Important F-1 Immigration Update
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule changing how F-1 students are admitted to and remain in the United States. The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
Current students should review the latest guidance before making decisions involving international travel, program extensions, transfers, employment, or changes to their academic plans.
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) supports F-1 students throughout their Cal State LA experience. Whether you have a question about maintaining status, enrollment, employment, travel, your Form I-20, or what comes next after graduation, the resources below can help you find the right information and connect with an ISSO advisor when needed.
Immigration requirements are only one part of your experience at Cal State LA. We also encourage you to connect with faculty, student organizations, research, career opportunities, campus resources, and the broader University community.
Start Here
If you are unsure whether an academic, employment, travel, or personal decision could affect your F-1 status, contact ISSO before taking action. Asking first can help prevent avoidable immigration problems.
What Do You Need Help With?
Maintaining F-1 Status
Review full-time enrollment requirements, Reduced Course Load, concurrent enrollment, program changes, travel, transfers, and other responsibilities connected to your F-1 status.
International Student Advising
Meet with an ISSO advisor when you need help understanding an immigration requirement, making a decision, or addressing an individual situation.
Forms & Requests
Submit requests for immigration documents and services through the International Student Portal and review instructions for common requests.
F-1 Employment
Learn about on-campus employment, current CPT procedures, OPT, STEM OPT, and other employment options available to eligible F-1 students.
International Student Portal
Most ISSO immigration requests are submitted through the International Student Portal. Use the portal to submit requests, upload required documentation, and access immigration documents issued by ISSO.
Enrollment and Academic Changes
Changes to your enrollment or academic plans may affect your F-1 status. Contact ISSO before:
- Dropping below full-time enrollment
- Taking a leave of absence
- Withdrawing from Cal State LA
- Changing your degree level or academic program
- Taking courses at another institution that you intend to count toward full-time enrollment
- Ending your studies earlier than expected
- Transferring to another U.S. institution
Academic advising and immigration advising serve different purposes. Your academic advisor can help you plan your degree, while ISSO can explain how an academic decision may affect your F-1 status.
Keep Your Immigration Record Current
Review your Form I-20 regularly and keep your immigration and University records accurate.
Contact ISSO when circumstances change that may require an update to your SEVIS record or Form I-20, including:
- Academic major or program changes
- Degree-level changes
- Changes affecting your expected completion date
- Legal name changes
- Other significant immigration or biographical changes
Keep your U.S. residential address and contact information current and follow ISSO instructions for required immigration reporting.
Planning International Travel?
Before leaving the United States, make sure you understand the documents and immigration requirements that apply to your return.
Depending on your individual circumstances, travel documentation may include a valid passport, F-1 visa when required, a properly endorsed Form I-20, and other supporting documents.
Students considering international travel on or after September 15, 2026 should review the University's current Duration of Status guidance before departure.
Review Current Duration of Status and Travel Guidance
Employment and Career Development
Career development and immigration authorization are related, but they are not the same process.
The Career Center can help you search for jobs and internships, develop your résumé, prepare for interviews, and connect with employers.
ISSO advises students about F-1 employment authorization and processes immigration requests such as CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT.
Finding an internship or job does not automatically mean you are authorized to participate in it.
Preparing to Complete Your Degree
Do not wait until your final week at Cal State LA to think about your immigration plans after graduation.
Depending on your goals and eligibility, your next step may involve:
- Applying for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Beginning another academic program at Cal State LA
- Transferring your SEVIS record to another U.S. institution
- Changing to another immigration status
- Departing the United States
Immigration timelines matter. Begin planning early and consult ISSO if you are unsure which steps apply to you.
Review OPT and F-1 Employment Information
Concerned About Your F-1 Status?
Contact ISSO as soon as possible if you believe you may have violated the requirements of your F-1 status or if something has happened that could affect your SEVIS record.
Immigration situations depend on individual circumstances. Do not rely on another student's experience or outdated information when deciding how to address a possible status problem.
Make Cal State LA Your Community
Your experience at Cal State LA is about more than immigration paperwork and completing your degree. Build relationships, join organizations, participate in research, attend events, develop professionally, explore Los Angeles, and take advantage of the many academic and student-support resources available to you.
Our Get Connected page brings together opportunities related to:
- Student organizations and campus involvement
- Leadership and student government
- Cross-cultural engagement
- Research, scholarship, and creative activities
- Academic support
- Career development
- Community engagement and service
- Health and mental health
- Basic-needs and student-support resources
Explore Get Connected at Cal State LA
Need Help Deciding What to Do?
You do not need to figure everything out on your own. If you cannot find the answer you need online or your situation requires individual review, schedule an appointment with an ISSO advisor.
International Student Advising
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.