Congratulations on considering Cal State LA for your studies. International students move through two connected but separate processes: admission to the University and, after admission, completion of the immigration steps required to begin study in F-1 status.
The Office of Admissions and Recruitment manages the University admission process. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) supports admitted students with the Form I-20, SEVIS transfer-in, immigration documentation, and preparation to begin studies in F-1 status.
Know Which Office to Contact
Admissions and ISSO serve different roles. Contacting the correct office will help you get the information you need more quickly.
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
Contact Admissions for questions about:
- Admission requirements
- Application deadlines
- Cal State Apply
- Required admission documents
- Application status
- Admission decisions
- University admission To-Do items
International Students and Scholars Office
Contact ISSO after admission for questions about:
- Form I-20 requests
- SEVIS transfer-in
- Financial documentation for the I-20
- Passport and immigration documents
- F-1 immigration requirements
- International Student Portal requests
- Preparing to begin study in F-1 status
Step 1: Apply to Cal State LA
International applicants apply to Cal State LA through the University's regular undergraduate or graduate admission process. Admission requirements, deadlines, English-language requirements, academic records, and other application requirements vary by applicant type and academic program.
Review the current international applicant information from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment before submitting your application.
Explore International Admission
Step 2: After You Apply
After submitting your application, monitor communications from Cal State LA carefully. You will receive information about your Campus Identification Number (CIN), University account access, outstanding documents, and other steps required to complete the admission process.
Use MyCalStateLA to:
- Check your application status
- Review your University To-Do list
- Monitor requests for admission documents
- Review University messages
- Access other Cal State LA systems and services
Admission and the Form I-20 Are Separate Processes
Being admitted to Cal State LA does not automatically create or issue a Form I-20. After admission, students who will study in F-1 status must complete the required immigration-document process through ISSO before a Form I-20 can be issued.
Step 3: After You Are Admitted
Once you are admitted, ISSO becomes your primary Cal State LA resource for the immigration steps required to begin your studies in F-1 status.
Admitted students complete these processes through the International Student Portal.
Depending on your situation, the portal may be used for:
- Initial Form I-20 requests
- SEVIS transfer-in requests
- Financial documentation
- Passport uploads
- Current immigration-document uploads
- Dependent information, when applicable
- Other required F-1 immigration processes
International Student Portal
Admitted students use the International Student Portal to complete immigration requests and submit documents to ISSO.
When logging in, select MyCalStateLA and use your Cal State LA credentials. Do not use the separate Portal Login option unless ISSO specifically instructs you to do so.
Requesting an Initial Form I-20
Students who are outside the United States and plan to apply for F-1 status generally need a Form I-20 issued by Cal State LA before applying for an F-1 visa or taking other required immigration steps.
ISSO can begin the I-20 process after the student has been admitted and has submitted the required immigration and financial documentation through the International Student Portal.
Document requirements may vary by student. Follow the instructions available in the portal and respond promptly if ISSO requests additional information.
Financial Documentation
Federal immigration requirements require students seeking an initial Form I-20 to demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their educational and living expenses.
ISSO will provide current financial-documentation requirements through the International Student Portal. Depending on the source of funding, students may be asked to provide appropriate financial records and sponsor documentation.
Do not rely on old financial-support amounts or documents found elsewhere online. Use the current requirements provided by Cal State LA.
Transferring Your SEVIS Record to Cal State LA
Students who are already in F-1 status at another U.S. institution may need to transfer their SEVIS record to Cal State LA after admission.
The SEVIS transfer process is separate from the academic admission process. Being admitted to Cal State LA does not automatically transfer your SEVIS record.
After admission:
- Complete the Cal State LA SEVIS transfer-in request through the International Student Portal.
- Follow the instructions provided by your current school's international student office for requesting release of your SEVIS record.
- Make sure the information provided to Cal State LA and your current school is accurate.
- Monitor your Cal State LA email and International Student Portal for additional instructions from ISSO.
Do not ask your current school to transfer your SEVIS record until you have been admitted to Cal State LA and understand the timing and immigration implications of the transfer.
When You Receive Your Form I-20
Review your Form I-20 carefully as soon as you receive it.
Confirm that important information is accurate, including:
- Your name and biographical information
- Your academic program
- Your education level
- Your program dates
- Financial information
- Other information relevant to your individual record
Contact ISSO if you believe information on your Form I-20 is incorrect.
Preparing for the F-1 Visa Process
Students who require an F-1 visa will generally use the Form I-20 issued by Cal State LA as part of the visa application process.
Visa application procedures, appointment availability, required documentation, and processing times vary by U.S. embassy or consulate.
Follow current instructions from the U.S. Department of State and the specific embassy or consulate where you plan to apply.
ISSO issues the Form I-20 and provides F-1 advising, but Cal State LA does not issue visas and cannot guarantee visa issuance.
Important: F-1 Duration of Status Changes
Federal rules governing how F-1 students are admitted to and remain in the United States are changing. These changes may affect students entering the United States, transferring schools, extending academic programs, and making other immigration decisions.
Prospective and admitted students should review Cal State LA's latest Duration of Status guidance before making immigration or international travel plans.
Prepare for Arrival at Cal State LA
Receiving your Form I-20 is not the end of the preparation process. Admitted international students should continue monitoring both their Cal State LA email and the International Student Portal for pre-arrival information and required next steps.
Before beginning your studies, you may need to complete University and immigration-related requirements involving:
- Enrollment and academic advising
- International student check-in
- Orientation
- Housing
- Health and immunization requirements
- Arrival and immigration-document review
- Other University onboarding requirements
Housing
Students interested in living on campus should explore Housing and Residence Life as early as possible. Housing availability may be limited and the housing application is separate from the University admission and immigration processes.
Begin Building Your Cal State LA Community
Preparing for Cal State LA is about more than immigration documents. International students become part of a diverse academic community with opportunities to participate in research, student organizations, leadership, career development, cultural activities, academic support, and campus life.
Once you begin your studies, explore the resources available through our Current F-1 Students and Get Connected pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Cal State LA?
Apply through Cal State Apply and follow the current international applicant instructions provided by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
Can ISSO tell me whether I will be admitted?
No. Admission decisions and application-status questions are handled by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. ISSO begins the F-1 immigration process after a student has been admitted.
How do I request my Form I-20?
After admission, complete the required I-20 request through the International Student Portal and submit the requested documentation.
I already have an I-20 from another U.S. school. What should I do?
After admission to Cal State LA, complete the SEVIS transfer-in process through the International Student Portal and coordinate the release of your SEVIS record with your current institution.
What name should I use in my University record?
Use your legal name consistently and make sure your University record accurately reflects the information in your passport. Immigration documents are created using information contained in your University and immigration records.
Can ISSO guarantee that I will receive an F-1 visa?
No. F-1 visa applications are adjudicated by the U.S. Department of State. Cal State LA can provide the Form I-20 and immigration guidance but cannot guarantee a visa appointment, approval, or issuance.
Who Should I Contact?
Admission Questions
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
Admission requirements, application documents, deadlines, application status, and admission decisions.
Visit Admissions
Phone: 323-343-3901
F-1 Immigration Questions
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Form I-20, SEVIS transfer-in, immigration documents, and F-1 immigration requirements after admission.
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170