Congratulations on your admission to Cal State LA. The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is here to help you complete the immigration steps needed to begin your studies in F-1 status and prepare for your arrival at Cal State LA.
Your next steps depend on whether you are coming to the United States from abroad or transferring your F-1 record from another U.S. school. Start with the pathway below that applies to you.
F-1 Duration of Status Rules Are Changing
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule changing F-1 and J-1 admission from Duration of Status (D/S) to a fixed period of admission. The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
Students entering or reentering the United States after the rule takes effect may receive a specific authorized-stay date on their Form I-94 rather than D/S.
Review the latest F-1 and J-1 Duration of Status information
Start Here
I Am Coming From Outside the United States
You will generally need a Cal State LA Form I-20, payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee, an F-1 visa if required, and admission to the United States in F-1 status.
I Am Already Studying in the United States
If you are currently maintaining F-1 status at another U.S. school, you will generally need to arrange the transfer of your existing SEVIS record to Cal State LA.
First: Complete Your Cal State LA Admission Requirements
Your admission to Cal State LA and your F-1 immigration process are connected, but they are not the same process.
Continue monitoring your MyCalStateLA account and Cal State LA email for admission requirements, To-Do items, enrollment information, and University deadlines.
New F-1 Students Coming From Outside the United States
1. Request Your Form I-20
After you are admitted and complete the applicable admission requirements, use the International Student Portal to complete your Form I-20 request.
You may be asked to submit documents such as:
- Your passport biographical page
- Financial documentation showing sufficient funding
- Financial sponsor information, when applicable
- Other documents requested by ISSO
Log In to the International Student Portal
Use your MyCalStateLA credentials when logging in. Do not select the separate portal-login option unless ISSO has specifically instructed you to do so.
2. Review and Sign Your I-20
When you receive your Form I-20, review it carefully. Make sure your name, date of birth, program, and other identifying information are correct.
Sign the student attestation on the Form I-20 and keep the document with your immigration records.
3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
Initial F-1 students must pay the federal I-901 SEVIS fee after receiving the Form I-20 and before applying for the F-1 visa.
4. Apply for Your F-1 Visa
After receiving your Form I-20 and paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, follow the instructions of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for your F-1 visa.
Visa appointment availability and processing times vary by location, so begin the process as early as possible.
F-1 Students Transferring From Another U.S. School
If you are already in F-1 status at another U.S. institution, you generally do not begin with a new initial SEVIS record. Instead, your current school transfers your existing SEVIS record to Cal State LA.
- Accept your admission to Cal State LA and complete the applicable University requirements.
- Complete the SEVIS Transfer-In request through the International Student Portal.
- Provide the requested copies of your current immigration documents.
- Work with the DSO at your current institution to establish the appropriate SEVIS transfer-release date.
- After your record is released to Cal State LA, follow ISSO instructions for issuance of your Cal State LA Form I-20.
Planning International Travel During Your Transfer?
Contact ISSO before leaving the United States if your travel occurs during the transfer process. The timing of your SEVIS transfer, your Cal State LA I-20, your visa, and your planned return to the United States can affect what documents you will need.
Complete Your Orientation Requirements
International students participate in the orientation activities appropriate to their student level and also receive international-student information related to beginning study in F-1 status.
Undergraduate Students
New incoming undergraduate students at the Main Campus, including international freshmen and transfer students, are required to participate in First Flight Orientation.
Graduate Students
Graduate students should review orientation information from the Office of Graduate Studies and any orientation or onboarding required by their academic department or program.
International Student Information & Immigration Check-In
Incoming F-1 students must also complete the international student onboarding and immigration check-in requirements provided by ISSO.
Monitor your Cal State LA email and the International Student Portal for instructions, deadlines, and information about the international student session for your entering term.
Prepare to Enter the United States
If your Form I-20 is issued for Initial Attendance, you may enter the United States no more than 30 days before the Program Start Date shown on your Form I-20.
Do not make plans to enter earlier than the permitted arrival period. If you expect to arrive after your program start date, contact ISSO immediately for guidance.
Keep These Documents With You When You Travel
Do not place your immigration documents in checked baggage. Keep them accessible when you arrive at the U.S. port of entry.
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa, when required
- Cal State LA Form I-20
- Evidence of financial support
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
You may also want to keep your Cal State LA admission information easily accessible while traveling.
After You Arrive in the United States
Check Your Form I-94
Retrieve your electronic Form I-94 after entering the United States and verify that your admission information is correct.
Confirm that your class of admission is F-1 and carefully review the authorized period of admission shown on the I-94.
Complete ISSO Check-In
Follow the instructions from ISSO to report your arrival and complete the required immigration check-in process.
Completing check-in allows ISSO to review your arrival information and complete the appropriate SEVIS reporting for your new program.
Report Your U.S. Address
Make sure Cal State LA and ISSO have your current U.S. residential address and contact information.
F-1 students must continue to report address changes while studying in the United States.
Prepare for Life at Cal State LA
Health Insurance
F-1 students are required by Cal State LA to purchase and maintain the University's approved international student health insurance coverage.
Purchase your coverage early enough for the insurance registration hold to be removed before you need to complete enrollment.
Housing
Students interested in living on campus should review Housing and Residence Life information and apply as early as possible.
Housing availability is limited and is managed separately from the F-1 immigration process.
Before Classes Begin
Make sure you have completed the steps that apply to you:
- Complete outstanding admission requirements and University To-Do items
- Receive and review your Cal State LA Form I-20
- Complete the I-901 SEVIS fee and visa process if you are an initial F-1 student
- Complete your SEVIS transfer if you are transferring from another U.S. school
- Purchase the required Cal State LA international student health insurance
- Complete the orientation requirements appropriate to your student level
- Complete the international student information session and ISSO check-in requirements
- Enroll in the full course of study required for F-1 status
- Review the rules for maintaining F-1 status before making enrollment changes
Your F-1 Responsibilities Begin Immediately
Once you begin your program, maintaining F-1 status becomes an ongoing responsibility. This includes maintaining the required enrollment, keeping immigration documents valid, reporting required changes, and obtaining authorization before engaging in employment.
Do not drop a course, withdraw, begin employment, or make another significant enrollment change without first checking whether the action could affect your F-1 status.
Incoming Student Quick Links
Questions About Your F-1 Process?
Contact the International Students & Scholars Office for questions about your Form I-20, SEVIS transfer, F-1 immigration requirements, arrival, or international student check-in.
International Students & Scholars Office
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Phone: 323-343-3170