Orientation

As soon as possible after you receive access to your orientation materials. We recommend completing the Pre-Arrival Orientation before making your travel plans so you understand important immigration requirements and deadlines before arriving in the United States.

Yes. All newly admitted international students are required to complete the orientation process for their admit term, including the required online orientation components, orientation RSVP, and immigration document submission.

Not quite.

You can complete the Pre-Arrival Orientation and RSVP for Orientation before traveling.

However, your immigration document upload (including your I-94 Arrival Record) must be completed after you enter the United States because your I-94 is generated when you arrive.

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, please contact the appropriate advising office:

• Undergraduate students: Academic Advising
• Graduate students: Office of Graduate Studies

International Student Orientation focuses on immigration requirements, campus resources, and your transition to CSUSB. You do not need to wait until orientation to register for classes.

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.

We encourage students to arrive early enough to:

• attend orientation,
• settle into housing,
• complete immigration check-in,
• and prepare for classes.

No. New international students do not participate in SOAR.

Instead, you will attend iCoyote 101: International Student Orientation, which is specifically designed for international students. This orientation includes many of the topics covered during SOAR, while also addressing additional information that is unique to international students, including:

• Maintaining your F-1 or J-1 immigration status
• SEVIS registration and immigration check-in
• Health insurance requirements
• Employment regulations
• International student resources and support services

By attending International Student Orientation, you will receive the information and resources you need to begin your studies successfully at CSUSB.

Yes.

Even if you are transferring from another U.S. institution, International Student Orientation introduces you to CSUSB resources, campus policies, and ISSS procedures that are unique to our university.

Please contact ISSS as soon as possible.

Depending on the circumstances, we will discuss available options with you. Do not assume you can simply attend another session without contacting our office first.

If your visa has not yet been approved, contact both ISSS and International Admissions as soon as possible.

We will help you understand your available options and next steps. In some situations, International Admissions may determine whether you are eligible to begin your studies in a future term.

First, make sure you have activated your CSUSB account and are checking your CSUSB email.

If you still cannot access the course, contact ISSS for assistance.

No problem.

Upload the remaining document as soon as it becomes available, or contact ISSS if you have questions. We will let you know if additional information is needed before we can complete your SEVIS registration.

Yes.

ISSS and CISP will send important reminders to your CSUSB email throughout the pre-arrival process.

We strongly recommend checking your CSUSB email regularly, as this is our primary method of communication.

For questions regarding:

• immigration documents,
• orientation,
• SEVIS registration,
• arrival,
• or maintaining your immigration status,

please contact the Center for International Studies and Programs (CISP).

If your question relates to admission, application status, or admission deadlines, please contact International Admissions.