COVID-19 FAQ for International Students and Visiting Scholars

Due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, the best way to contact any international office staff member is by email.  Contact information for each office is listed below:

International Degree Seeking Students

• International Admissions: cie-admission@csulb.edu. 
• International Recruitment: CIE-Apply@csulb.edu
• Office of International Students & Scholars (ISS): cie-student@csulb.edu

Short-Term Study Students

• Exchange Students: InBoundExchange@csulb.edu
• Study Abroad @ The Beach: studyatthebeach@csulb.edu
• American Language Institute (ALI): CPIE-ALIPrograms@csulb.edu (You may also request to schedule a meeting.)

The physical CIE offices are closed. However, all international offices are open online, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Also, degree program students have access to the following in-person services with ISS in the Foundation Building Room 180, Monday through Friday, from 2:00 to 4:00pm:

• I-20 Travel Signatures (provided at the time of visit)
• Document Pick-up
• Please note that ISS In-Person Hours are subject to change. Check Facebook or Instagram for up-to-date hours.
• Meet with an Advisor via Zoom for drop-in advising, appointments, and workshops

Yes. All staff and students are required to wear masks on campus.  If you do not have a mask, you can refer to the CDC guidance on alternative ways to cover your face.

Go to the CSULB Parking webpage for current designated student parking areas on campus.

NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS FALL 2020

(For continuing CSULB students please scroll down)

SCENARIO 1:

I am currently NOT IN the U.S. but WILL BE IN the U.S. to study at CSULB in Fall 2020.

• What are my requirements?
  • You must be enrolled in a full course of study according to F-1 regulations (minimum 12 units for undergraduate and 8 units for graduate students).
  • At least one unit or course must be a hybrid or an in-person course. This is a requirement for you to enter and remain in the U.S. in F-1 status. All hybrid or in person courses will have a physical classroom location on campus listed on the schedule. Courses that are only online will show as “online.”

• How do I get a CSULB I-20?
  • You may request an I-20 from CSULB only if you are registered for at least one hybrid or face-to-face class for Fall 2020. 

To request an I-20 you must submit the online I-20 Request Form and upload a passport copy, the 2020-2021 Financial Affidavit along with current financial/bank statement.

You will receive an accompanying school letter with your I-20 to present at the border if the immigration officer asks to show proof that you are not taking all online classes. You should also have a copy of your class schedule ready.

• What should I do about the required international student insurance?

All CSULB students who plan to physically be in the U.S. while studying at CSULB must have the required JCB medical coverage for the duration of studies. To purchase insurance, go to https://jcbins.com/

• How do I make sure to keep my F-1 Status in the United States?
  • Complete the Online Immigration Check-In for CIE to release the Check-In Hold and ensure proper F-1 reporting requirements. Deadline: Friday, August 28 at 5:00PM
  • You must remain enrolled in your hybrid or face-to-face course(s)/unit(s) for the entire fall semester and cannot drop.

• Stay enrolled in the required minimum number of units for F-1 students
  • Undergraduate = 12 units
  • Graduate = 8 units
  • Credential students = 12 units

• Quarantine Requirements Upon Arriving in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County requires all travelers (both domestic and international) coming from abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

You are responsible for arranging a location to quarantine. You can self-quarantine in the place where you have made your accommodation plan for the semester. Additionally, CSULB’s Housing and Residential Life is offering rooms for self-quarantine at a cheaper daily price than most hotels (this does NOT include meals). If you would like to request a room, please email housing@csulb.edu to make your quarantine arrangements with them.

If you are not feeling well, please go to the CSULB Student Health Services website for instructions on visiting the on-campus clinic.

SCENARIO 2

I am currently IN the U.S. and will REMAIN IN the U.S. to study at CSULB in Fall 2020.

• What are my requirements?
  • You must enroll in a full course of study according to F-1 regulations (minimum 12 units for undergraduate and 8 units for graduate students).
  • You may take a combination of all available classes at CSULB offered through alternative modality of instruction, hybrid, in-person or fully online.

• How do I get a CSULB I-20 as a transfer student?
  • If you currently have F-1 status at another U.S. school, you must ask them to transfer your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to CSULB. Once CSULB receives the transferred SEVIS record, you may go to the link below for instructions and application to request your CSULB Form I-20.

• How to request your SEVIS transfer to CSULB:
  • Contact your current international student office and request a SEVIS Transfer. Your advisor will help you to choose the correct transfer date.
  • The CSULB SEVIS School Code is LOS214F00361000
  • Show them the CSULB admissions letter
  • CSULB does not use a SEVIS transfer form
  • Complete the I-20 Request Form along with the required financial documents.

• What should I do about the required international student insurance?

All CSULB students who plan to physically be in the U.S. while studying at CSULB must have the required JCB medical coverage for the duration of studies. To purchase insurance, go to https://jcbins.com/

• How do I make sure to keep my F-1 Status in the United States?
  • Complete the Online Immigration Check-In for CIE to release the Check-In Hold and ensure proper F-1 reporting requirements. Deadline: Friday, August 28 at 5:00PM
  • Stay enrolled in the required minimum number of units for F-1 students
    • Undergraduate = 12 units
    • Graduate = 8 units
    • Credential students = 12 units

I will be OUTSIDE the U.S. to begin my program online at CSULB

SCENARIO: I am currently NOT in the U.S. and will remain outside the U.S. to study online at CSULB in Fall 2020.

• What are my requirements?
  • You may begin your program online.
  • You do NOT have to take a full course load of units. HOWEVER, in order to maintain your spot as an admitted student at CSULB, you must take at least one unit of coursework.
  • You may not enter the U.S. for the Fall 2020 term.
  • You do not have to do the immigration check-in.
  • You do not have to attend orientation for Fall 2020. There will be a separate orientation if you are planning to come to the U.S. for the Spring 2021 term.

• What should I do about my CSULB I-20?

Please select form I-20 option that best describe your situation:

• I received an I-20 from CSULB with a start date of August 17, 2020 and need an updated I-20 with a Spring 2021 (January 25, 2021) start date. Complete and submit the online Request for an Updated I-20
• I have not requested a form I-20 from CSULB and need to request one for Spring 2021. Complete and submit the online I-20 Request Form.
• My previous school transferred my SEVIS I-20 record to CSULB, but I did not receive a CSULB I-20. Complete and submit the online I-20 Request Form.

Note about F-1 visas: If your current F-1 visa is valid for re-entry to the U.S. in Spring 2021, you do NOT need to visit the U.S. embassy/consulate for a new F-1 visa. If your current F-1 student visa in the passport has expired or will expire before date of re-entry to the U.S then you must apply for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy/consulate.

• What should I do about the required international student insurance?

If you already bought the required JCB medical insurance, you qualify for an insurance refund. To request an insurance refund, email cie-student@csulb.edu with your name and student ID. The refund deadline is September 11, 2020.

FOR ALL NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS

REFUNDS & TUITION

• Review the Tuition and Fees page for detailed information on payment and refund deadlines.
• Questions and concerns about tuition refunds can be directed to Student Financial Services.
• Review their announcements and important payment dates on their pages.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INSURANCE INFORMATION

If you plan to be in the U.S. for the Spring 2021 term, you will be required to purchase the JCB medical insurance for your entire duration of studies at CSULB in the U.S.

• Open start date for Spring 2021 insurance purchase: November 1, 2020
• To purchase go to https://jcbins.com/

• Degree Students: Did you know you can begin your program online? If you decide to begin your program, contact the International Admissions Office at cie-admission@csulb.edu with your CSULB ID number. You may either begin your program online; or, if you are interested in starting in Spring 2021, we will assist you to defer/re-apply without the application fee. Once you have decided on how or when you would like to begin your program, click on the link below that pertains your status and proceed to select your enrollment choice. A CIE staff member will then notify you of your next steps.
• I do NOT have F-1 status yet.
• I current have F-1 status with a U.S. institution (high school, community college, university, or OPT)
• Graduate Programs: If you were admitted to a graduate program offered only in Fall semesters, please correspond with program advisors for additional information. We are working with graduate programs to assist you with possible options.
• Short-Term Study Students: Contact your appropriate international office for rollover options or refunds:
  • SA@B: studyatthebeach@csulb.edu 
  • Exchange: InBoundExchange@csulb.edu
  • ALI: CPIE-ALIPrograms@csulb.edu

• Degree Students: If you prefer to start your attendance in the Spring 2021 semester, we will assist you to defer/re-apply without the application fee. Select the link below that pertains your status and proceed to select your enrollment choice. A CIE staff member will contact you steps to reapply for the Spring 2021 term.
• I do NOT have F-1 status yet.
• I current have F-1 status with a U.S. institution (high school, community college, university, or OPT)
• In addition to completing one of the surveys above, graduate applicants should correspond with their graduate program advisors for assistance and additional information. CIE is working with the graduate programs for possible alternative options.​
• Exchange Students: Communicate with your home university and have them contact our office at InBoundExchange@csulb.edu to discuss the matter.
• SA@B: studyatthebeach@csulb.edu
• ALI: CPIE-ALIPrograms@csulb.edu

• Degree Students: Contact the cie-admission@csulb.edu with your CSULB ID number to withdraw your application.
• Short-Term Study Students: Contact your appropriate international office for rollover options or refunds:
  • Exchange: InBoundExchange@csulb.edu
  • SA@B: studyatthebeach@csulb.edu 
  • ALI: CPIE-ALIPrograms@csulb.edu

Degree Students:  Please refer to the Enrollment Services Most Common Questions sheet.

Degree Students:  Please refer to the Enrollment Services Most Common Questions sheet.

Scenario: I will physically be in the U.S. during the fall. What are my requirements? 

• Stay enrolled in the required minimum units to maintain F-1 status. 
  • Undergraduate= 12 units minimum 
  • Graduate= 8 unit minimum  
  • Credential students = 12 unit minimum. 
• All CSULB students who plan to physically be anywhere in the U.S. for their programs must have the required JCB medical coverage for the duration of studies. 
  • To purchase, visit JCB Insurance Solutions
• For RCL (reduced course load) based on medical reasons, you do not need to leave the U.S., but you must speak with an advisor for permission. Please click here to Meet with an Advisor.   
• For all other F-1 status issues such as FCE (full course load exception) and RCL (reduced course load), you must still consult with a CIE advisor. Click here to make an appointment for approval.

I traveled and will be returning to the U.S. to continue my studies. 

• Your current I-20 must be endorsed with a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. 
  • Travel signature is valid for 1 year. 
  • If you need a new travel signature, submit a Document Request Form. 
  • Please make sure you are prepared to show the following travel documents when entering the United States:
    • Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.)  
    • Valid F-1/J-1 student visa in passport (except students from Canada) 
      I-20 with a valid travel signature 

Quarantine Requirements Upon Arriving in Los Angeles County:

 Los Angeles County requires all travelers (both domestic and international) coming from abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

You are responsible for arranging a location to quarantine. CSULB’s Housing and Residential Life is offering rooms for self-quarantine at a cheaper daily price than most hotels; this does NOT include meals or transportation. If you need a room to quarantine, please complete both the On Campus Housing Survey and the housing application link in the survey. For specific questions, email housing@csulb.edu.  

If you are not feeling well, please if you are not feeling well, please go to the CSULB Student Health Services website for instructions on visiting the on-campus clinic.  

Can I travel abroad during the semester? 

• Yes, but If you are planning to travel outside of the U.S., we urge you to stay informed about current global travel warnings and delays affecting travelers all over the world. You should obtain a travel signature from your advisor in order to return to the U.S. 
  • The U.S. government posts up-to-date travel warnings about country events that create potential risks and dangers. You should check these sites for updated reports on risks of traveling to certain countries at this time: 
    • CDC - Center for Disease Control Travel Health Notices  
    • DOS - Department of State Travel Advisories 
• Your current I-20 must be endorsed with a valid travel signature to reenter the U.S.
  • Travel signature is valid for 1 year. 
  • If you need a new travel signature, submit a Document Request Form.
  • Please make sure you are prepared to show the following travel documents when entering the United States:
    • Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.)  
    • Valid F-1/J-1 student visa in passport (except students from Canada) 
    • I-20 with a valid travel signature 

Quarantine Requirements Upon Arriving in Los Angeles County 
Los Angeles County requires all travelers (both domestic and international) coming from abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. 

You are responsible for arranging a location to quarantine. CSULB’s Housing and Residential Life is offering rooms for self-quarantine at a cheaper daily price than most hotels; this does NOT include meals or transportation. If you need a room to quarantine, please complete both the On Campus Housing Survey and the housing application link in the survey. For specific questions, email housing@csulb.edu.  

If you are not feeling well, please if you are not feeling well, please go to the CSULB Student Health Services website for instructions on visiting the on-campus clinic.  

Scenario: I remain outside of the U.S for the semester and want to keep my I-20 active to return to the United States. What are my requirements?  

• You must register for the minimum full-time status requirement: 
  • Undergraduates = 12 units 
  • Credential students=12 units 
  • Graduate students = 8 units
• If you purchased the required JCB medical insurance, you qualify for an insurance refund.  
  • To request an insurance refund, please email cie-student@csulb.edu with your name and student ID. The deadline to apply for a refund is September 11, 2020. 
• For all other F-1 status issues such as FCE (full course load exception) and RCL (reduced course load), you must still consult with a CIE advisor. Click here for an appointment.
• Your current I-20 must be endorsed with a valid travel signature to reenter the U.S. 
  
  • Travel signature is valid for 1 year. 
  • If you need a new travel signature, submit a Document Request Form.
  • Please make sure you are prepared to show the following travel documents when entering the United States:
    • Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.)  
    • Valid F-1/J-1 student visa in passport (except students from Canada)
    •  I-20 with a valid travel signature 
• Time Zone Issues: If you will have difficulty with online courses that conflict with your time zone, please consult with your academic advisor about available synchronous courses.

Scenario: I will be outside the U.S. and choose not to take a full course load, even if courses are available to meet full- time status. What should I do?  

• Please inform International Student Services office right away.  
  
  • Email cie-student@csulb.edu with your name and CSULB ID. 
  • Your I-20 will be terminated.
• You may continue taking online courses remotely as a student at CSULB. 
• Time Zone Issues: If you will have difficulty with online courses that conflict with your time zone, please consult with your academic advisor about available synchronous courses.
• If you purchased the required JCB medical insurance, you qualify for an insurance refund.  
  
  • To request an insurance refund, please email cie-student@csulb.edu with your name and student ID. The deadline to apply for a refund is September 11, 2020. 
• In order to return to the U.S. in F-1 status, you MUST contact cie-student@csulb.edu to receive a new I-20, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again, and obtain a new F-1 visa if needed. 

Scenario: I do not want to enroll in Fall 2020 courses but, want to still be a CSULB student. What do I do? 

• Make an appointment with an international student advisor. Please click here to make an appointment.  
• International student advisor will terminate your I-20. 
• You will file for an educational leave through Enrollment Services.  
   

REFUNDS & TUITION 

• Please review the Tuition and Fees page for detailed information on payment and refund deadlines. 
• Questions regarding tuition refunds and concerns can be directed to Student Financial Services.   
• Please review their announcements and important payment dates noted on their pages.  

INSURANCE INFORMATION AND REFUNDS: 

• All students planning to be in the U.S. for the spring 2021 will be required to purchase the JCB medical coverage during the duration of their entire stay studying at CSULB in the U.S.  
  • You can purchase spring 2021 coverage beginning November 1, 2020.
  • To purchase, visit JCB Insurance Solutions.
     

Effective January 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure​, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recent recovery for all passengers prior to boarding. ​Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery. For more information, go to the CDC's COVID-19 traveler website.

CDC recommends that travelers arriving in the U.S. from international destinations stay home for 14 days. During this period, take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:

• Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for symptoms like a cough or trouble breathing. Use this temperature log to monitor your temperature.
• Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school.
• Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).​

Quarantine Requirements upon Arriving in Los Angeles County 

Los Angeles County requires all travelers (both domestic and international) coming from abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. 

You are responsible for arranging a location to quarantine. CSULB’s Housing and Residential Life is offering rooms for self-quarantine at a cheaper daily price than most hotels; this does NOT include meals or transportation. If you need a room to quarantine, please complete both the On Campus Housing Survey and the housing application link in the survey. For specific questions, email housing@csulb.edu.  

If you are not feeling well, please if you are not feeling well, please go to the CSULB Student Health Services website for instructions on visiting the on-campus clinic. 

Most CSULB classes for Spring 2021 will be delivered remotely, either fully online or through alternative modes of instruction. A limited number of classes that require in-person activities—such as nursing clinical sessions, science and engineering labs sections, and some performing and creative art classes—will be held on campus with strict physical distancing guidelines. If you will have difficulty with online courses that conflict with your time zone, please consult with your academic advisor about available synchronous courses.

On June 24th, the Trump administration issued a Presidential Proclamation that effectively suspends all H-1B visa processing outside of the United States through December 31, 2020. This means that any new or current international faculty member who is currently outside of the United States who does not already possess a valid visa cannot apply for the H-1B visa, nor can they re-enter the United States. The current proclamation does not impact international faculty who are currently reside and remain in the United States. See the full proclamation in the link above.

The J visa suspension is related to certain employment based J visas such as an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel programs. Visiting professors, scholars and students who are on J visas will not be affected by this suspension.

Contact the appropriate international office for advising, as listed in the first FAQ above. 

ALI students should contact their advisor, Ms. Tammy Guzman, at Tammy.Guzman@csulb.edu.

Contact your appropriate international office for advising on your immigration options.

Degree student I-20 forms with ISS have automatically been extended.

For flight assistance, you should contact your country’s embassy officials in the United States for support. Find your country’s embassy or consulate at the Department of State Contact Info for Foreign Embassies & Consulates page.

As long as your SEVIS record remains “active,” you may re-enter the U.S. with an unexpired F-1 visa.  Contact your appropriate international office to notify staff of your return. 

Although internationals students are not eligible for CARES Act funds, you may still apply for the Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Fund.

• Exchange Students: No, it will not affect your visa status. However, we do not encourage exchange students to take CR/NC. This is because not all our partner universities recognize CR/NC as a grading system, which can lead to issues when you return to your home university. However, if you wish to consult with your home university about CR/NC, they will be the ones to decide whether or not to allow this type of grading.
• Study Abroad @ The Beach (SA@B) Students: No, it will not affect your visa status. You have the choice to select which courses you wish to change to CR/NC.
• ISS Degree Students: No, it will not affect your visa status. You have the choice to select which courses you wish to change to CR/NC.

No. California state regulations do not allow employment from outside the United States.

• Continuing Degree Students: Please visit the ISS student Forms page for details on request options. ISS will communicate with you on delivery options. 
• Newly Admitted Degree Students: Request a new form I-20 by visiting the Form I-20 page for details and guidelines. Once a student submits all the required documents for the new CSULB form I-20, and express shipping is purchased, our SEVIS specialist can process your form I-20. 
• Exchange Students: Email our office at InBoundExchange@csulb.edu to discuss this matter. If you are currently in the United States and are awaiting your updated DS-2019, our office will send it to you soon via email. Please note that you will need to place a request with us if you need a new DS-2019 for official visa processing purposes. In that case, we would need to send you a physical copy with a signature. 
• ALI Students: Contact CPIE-ALIPrograms@csulb.edu.

Currently, travel restrictions apply only to travelers arriving from some countries or regions with widespread ongoing spread of COVID-19. These countries include Brazil, China, Iran, Most European Countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City), United Kingdom and Ireland.

• Exchange Students: Your visa may have expired on May 22, 2020, and you would not be allowed to return to the United States on the J-1 visa. Exception: Only year-long exchange students with a valid visa and travel signature may travel internationally in the summer and return to the U.S., as long as travel restrictions allow.
• Degree/ALI/SA@B Students:  Yes, but if you are planning to travel outside of the U.S., we urge you to stay informed about current global travel warnings and delays affecting travelers all over the world. You should obtain a travel signature from your advisor in order to return to the U.S.

The U.S. government posts up-to-date travel warnings about country events that create potential risks and dangers. You should check these sites for updated reports on risks of traveling to certain countries at this time.

• CDC - Center for Disease Control Travel Health Notices 
• DOS - Department of State Travel Advisories

In addition, if you are on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT, you should consult with your employer’s human resources department or your supervisor about your travel plans.

For travel support, please visit your home embassy or consulate office website for guidelines and details.

Returning to the U.S. from High Risk Countries: Be cautious about travel. Refer to guidance from the CDC, U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Traveler Information, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notices of Arrival Restrictions Due to Coronavirus for specific port-of-entry screening processes, as well as any travel restrictions. If you are unsure how an entry ban will impact your travel, you can consult with your international student advisor. If you have returned from a country that is currently severely affected by the coronavirus, it is highly advised that you take the following steps from the CDC on How to Protect Yourself & Others.

Quarantine Requirements upon Arriving in Los Angeles County 

Los Angeles County requires all travelers (both domestic and international) coming from abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. 

You are responsible for arranging a location to quarantine. CSULB’s Housing and Residential Life is offering rooms for self-quarantine at a cheaper daily price than most hotels; this does NOT include meals or transportation. If you need a room to quarantine, please complete both the On Campus Housing Survey and the housing application link in the survey. For specific questions, email housing@csulb.edu.  

If you are not feeling well, please if you are not feeling well, please go to the CSULB Student Health Services website for instructions on visiting the on-campus clinic. 

All international students should inform their offices about returning to their home country.

• Exchange and SA@B Students: Inform our office that you would like to go home, and we will advise you on the matter. Please note that due to the pandemic, you may be unable to find a flight home for an undetermined amount of time. Work with your embassy or consulate to get proper advice from them on how to return.
• Degree and ALI Students: Get information from your home country embassy or consulate website for updates regarding country and travel advisories. Before you depart, make sure you have a valid travel signature on page 2 of your form I-20.  If you are unsure of the validity of your signature, you can email our offices to determine if you need a travel signature.

Be cautious when traveling within the U.S. While you are legally permitted to travel within the U.S. prior to the end of your grace period, we do not recommend any non-essential travel at this time. All travel is at your own risk. Please follow guidance from the CDC on Coronavirus and Travel in the United States, as COVID-19 has affected the entire U.S. Check the local and state guidelines for places you will travel to and from. If you will be flying, check with the airline or airport about additional guidelines you must follow.

As in all travel, please carry all of your travel documents (I-20 or DS-2019), passport, and medical insurance information with you in case of an emergency.

• Exchange Students: In addition to the above information, all exchange students are required to document their travels on the online travel reporting form, which our office provided to you at the beginning of the semester. We can send you the link as needed if you email us at InBoundExchange@csulb.edu.
• ALI Students: In addition to the above information, let the ALI office know about your travel plans and contact your ALI Advisor Tammy Guzman at tammy.guzman@csulb.edu prior to travel.

• Degree Students: If you leave without receiving a travel signature, email ISS right away at cie-student@csulb.edu. You can also request a new I-20 with a travel signature through our online request form here: Submit Your Request.
• Exchange and SA@B Students: If you are returning home and will not return to the U.S., you do not need a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 to leave.  However, please inform your advisor if you are leaving before your program end date.
• ALI Students: Email your ALI Advisor Tammy Guzman at tammy.guzman@csulb.edu to confirm your travel plans, and make sure your documentation is in order before you travel.

• Degree Students only: You can get your form I-20 signed for travel through two different options:
  • In-person in Foundation 180, Monday-Friday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Please be advised that this may change depending on staff availability. Check Facebook and Instagram for updates on office hours.)
  • Online Request of a newly reprinted I-20 form with a travel signature. You can Submit Your Request here and obtain your I-20 via Express Shipping. Online requests can take 7-10 business days to process. 
• Exchange Students: Email InBoundExchange@csulb.edu to discuss receiving a signature. Only requests for official visa purposes will be considered.
• SA@B Students: Email studyatthebeach@csulb.edu.
• ALI Students: Email Tammy Guzman at tammy.guzman@csulb.edu to request a signature.

Keep in mind that you are permitted to remain in the U.S. as long as you are participating in your program with a valid I-20 or DS-2019. While we do not generally recommend that you travel at this time for the sole purpose of renewing your visa, you should contact your international office advisor for guidance on your specific situation.

Please check the current Center for Disease Control and Prevention quarantine guidelines for travelers returning from international travel.

Quarantine Requirements upon Arriving in Los Angeles County 

Los Angeles County requires all travelers (both domestic and international) coming from abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. 

You are responsible for arranging a location to quarantine. CSULB’s Housing and Residential Life is offering rooms for self-quarantine at a cheaper daily price than most hotels; this does NOT include meals or transportation. If you need a room to quarantine, please complete both the On Campus Housing Survey and the housing application link in the survey. For specific questions, email housing@csulb.edu.  

If you are not feeling well, please if you are not feeling well, please go to the CSULB Student Health Services website for instructions on visiting the on-campus clinic. 

All international students must email their international offices immediately for advising.

Contact the International Scholar Advisor, Ignacio Castor, at Ignacio.Castor@csulb.edu for instructions.

Contact your mentor at CSULB to request an update on the program start date, and submit to ignacio.castor@csulb.edu.

Please contact your Academic Department or College Dean’s office to learn alternative options that may be available to you.

DS-2019 program end dates between April 1 – May 31, 2020 and active SEVIS records have automatically been extended in order to provide exchange visitors the opportunity to complete their programs, or continue to finalize travel plans to return home. 

Given the uncertainty caused by the lack of available flights and ongoing travel restrictions, we strongly recommend that you reach out to your country embassy or closest consulate if you are unable to book return flights home. A growing number of embassies are posting special communications on their websites and social media for their exchange visitors in order to contact them.

If everything goes as planned, they should be able to start on their planned date. However, a number of factors will determine the ability of the visiting scholar to travel to the U.S. and begin their program at CSULB, including: 1) the reopening of embassies and consulates for visa issuance; 2) travel restrictions; and 3) availability of flights for international travel.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, the President of the United States issued a proclamation suspending the entry of certain new immigrants for 60 days, which took effect at 11:59pm on April 23, 2020. The proclamation DOES NOT impact F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

The proclamation DOES NOT affect U.S. green card holders, spouses and children of U.S. citizens, and EB-5 investor immigrants, all of whom are exempt from the order. The proclamation ONLY impacts pending immigrant visa applications (applications for permanent residency) for persons who were outside the U.S. on the effective date of the proclamation.

All International Students:
CSULB Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has also created a virtual support group for all international students. The International Student Support Group will be conducted virtually via Zoom every Thursday from 3:00-4:30pm PST. Group facilitators will send out weekly reminders via email, which will also include a Zoom link to the session. Any international student who is interested in joining can send an email to one of the facilitators, Elaine Yeo, at Elaine.Yeo@csulb.edu. Students are also welcome to share the Zoom link with other international students at CSULB.

Each group meeting will focus on a mental health topic related to the COVID-19 situation.  Topics include: Fear, anxiety, and stress amidst a global pandemic, Social distancing and mental health, Racism and microaggression amidst COVID-19 fears, and “Stuck” and away from country and community.'

• Degree Students: CSULB Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to offer their support. Please visit their website for the available services. You may also review your Anthem health insurance coverage for information on mental health benefits.
• ALI Students: MY SSP is available for support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. To use the app, check the MY SSP instructional video or ALI Student Health Resource Guide, or email us at CPIE-ALIPrograms@csulb.edu for assistance.
• Exchange and SA@B Students: Please review your Anthem health insurance coverage for information on mental health benefits.
• J-1 scholars: Please review your health insurance coverage for information on mental health benefits.

You can find information on the CSULB COVID-19 page as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention site.

Contact CSULB’s Office of Equity & Diversity to report your incident.

Contact your international office or advisor for virtual events to connect with other international students.  There is also a regular international student support group for all international students that meets online every Thursday from 3:00pm-4:30pm Pacific Standard Time. For more information about this group, contact Elaine.Yeo@csulb.edu.

Degree Students: This is available for degree students only. An international advisor will assist you during a one-on-one Zoom advising appointment to review in detail the option of “Severe Economic Hardship.” Book an appointment to Meet with an Advisor here.

Yes. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP considers students who are working in their OPT opportunities for fewer than 20 hours a week as actively engaged in OPT.

• If you are already approved for OPT, you can continue to work remotely for the duration of their post-completion OPT period.
• You can return to the U.S. as soon as flight and immigration travel restrictions are lifted; and as long as your employment authorization continues to be valid. Keep in mind that, due to the changing nature of the situation, you should refer to your local U.S. embassy website through the U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Traveler Information page for any updates about visa issuance and travel restrictions to the United States.
• Students who left the country before applying for OPT should wait for further guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as indicated in the May 2020 Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders page, where it states that “DHS is evaluating these issues and may issue additional guidance.”

No. The OPT application process with CIE remains the same. For instructions, please go to the ISS Employment page.

Post-completion OPT rules have not changed due to COVID-19. If you know that you will exceed the 90-day unemployment time, you should seek alternatives to continue to maintain F-1 status. These options include: departing the U.S., transferring to a new school or new academic program, or seeking a change of visa status.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) still continues to perform duties that do not involve face-to-face contact with the public, and has not announced any further delays on the processing of OPT applications. USCIS has indicated that individuals may still submit applications and petitions during this time. You may track the status of your application or submit a Case Status inquiry online at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do. For general I-765- Application processing times, you can Check Case Processing Times.

SEVP guidance indicates that students can engage in remote employment for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency and until further notice. In addition, you do not have to update the employer address information in SEVIS or on the Form I-983 if you are working remotely.

You may use available unemployment time to cover the unemployment gap. However, you should still continue to make efforts to seek employment in order to maintain F-1 status and avoid exceeding the 90-day unemployment limit.

The main difference between being furloughed and laid-off comes down to the employment relationship between the employee and the employer. In both cases, you are not getting paid. Generally, furloughed means your job may be reinstated after a certain timeframe. Being laid off means your employment has ended. Read this Huffington Post article for a full detailed explanation.

From the moment that a student is officially without a job and ends the employee relationship with the employer, the student will accrue unemployment time. The SEVP definition of unemployment time is “each day (including weekends) during the period when OPT authorization begins and ends that the student does not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment.”

There are no clear answers to this question. However, SEVP guidance has indicated that students should contact their local or state employment agency for information on whether or not they are allowed to accept unemployment benefits.

The other concern regarding unemployment benefits is that, as a consequence, it would be necessary to categorize you as a “public charge” if you decide to apply for a green card in the future. For more about the public charge rule, go to the UCIS Public Charge page.

Exchange Students: Contact your advisor to update your Academic Training status.