Orientation

Begin your orientation requirements as early as possible.

We encourage you to complete the Pre-Arrival Orientation before traveling to the United States so you understand important immigration requirements and can prepare for your arrival.

Yes. All newly admitted international students are required to complete the International Student Orientation process.

Your orientation process includes completing the Pre-Arrival Orientation, RSVPing for iCoyote 101, attending orientation, and completing your immigration check-in after entering the United States.

The International Orientation Fee is $70. 
 
The fee is charged to your student account after the university census date. You do not need to pay the fee when you register for orientation. 

No. New international students do not participate in SOAR.

Instead, international students attend iCoyote 101 International Student Orientation, which is specifically designed for international students.

iCoyote 101 covers relevant university orientation topics while also addressing subjects specific to international students, including immigration responsibilities, SEVIS registration, health insurance, employment regulations, and international student resources.

You do not need to attend both orientations.

Yes. Complete all orientation requirements listed for your admission term. 
 
You can complete the Pre-Arrival Orientation and RSVP for International Student Orientation before traveling. 
 
However, your immigration document upload, including your Form I-94 Arrival Record, must be completed after you enter the United States because your I-94 is generated when you arrive. 
 
You must also attend the required in-person International Student Orientation for your admission term. 

Contact ISSS as soon as possible.

We will review your circumstances and provide information about your available options.

Do not assume that you can simply attend another orientation session without contacting ISSS.

Yes. Transfer students must also complete International Student Orientation.

Even if you are already familiar with studying in the United States, orientation introduces you to CSUSB-specific procedures, campus resources, and ISSS requirements.

Not quite.

You can complete your Pre-Arrival Orientation and RSVP for iCoyote 101 before traveling.

Your immigration document submission must be completed after entering the United States because your Form I-94 Arrival Record is generated when you enter the country.

F-1 and J-1 students may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019. 

Students should review the earliest admission date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 and make travel arrangements accordingly.

Plan to arrive with enough time to settle into housing, complete your arrival requirements, and attend orientation before classes begin.
We encourage students to arrive early enough to:

•  Attend orientation; 
• Settle into housing; 
• Complete immigration check-in; and 
• Prepare for classes. 

Contact ISSS and International Admissions as soon as possible.

Although we hope your visa process goes smoothly, a delay does not necessarily mean that your plans are over. International Admissions can provide information about your admission and application options, while ISSS can provide immigration-related guidance.

Complete the required immigration document submission after you arrive in the United States, using the submission method identified in your orientation instructions. 
 
Your immigration document submission includes your Form I-94 Arrival Record, which is available after you enter the United States. 
 
CSUSB is transitioning this process to the Coyote International Portal. Until that transition is complete, follow the instructions for your orientation term and do not submit the same documents through multiple systems. 

First, make sure you have activated your CSUSB account and are able to access Canvas.

If you still cannot access the Pre-Arrival Orientation Course, contact ISSS for assistance.

Submit the missing document as soon as it becomes available.

ISSS will contact you if additional information is needed to complete your immigration check-in or SEVIS registration.

First, review the Login Reminder under Complete Your Orientation Requirements. 
 
Some orientation forms and systems require your CSUSB account. For Microsoft Forms or current document-upload access, use CoyoteID@csusb.edu, not CoyoteID@coyote.csusb.edu, and use your myCoyote password when prompted. 
 
If a particular system provides different login instructions, follow the instructions for that system. 
 
If you still cannot access a required orientation resource, contact ISSS for assistance. 

Yes. In fact, we encourage you to register for classes as early as possible once you are eligible to enroll.

If you need assistance selecting courses or understanding your degree requirements:

• Undergraduate students: Contact Academic Advising.
• Graduate students: Contact the Office of Graduate Studies.

You do not need to wait until International Student Orientation to register for classes.

Review Prepare for Your Arrival above for links to pre-arrival information, international student housing information, and the CSUSB City Guide. 

Yes. ISSS sends important orientation and arrival reminders to your CSUSB email.

Check your CSUSB email regularly. It is one of the primary ways the university and ISSS will communicate important information to you.

Contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for questions about orientation, immigration documents, arrival, SEVIS registration, or maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status.

For questions about your admission application, admission status, or admission requirements, contact International Admissions.