matter, ISSO is here to help.
Choose the advising option that fits your question. A scheduled appointment is best for complex situations, document or SEVIS-record review, or several related questions. Virtual walk-in advising is designed for one or two brief questions that can normally be answered within a few minutes.
What Can the ISSO Advisor Help With?
Status & Enrollment
- Maintaining F-1 status
- Full-time enrollment
- Reduced Course Load
- Concurrent enrollment
- Changes to academic program or degree level
- Leaves of absence or withdrawal
- Possible violations of F-1 status
Employment & Practical Training
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- STEM OPT Extension
- Employment-related immigration questions
Travel & Program Changes
- International travel
- Travel signatures
- Program extensions
- SEVIS transfers
- Program completion
- Post-graduation immigration options
Is Walk-In Advising Right for Your Question?
Use Walk-In Advising For
- One or two brief immigration questions
- A quick clarification about an ISSO process
- A question that does not require detailed document review
- A situation that can normally be discussed within a few minutes
Schedule an Appointment For
- Multiple related questions
- A complicated immigration situation
- Detailed review of your immigration history or SEVIS record
- Review of documents
- A situation likely to require more than a few minutes
Prepare for Your Advising Appointment
Preparing before your meeting helps the advisor use the available time effectively and helps you receive the clearest possible guidance.
Before Your Meeting
- Review the information available on the ISSO website before your appointment.
- Bring or have access to your Form I-20 and other relevant immigration documents.
- Be prepared to clearly explain the question, decision, or situation you need to discuss.
- Bring any relevant academic, employment, travel, or other documentation.
- Organize related questions in advance so the advisor can address the most important issues efficiently.
If your question involves CPT, OPT, a program extension, travel signature, SEVIS transfer, or another formal immigration request, check the International Student Portal to determine whether a request must also be submitted.
Advising and Immigration Requests Are Separate
Meeting with the ISSO advisor does not automatically submit a request for an immigration benefit, authorization, or document.
Most F-1 immigration requests are submitted separately through the International Student Portal.
Find Immigration Information Online
Many common F-1 questions can be answered through ISSO's online resources. Reviewing the information before contacting the advisor may give you the answer you need immediately and can help you prepare if individual advising is still necessary.
Maintaining F-1 Status
Enrollment, immigration documents, address reporting, program changes, and other responsibilities for maintaining status.
F-1 Employment
On-campus employment, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and current practical-training guidance.
F-1 & J-1 Duration of Status
Latest Cal State LA guidance on federal developments affecting F-1 and J-1 admission, program duration, and Extension of Stay requirements.
Contact ISSO
International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4053
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Phone: 323-343-3170