Cal State LA welcomes students from our international exchange partner universities to study in Los Angeles for a semester or academic year. Exchange students become part of the Cal State LA academic community while continuing their degree studies through their home university.
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) coordinates the immigration and exchange-visitor process for eligible J-1 exchange students, while academic departments and campus partners support course enrollment, student life, and the broader Cal State LA experience.
Important J-1 Immigration Update
Federal rules governing how J-1 exchange visitors are admitted to and remain in the United States are changing. The new Duration of Status rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
Current and prospective exchange students should review the latest Cal State LA guidance before making decisions involving international travel, program extensions, transfers, or changes to their academic plans.
Review the latest F-1 and J-1 Duration of Status information
What Is a Cal State LA Exchange Student?
Exchange students are currently enrolled students from designated Cal State LA partner universities who come to Cal State LA for a temporary, non-degree academic experience.
Participation is based on a formal exchange agreement between Cal State LA and the student's home university. Exchange students remain connected to their home institution while studying at Cal State LA.
Your Home University Must Be a Cal State LA Exchange Partner
Students cannot apply independently for exchange status. Your home university must have an active exchange agreement with Cal State LA and must nominate you for participation.
What If My University Is Not an Exchange Partner?
Students whose universities do not have an active exchange agreement with Cal State LA are not eligible to participate as J-1 exchange students through this program.
You may still have other pathways to study at Cal State LA.
Earn a Cal State LA Degree
Students interested in completing an undergraduate or graduate degree at Cal State LA should explore admission as an international degree-seeking student.
Study for One or Two Terms
Students who are not participating through a university exchange agreement may wish to explore Semester in LA or other non-degree study options when available.
How the Exchange Process Works
The exchange process begins with your home university, not with a direct application to Cal State LA.
- Explore the opportunity with your home university. Confirm that your institution has an active exchange agreement with Cal State LA and that you meet your home university's requirements.
- Receive a nomination. Your home university exchange or study abroad coordinator nominates eligible students to Cal State LA.
- Complete the Cal State LA exchange application. After nomination, follow the instructions provided by your home university and Cal State LA.
- Submit required academic, financial, and immigration information. Additional documentation may be required before the exchange and J-1 sponsorship processes can be completed.
- Receive your exchange and immigration instructions. Approved students will receive information about the Form DS-2019, J-1 visa process, arrival, enrollment, and other next steps.
Your Home University Coordinator Is an Important Partner
Questions about nomination, home-university approval, exchange selection, and the status of your nomination should normally begin with your home university exchange or study abroad coordinator.
Eligibility
Exchange students must meet both Cal State LA institutional requirements and applicable U.S. Department of State requirements for participation in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
Requirements generally include:
- Current enrollment and good standing at an eligible Cal State LA exchange partner university
- Nomination by the student's home university
- Academic preparation appropriate for the proposed study at Cal State LA
- Sufficient English-language proficiency to participate successfully in University coursework and daily life
- Sufficient financial resources for the exchange period
- Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor status
Specific application requirements and English-proficiency documentation are provided to partner universities for each exchange cycle.
Exchange Application Materials
Application requirements may vary by exchange cycle and student. Students should follow the current instructions provided through their home university and Cal State LA.
Required materials generally include:
- Cal State LA exchange application information
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English-language proficiency when required
- Passport biographical information
- Proof of financial support
- Other academic or immigration documentation requested by Cal State LA
Do not rely on older application packets or requirements that may still appear elsewhere online. Use the materials provided for your current exchange cycle.
Nomination and Application Deadlines
Exchange nomination and application deadlines are established for each academic cycle and are communicated directly to Cal State LA's partner universities.
Students should work with their home university coordinator and begin the process well in advance. Late nominations or incomplete applications may affect a student's ability to participate in the intended semester.
Tuition and University Fees
Under Cal State LA exchange agreements, eligible exchange students generally receive a waiver of Cal State LA tuition for the exchange period, subject to the terms of the applicable institutional agreement.
Exchange students remain responsible for applicable mandatory campus fees and other personal or program-related costs. University fees may change from year to year.
Students should budget for expenses such as:
- Mandatory campus fees
- Housing
- Meals
- Transportation
- Books and academic materials
- Health insurance
- J-1 visa and SEVIS-related costs
- Airfare and personal expenses
Form DS-2019 and J-1 Immigration Sponsorship
Eligible exchange students approved for participation in the Cal State LA exchange program are sponsored in J-1 Exchange Visitor status.
ISSO creates the student's SEVIS record and issues the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, after the required academic, financial, and immigration documentation has been reviewed.
The Form DS-2019 is an immigration document. It is not a visa and does not by itself authorize entry to the United States.
Applying for a J-1 Visa
Students who require a J-1 visa will generally use the Form DS-2019 issued by Cal State LA as part of the visa application process.
Students may also need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the Form DS-160 visa application, and follow the current requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they apply.
Cal State LA issues the Form DS-2019 and provides J-1 immigration guidance, but the University does not issue visas and cannot guarantee visa appointment availability or visa approval.
J-1 Health Insurance Requirement
J-1 exchange students and any accompanying J-2 dependents are required by federal regulation to maintain qualifying health insurance throughout the period of participation in the Exchange Visitor Program.
Federal minimum coverage requirements currently include:
- At least $100,000 in medical benefits per accident or illness
- $25,000 for repatriation of remains
- $50,000 for medical evacuation to the exchange visitor's home country
- A deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness
Exchange students must follow the current Cal State LA insurance instructions provided for their exchange cycle. Do not purchase a policy based solely on older information found online.
Choosing Courses at Cal State LA
Exchange students should work closely with their home university when planning courses. Your home institution determines how Cal State LA coursework will apply toward your degree.
Course availability is not guaranteed. Enrollment may depend on:
- Available space in the course
- Prerequisites
- Department or instructor approval
- Academic level
- Schedule conflicts
- Other University enrollment requirements
Students should identify several acceptable course options before arriving and remain flexible during the enrollment process.
Maintaining J-1 Student Status
Exchange students are responsible for maintaining their J-1 status throughout the exchange period.
Important responsibilities include:
- Maintaining the required full course of study
- Maintaining a valid passport
- Maintaining required health insurance
- Keeping address and contact information current
- Participating in the academic activities for which the exchange was approved
- Following applicable employment restrictions
- Consulting ISSO before making changes that could affect J-1 status
Contact ISSO before dropping courses, withdrawing, changing your academic plans, accepting employment, extending your exchange, or making another decision that may affect your immigration status.
Preparing to Arrive in Los Angeles
Continue monitoring communication from Cal State LA and your home university after your exchange is approved.
Before arrival, students should plan for:
- J-1 visa and immigration documents
- Travel arrangements
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Course planning
- Orientation and required check-in
- Transportation in Los Angeles
- Living expenses
Housing
Exchange students interested in living on campus should explore Housing and Residence Life as early as possible. Housing availability is limited and housing arrangements are separate from acceptance into the exchange program.
Arrival and Mandatory J-1 Check-In
J-1 exchange students must complete the required ISSO arrival and check-in process after entering the United States and arriving at Cal State LA.
ISSO must validate the student's participation in SEVIS after arrival. Follow the instructions provided by ISSO and complete all required check-in steps by the announced deadline.
Contact ISSO immediately if your arrival will be delayed or if your plans change before the beginning of the semester.
Make Cal State LA Your Community
Your exchange is about more than taking classes. It is an opportunity to meet people, experience Los Angeles, participate in campus life, share your perspectives, and learn with students whose experiences may be different from your own.
We encourage exchange students to join student organizations, attend events, connect with faculty, participate in research and cultural activities, use campus resources, and become part of the Cal State LA community.
Academic, Health, and Student Support
Exchange students have access to many of the same campus resources that support other enrolled Cal State LA students.
Resources include:
- Center for Academic Success
- University Library
- Career Center
- Student Health Center
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Center for Student Involvement
- University-Student Union
- Cross Cultural Centers
Explore Student Resources and Campus Life
Employment and Internships
J-1 exchange students have specific federal restrictions governing employment and practical training. Do not begin employment, an internship, or another compensated activity without first consulting ISSO and receiving any required authorization.
Before You Complete Your Exchange
As your exchange comes to an end, make sure you complete both University and immigration-related responsibilities.
Before leaving Cal State LA:
- Complete your academic responsibilities
- Resolve any outstanding University account matters
- Follow housing checkout procedures, if applicable
- Confirm how your transcript will be provided to your home university
- Review J-1 departure and immigration requirements
- Inform ISSO if you plan to depart significantly earlier than expected
Take Your Cal State LA Experience Home
Exchange is designed to build connections across institutions, cultures, and countries. We encourage you to remain connected with the people you meet at Cal State LA and to share your experience with students and faculty at your home university.
Your perspective is part of what makes international exchange valuable, both while you are at Cal State LA and after you return home.
Questions About Your Exchange?
Prospective exchange students should first contact the exchange or study abroad coordinator at their home university.
Students who have been nominated or accepted by Cal State LA may contact ISSO regarding immigration and exchange-program requirements.
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170