Introduction
Welcome to CSUSB! Preparing to begin your studies in the United States involves several important steps.
Use this page to prepare before you travel, understand what to do after you enter the United States, and complete your arrival requirements once you reach CSUSB.
Some requirements are different depending on your immigration status or situation. Follow the instructions that apply to you, and contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) if you have questions about CSUSB immigration requirements.
How to Use This Page
You do not need to complete everything at once. Start with the section that matches where you are in your journey:
- Before You Travel — prepare your immigration documents, travel plans, housing, and other important arrangements before leaving for the United States.
- After You Arrive in the United States — review your arrival information and complete required immigration check-in steps.
- After You Arrive at CSUSB — complete orientation and other university arrival requirements.
If you are already in the United States or are returning to CSUSB with a new initial immigration record, review Special Situations before continuing.
Special Situations
Some students begin their CSUSB program in a different situation from students traveling to the United States on a new F-1 or J-1 visa. Review the information below if either situation applies to you.
If CSUSB issued you an initial Form I-20 to apply for a change to F-1 status from within the United States, some of the travel and arrival steps on this page will not apply to you.
Complete the CSUSB requirements that apply to your admit term, including International Student Orientation, and monitor your CSUSB student email for university and ISSS instructions.
CSUSB does not advise students on how to prepare or pursue a change-of-status application. Because your current immigration status, travel, application timing, and other individual circumstances may affect your case, consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice about the change-of-status process.
After your change to F-1 status is approved, follow ISSS instructions and submit your new immigration documents through the Coyote International Portal.
If you previously attended CSUSB and are returning with a new initial Form I-20 or DS-2019, you must complete the arrival requirements associated with your new immigration record.
This includes completing the required International Student Orientation for your admit term, even if you previously completed orientation at CSUSB.
Review the sections of this page that apply to your situation and monitor your CSUSB student email for instructions. After you arrive, submit the required immigration documents through the Coyote International Portal so ISSS can complete the applicable immigration check-in process.
Before You Travel
Before traveling to the United States, review your immigration documents, complete the visa and travel steps that apply to you, and make plans for housing and your arrival at CSUSB.
Complete these steps early enough to address questions or document corrections before you travel.
Review your Form I-20 or DS-2019 as soon as you receive it. Make sure the information on the document is correct and matches your personal and program information.
If you are an F-1 student and information on your initial Form I-20 needs to be corrected, contact International Admissions.
If you are a J-1 student and information on your initial Form DS-2019 needs to be corrected, contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Keep your immigration documents in a safe place and bring them with you when you travel. Do not pack the documents you will need for entry into the United States in checked baggage.
Review the visa and entry requirements that apply to your immigration status before making final travel arrangements.
Depending on your situation, preparation may include:
- Paying the required I-901 SEVIS fee;
- Applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, unless a visa is not required for your situation;
- Reviewing the information on your visa after it is issued; and
- Preparing the immigration and travel documents you will need when requesting admission to the United States.
Your visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission. It does not guarantee admission to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the admission decision at the port of entry.
Do not make travel plans that would require you to enter the United States earlier than permitted for your initial F-1 or J-1 program.
Pay the I-901 SEVIS FeeF-1 Student Visa InformationJ-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Information
Make your housing and arrival plans before traveling to CSUSB.
Review CSUSB housing information for international students and make arrangements for where you will stay. If you will live off campus, plan how you will travel from your arrival airport or other point of arrival to your housing.
You should also review the health insurance requirements that apply to you before beginning your program. Requirements may differ for F-1 and J-1 students, so use the CSUSB health insurance information for your student category.
Additional transportation information is provided later on this page.
Students activate their accounts via MyCoyote, where registration occurs, grades are reviewed, and more.
First-time users should visit the following page for instructions on how to activate and access the MyCoyote Profile.
ITS | Account Activation for MyCyote
For assistance, call the Technology Support Center at (909) 537-7677, send an e-mail to support@csusb.edu, or visit the Support website.
Do not wait until you travel to the US to register for classes and pay tuition. You'll be busy with Orientation preparation and adjusting to life in the US, so ensure that you register for classes as soon as possible, and pay tuition to avoid being dropped from classes prior to the first day of classes!
After You Arrive in the United States
After you enter the United States, review your admission information and complete the immigration check-in requirements for your new CSUSB program.
Keep your immigration documents available until you have completed these steps.
After entering the United States, retrieve your electronic Form I-94 arrival record and review it for accuracy.
Make sure your name and immigration status are recorded correctly. Your Form I-94 is an important record of your admission to the United States and may be needed for immigration and university processes.
If you believe your Form I-94 contains an error, contact ISSS for guidance before trying to resolve the issue on your own.
After you arrive in the United States, submit the immigration documents required for your arrival check-in through the Coyote International Portal.
Follow the instructions in the Coyote International Portal and submit the documents requested for your immigration status and situation. ISSS will review the information and complete the applicable immigration check-in process for your new CSUSB program.
Monitor your CSUSB student email and the Coyote International Portal in case ISSS needs additional information. If additional information is requested, respond as soon as possible so your arrival requirements can be completed.
After You Arrive at CSUSB
Once you arrive at CSUSB, complete International Student Orientation and the university tasks required to begin your studies.
Continue monitoring your CSUSB student email for important information from ISSS and other university offices.
Obtain the “Coyote One” student ID card after registering in classes and paying the associated tuition and fees by visiting the Technology Support Center in PL-1108. Remember to carry the ID card always as it is required to access university resources and conduct transactions.
You can also now get the Coyote OneCard on your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android Phone!
All new international students must complete the International Student Orientation requirements that apply to their admit term.
If you are returning to CSUSB with a new initial immigration record, you must also complete the required orientation, even if you previously attended CSUSB or completed an earlier CSUSB orientation.
Use the International Student Orientation page for current information about orientation requirements, dates, deadlines, RSVP information, online orientation, immigration-document submission instructions, and any applicable orientation fee.
Review your CSUSB student account and complete the university tasks that apply to you as you prepare to begin classes.
These may include reviewing your class schedule, checking for university notices or holds, confirming your housing and transportation arrangements, and completing other requirements communicated by CSUSB.
Use your CSUSB student email for university communication and check it regularly for information that may require action.
Find the Right CSUSB Resource
CSUSB offices and resources are available to help you as you prepare for classes and settle into the university. Use the resources below to find the right place for your question.
Questions about F-1 or J-1 immigration requirements, immigration documents, or your arrival check-in.
Find current orientation requirements, dates, deadlines, and other information for your admit term.
Find information about housing for international students.
Find international student health insurance information and related health resources.
Find transportation, community, and local information to help you get familiar with CSUSB and the surrounding area.
Additional Information for J-1 Students
If you are coming to CSUSB as a J-1 student, you have additional requirements connected to your Exchange Visitor Program.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is your immigration contact at CSUSB. Review the information below before beginning your program and contact ISSS if you have questions about your J-1 immigration requirements. '
Do not drop below the required full-time course load without contacting ISSS first.
If you are having academic, medical, or other circumstances that may affect your enrollment, contact ISSS before changing your schedule. ISSS can review your situation and explain whether an immigration option or authorization may apply.
Approval from an instructor, academic department, or another university office does not by itself change your J-1 immigration requirements.
J-1 Exchange Visitors and accompanying J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance that meets applicable J-1 requirements throughout their participation in the Exchange Visitor Program.
Review the CSUSB health insurance information before your program begins and follow the instructions that apply to J-1 students.
J-1 students should contact ISSS before beginning employment or another activity that may require immigration authorization.
Do not begin employment unless you have the required authorization.
If you are unsure whether an opportunity requires authorization, contact ISSS before participating.
ISSS is the immigration contact for J-1 students at CSUSB. Contact ISSS about your DS-2019, J-1 status, immigration check-in, employment authorization, immigration-related enrollment questions, or changes that may affect your J-1 program.
Education Abroad supports applicable nondegree exchange students with academic and exchange-program matters.
ISSS and Education Abroad coordinate when necessary. If you are unsure which office should handle your question, you may start with ISSS for immigration questions and Education Abroad for academic or exchange-program questions.
Need Help With Your J-1 Program?
Official J-1 Welcome and Rights Resources
Retain access to official Department of State welcome and rights information as external resources. Do not retain the retired CSUSB J-1 Student Checklist PDF as a current public resource.
Exchange Visitor RightsExchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure
Plan Your Transportation
Plan how you will travel from the airport, bus station, train station, or other arrival point to your housing before you begin your trip.
Transportation options and availability vary depending on where you arrive and the time of day. Review your route in advance and allow extra time for immigration processing, baggage collection, and unexpected travel delays.
If someone will meet you when you arrive, confirm the meeting location and contact information before traveling.
For additional information about transportation and the local area, visit the CSUSB City Guide.
Travel Tips
- Keep your passport and immigration documents with you rather than in checked baggage.
- Keep your CSUSB housing address and important contact information accessible while traveling.
- Confirm your transportation plans before departure.
- Allow additional time for connections and unexpected delays.
- Keep your phone charged and make sure you can access important travel information after arrival.
You're Ready to Get Started at CSUSB
Preparing for a new university and a new immigration environment can involve many steps. You do not need to remember everything at once.
Use this page as a guide, complete the requirements that apply to you, and continue checking your CSUSB student email for important university information.
If you have questions about your F-1 or J-1 immigration requirements, contact International Student and Scholar Services. For other questions, use the CSUSB resources provided throughout this page to find the office that can best assist you.
Welcome to CSUSB. We look forward to having you as part of our international student community.