International Programs and Services do not accept or process university applications. If you have questions about the admission process or application, or if you have submitted an application and wish to follow up, please contact the Office of University Admissions.
- B-1/2 and F-2 Visa Holders.
- Admission Procedure for International Students.
- Frequently Asked Questions.
B-1/2 and F-2 Visa Holders
U.S. Department of Homeland Security prohibits B-1/2 and F-2 visa holders from studying in the U.S. If you are currently a B-1/2 or F-2 visa holder and wishes to change your visa classification to F-1 and study, you must first apply to CSULA by submitting the online application, paying the application fee, and submitting the required documents to Admissions Office.
Upon evaluation of your academic records by the International Evaluators in the Admissions Office that you are eligible for acceptance to CSULA, you will meet with a counselor at International Programs and Services to discuss the changing of your visa classification.
You will not be formally accepted nor be allowed to enroll in classes at CSULA until U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reviewed your change of status application and approve the change to F-1 visa status.
Note: For specific information about admission requirements, please contact the Office of University Admissions.
Upon evaluation of your academic records by the International Evaluators in the Admissions Office that you are eligible for acceptance to CSULA, you will meet with a counselor at International Programs and Services to discuss the changing of your visa classification.
You will not be formally accepted nor be allowed to enroll in classes at CSULA until U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reviewed your change of status application and approve the change to F-1 visa status.
Note: For specific information about admission requirements, please contact the Office of University Admissions.
Admission Procedure for International Students
- Apply to CSULA via CSUMentor (www.csumentor.edu) by the appropriate application deadline.
- Submit required documentations to the Admissions Office: transcripts, affidavit of support, visa supplemental form, TOEFL, etc.
- Graduate student submits an additional departmental application to his/her major department including GRE/GMAT, recommendation letter(s), resume, etc.
- Admissions International Evaluators review applications and admit the student based on University admissions criteria
- Graduate student must also be admitted under departmental criteria
- Admissions Office sends out acceptance letter and Intent to Enroll
- Student returns signed Intent to Enroll to Admissions Office
- Transfer student must have the current school release SEVIS record to Cal State L.A.
- Admissions Office issues initial I-20 or transfer I-20
- Overseas student takes I-20 to U.S. Embassy or Consulate for visa processing; report to IPS upon entry into the U.S.
- Transfer student report to IPS upon completion of previous school or beginning of the first term at Cal State L.A.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply to be a student Cal State L.A.? The Office of University Admissions is responsible for receiving and processing ALL admission applications, including international student applications. For university requirements or to follow up with an application, please contact the Office of University Admissions for further information.
- How do I apply for a I-20? In order to obtain a I-20 from Cal State L.A., you must first apply to the University, be admitted as a student, submit Affidavit of Support and Intent to Enroll Form, and then a I-20 will be issued to you.
- How do I apply for an English language program? Contact the English Language Program under the Division of Extended Education to learn about their intensive English language programs.
- What name should I use for the University application? You should use the name that is printed on your passport. If no passport is available, use the name on the birth certificate. The name you enter on the University application will be the same name that is entered onto your I-20. It is important that your name be spelled correctly and listed in the correct order. Spacing and hyphens should be consistent. If you have only one name, enter it as your last name and leave the first name box blank.
- I have not heard from Admissions Office regarding my application. Who should I contact? Our office is only notified after the student is admitted to the University. You should contact the Office of University Admissions to follow up on your application.
- Is there housing on campus? Yes. Please contact Student Housing Services for more information.
- Is there a meal plan? There are no meal plans, but there are several food facilities on campus on campus. The housing on-campus does include kitchen facilities.