The Office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISS) supports international students, visiting scholars, and international faculty with immigration advising and support services.
Maintaining Student Status
All F-1 and J-1 international students must follow the U.S. immigration regulations as outlined below in order to maintain their international student status at CSULB:
International students must be registered for a full course of study at CSULB during FALL and SPRING semesters:
- Bachelor's and Credential Students - 12 units
- Master's Students - 8 units
Online Courses: Only 3 units or one online course per semester is applicable to the full-time enrollment total.
For students sponsored by their home country government or organizations, there may be additional limitations. Please consult with an International Student Advisor before enrolling in online courses.
International degree-seeking students who would like to discuss enrollment below a full course of study at CSULB need to gain authorization from the Center for International Education (CIE) prior to the beginning of each semester. There are only a few exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement for the fall and spring semesters. For more information on the exceptions, click here.
Please Note: Enrollment for summer and winter sessions is optional for international students.
I-20/DS-2019:
International degree-seeking students must be aware of the expiration date on their I-20/DS-2019. If students cannot complete their degree by the Program End Date on their I-20/DS-2019, students must make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to request a program extension as soon as possible. The process of reviewing an extension request may take some time, and must be completed prior to the program end date on the I-20/DS-2019 form. Failure to obtain a program extension within the time limit allowed will result in cancellation of your F-1/J-1 student immigration status. See the Program Extension section below for more information.
Passport:
Students should keep their passport valid at all times. If the passport will expire within 6 months, student must renew it through the embassy or consulate of their home country. All international students must provide an updated copy of their passports to their respective international program office.
F-1 students who are unable to complete their degree programs prior to the program end date on their I-20 form (under the Program of Study section on Page 1) must make an appointment with an International Student Advisor prior to the expiration of the I-20.
Reasons for possible considerations of program extensions:
- Medical
- Academic
The process of reviewing an extension request may take some time, and must be completed prior to the program end date on the I-20 form.
Failure to obtain a program extension within the time limit allowed will result in cancellation of your non-immigrant F-1 student status.
International degree-seeking students who change their U.S. address must report the change to CSULB within 10 days of moving by changing your mailing address in your MyCSULB account.
F-1 students who complete an academic program or OPT have a 60-day grace period and J-1 students who complete an academic program have a 30-day grace period. During the grace period, students need to leave the U.S., gain a new F-1/J-1 status, or seek another immigration status.
F-1/J-1 students who have received prior authorization from an international student advisor to withdraw from classes have 15 days to depart the U.S. after the withdrawal date. Students who withdraw from classes without prior authorization are not eligible for a grace period.
- Academic difficulty
- Illness or medical condition
- Final semester of study with less than full-time units remaining to graduate
- Undergraduates Only: Request Full Course Exception - click here to download the Undergrad FCE Request Spring 2021 form and email the completed form to ignacio.castor@csulb.edu.
- Undergraduates Only: Request Full Course Exception - click here to download the Undergrad FCE Request Spring 2021 form and email the completed form to ignacio.castor@csulb.edu.
- Post-baccalaureate student enrolled in research/graduate project
- Graduates Only: Request Full Course Exception - click here to download Grad FCE Request Spring 2021 form and email the completed form to ignacio.castor@csulb.edu.
International degree-seeking students wishing to file for an educational leave of absence during a fall or spring term must meet with an International Student Advisor for an appointment to discuss important F-1 student status and university policies in detail. We recommend that you plan ahead and meet with an international student advisor to gather more information before filing a leave of absence at CSULB.
According to CSULB regulations:
The minimum initial leave will be one full semester; the maximum will be one calendar year. A student may submit, in advance, a new educational leave request form for an extension of leave. Under no circumstances will the total number of approved educational leaves exceed two, nor will the duration of approved educational leaves extend beyond two calendar years.
Students returning from an approved educational leave are not required to submit an application for readmission to the university. Students returning from an absence for which an educational leave was appropriate but not approved in advance must reapply for admission and pay the reapplication fee.
Graduate students who plan to enroll for credit at another institution of higher education during the leave period must obtain prior approval for the transfer of course credit to the student's program from the department graduate advisor, department chair, and the College Dean or designee.
The period of an educational leave is counted in the calculation of elapsed time under the regulations governing the maximum period for completion of degree and remediation requirements. (See Baccalaureate and Graduate sections of this catalog.)
For the period of an educational leave the student's rights under the 'Election of Regulations' rule are preserved, maintaining the right of the student to elect regulations as if he or she had maintained continuous attendance.
An educational leave presupposes no expenditure of University resources during the period of the leave. No computer facilities, no library privileges, and no student services are available to a student on educational leave.
(CSULB University Catalog, 2015)
Online E-Advising Services
If you need more guidance using Zoom, please click here.
Advising Appointments
International students, J1 Scholars, and ALI students may schedule an appointment to meet with an International Student Advisor.
An International Student Advisor will send you a Zoom meeting invitation via email. The Zoom meeting will be scheduled for your appointment date and time.
On the day and time of your appointment:
Use the meeting invitation email from your advisor to log in to your Zoom session. If you are a current student, use Zoom in MyCSULB single sign-on to add the meeting ID.
- Mondays: 9:00 - 11:00 am and 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
- Tuesdays: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 11:30 am and 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Thursdays: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- Fridays: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
How to Join Zoom
- Monday, August 17 at 1:30 PM
- Wednesday, August 19 at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM
- Thursday, August 20 at 1:30 PM
Meet with an Advisor
NOTICE: Advising services are conducted through Zoom.
Before joining the Zoom session, make sure you have access to a computer with an enabled microphone and camera.
If you need more guidance using Zoom, please click here.
Schedule an Independent Appointment
Students can use Beach Connect to access support from a variety of campus resources. Students can find resources such as Academic Advising, Tutoring, Academic Coaching, and more. Appointments can be scheduled online for a variety of services.
- Appointment Procedures and Guidelines
- Find Appointments for Support and Services
- How to Book an Appointment on Beach Connect (Video)
Please review the following guideline carefully before scheduling an appointment:
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
Student Reason for Meeting | Appointment Reason |
Academic Probation, Disqualification, Course Difficulties |
Academic Challenges |
CPT, OPT, On-Campus Employment, STEM OPT, CAP-GAP |
Career and Internship Exploration |
Concurrent Enrollment Permission | Degree Progress and Planning |
Sponsor Students from SACM or Oman | Explore or Declare Major/Minor |
Educational Leave, Medical Leave, Course Withdrawal, Repeating Course, Grade Forgiveness, Incomplete Grade, Grade Change |
Policy Clarification & Appeals |
F-1 Status Reinstatement, CIE Check-in Hold, Transfer out, I-20 Extension, F-2 Dependent |
Visa/Immigration |
Drop-in advising is a short 5-10 minute session. Advisors are unable to provide a more in-depth advising appointment. Please be mindful of other students who are waiting to be advised.
Drop-in advising will be offered on the following days and times (may vary according to advisor availability):
- Mondays: 9:00 - 11:00 am and 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
- Tuesdays: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 11:30 am and 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Thursdays: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- Fridays: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
How to Join Zoom
- Click here to attend a Zoom meeting (ID: 912 8283 7414)
Drop-in advising will not be available on the following dates:
- Wednesday, March 31
- Monday, May 31
- Thursday, March 11
- Thursday, April 1
- Friday, April 16
- Monday, May 17
ALI Students - email Tammy Guzman for an appointment: Tammy.Guzman@csulb.edu
After booking an appointment:
An International Student Advisor will send you a Zoom meeting invitation via email. The Zoom meeting will be scheduled for your appointment date and time.
On the day and time of your appointment:
Use the meeting invitation email from your advisor to log in to your Zoom session. If you are a current student, use Zoom in MyCSULB single sign-on to add the meeting ID.
J1 Scholars - email Mr. Ignacio Castor for an appointment: Ignacio.Castor@csulb.edu
After booking an appointment:
An International Student Advisor will send you a Zoom meeting invitation via email. The Zoom meeting will be scheduled for your appointment date and time.
On the day and time of your appointment:
Use the meeting invitation email from your advisor to log in to your Zoom session. If you are a current student, use Zoom in MyCSULB single sign-on to add the meeting ID.
Travel
Travel and Re-entry to the U.S
In order to re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence (less than 5 months), students must be in good immigration status and carry the following documents:
- 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/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature
Other Recommended Documents to Carry:
- Copy of CSULB transcript and/or proof of course registration. You can print these documents from your MyCSULB account.
- Evidence of financial resources.
- Contact information of International Students and Scholars.
F-1 Students on OPT
F-1 Students on OPT must carry the following documents:
- I-20, signed for travel by an International Student Advisor within the last 6 months.
- Passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected date of entry into the United States.
- Valid F-1 student visa in passport (except students from Canada)
- Unexpired EAD or a copy of the OPT Receipt/Approval Notice, if the EAD has not yet arrived.
- Letter from your current or prospective employer verifying that you are returning to the United States to continue or to accept new employment.
- Contact information of your DSO.
- Make sure you have not exceeded unemployment time and that you continue to maintain F-1 status by fulfilling all mandatory reporting requirements.
Forms
- Requests take a minimum of 15 business days (excludes weekends and holidays).
Online Requests:
- Degree Student Request
- American Language Institute (ALI) Student-Document Request
- Sponsored Student Request
- OPT Application
- STEM OPT Application
- Transfer Out Request (Not for ALI Students)
Email Requests to cie-student@csulb.edu:
- STEM OPT Employment and Address Update Form
- Request for Letter for Social Security Office Form
- OPT Employment and Address Update Form
- Cap Gap Extension Request
- CPT Application
You may email any concerns regarding your request to cie-student@csulb.edu. The subject line should include: the type of request submitted, name of student, and CSULB ID number.
Health Insurance
California State University, Long Beach requires all F-1 international students and J-1 exchange students to purchase and maintain adequate health insurance coverage prior to registering for classes. International students will not be able to register for classes until the Center for International Education (CIE) has received verification that you have purchased the mandatory California State University (CSU) International Student Health Insurance group policy offered through JCB Insurance Solutions. There are no exceptions to this policy. Waivers might be considered only for certain government-sponsored arrangements, and for students with a parent or spouse who has a U.S. employer-based policy that covers the student. For more information, please contact the ISS office.
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Next insurance hold will be active on:
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November 1, 2021 if you bought the Fall Plan
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April 1, 2022 if you bought the Annual Plan
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Next insurance refund deadline: October 15, 2021
If you will be studying outside of the U.S. for the Fall 2021 semester, you will need to place a formal request with ISS to assist in moving your insurance hold so that you may register for classes. Please note that it can take 3 business days to have a hold moved.
Click here to fill out the Insurance Hold and Refund Request form.
- Insurance Brochure Plan 2020-21
- Insurance Flyer 2021-22
- How to Obtain Your Digital ID Card (Please note: ID cards will not be available until the insurance start date or three weeks after purchase, whichever is later.)
- COVID-19 Insurance Resources
- Anthem's 24-7 NurseLine (speak to a Registered Nurse)
Understanding U.S. Health Insurance
Understanding your Health Insurance Benefits and Coverage in the U.S.
How to Purchase Insurance
How to Purchase Your Health Insurance (CSULB)
Please note: insurance is offered by third-party JCB Insurance Solutions
How to Request an Insurance Refund
How to Request a Health Insurance Refund
(requires SSO log-in)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Bachelor’s degree students must enroll in at least 12 units every Fall and every Spring semester.Master's degree students must enroll in at least 8 units every Fall and Spring semester.
- Credential program students must enroll in at least 12 units every Fall and Spring semester.
- Undergraduates must also comply with the university’s Timely Graduation Requirements
For information on exemptions from the minimum enrollment requirements, click here.
Please click here for information on the GWAR Placement Exam.
Each passport has an expiration date listed. As a student it is your responsibility to keep your passport valid at all times. If your passport expiration date is approaching you must contact your embassy or consulate in order to have your passport renewed. You must provide CIE with a copy of your valid passport.
No. It is legal for you to be in the United States with an expired visa as long as you are in good F-1 status; however, you must have a valid visa to re-enter the United States if you travel. If you will be traveling outside of the United States and have an expired visa, we recommend that you travel during the summer or December breaks so that you will have a better opportunity to renew your visa in time to return to your studies.
You will need to contact the U.S. Consulate in your home country for a complete list of requirements, but you should have the following: your current I-20, a current financial statement, a current academic transcript and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Meet with an ISS advisor to apply for a program extension.
As part of your admissions process at the other university, you may be asked to bring us a form to verify that you have maintained your status while at the University. You will need to provide an acceptance letter to the new university and fill out the Transfer Out Request Form.
As an F-1 or J-1 student, your I-94 does not have an expiration date. Your I-94 should contain the phrase “D/S” which stands for “Duration of Status.” This designation means that as long as you are satisfying all the legal requirements of your student status and making normal progress toward completing your degree, you are legally allowed to stay in the United States. For more information on I-94 visit the US Customs and Border Protections I-94 Frequently Asked Questions.
Under the F or J status, you are required to be enrolled full-time during the Fall and Spring semesters. If you decide to take a semester break please schedule an individual appointment right away.
Many students travel during December holiday, spring break, and summer break, as enrollment is not a requirement during these breaks. If you intend to travel for a short period of time while classes are in session, please communicate with your instructor and make sure you are able to complete your courses. If you are not able to complete all your courses for the semester, please consult with an international student advisor.
F-1 students will need to request a Verification of Enrollment letter from CIE. For additional information on receiving a driver's license please see the How To Apply for a California Driver’s License handout.
Students should update their address through MyCSULB. If you are on OPT and can not access MyCSULB, please use the OPT Employment and Address Update Form.
We ask that you allow at least 7-10 business days for documents and requests to be processed. Notice of processed documents will be sent through e-mail addresses provided on the forms.
Begin by updating your passport in your home country or at your country's embassy or consulate here in the U.S. Once you receive the updated passport, please submit a copy of it with a Document Request Form to request a new I-20 at CIE. Your name will be updated in the university system and on your I-20. You will receive a new I-20 in the new name.
You should then update your name with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any other agencies which have records for you.
Please click here to read this PDF to learn more about how to write an invitation letter for family and friends visits to campus.
International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) 2020
Click here to view and download the International Education Week 2020 Program Flyer.
IEW 2020 Programs with Anytime Access:
- Video: Delights of Dumpling Diversity: Dumplings can transcend boundaries
- Video: World Cinema - 5 Streaming International Movies from the University Library
- World Cinema Recommendation List
- An International Student’s Experience in America
- Virtual Museum: Photo exhibit of international perspectives from CSULB students who studied abroad
- CSULB International Student Association (ISA) Tries Snacks Around the World
If you have questions, or need further information, please contact cie-student@csulb.edu.
Intercultural Diplomats
The Center for International Education partners with the California Global Education Project at CSULB for the Intercultural Diplomats (ID) Program. The ID Program is a cross-cultural exchange program for K-12 classrooms in the Long Beach community. Diplomats are CSULB international students who are selected to give lessons that encourage global competence, appreciation of other cultures, and create a positive relationship between members of different cultures. Diplomats will develop global competency and leadership skills while also forming a positive relationship with persons from multiple, diverse American backgrounds.
Click here for more information about the 2021 program.
Applications for the Spring 2021 cohort are open for international students until January 15, 2021.