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Pre-arrival

Pre-Arrival Guide

Overview

Preparing to arrive in the United States involves several important steps. This page will guide you through what to do before you travel, when you arrive, and after you arrive at CSUSB.

 
How to Use This Page

Preparing to arrive in the United States involves several steps, but you do not need to complete everything at once.

This page is organized based on where you are in your journey:

  • Before You Travel – what to do before leaving your home country
  • After You Arrive in the U.S. – important steps to complete after entering the United States
  • After You Arrive at CSUSB – tasks to complete once you are on campus

We recommend starting with the section that matches your current stage and working through each step as you go.

If you are unsure where to begin, start with Before You Travel.

✈️ Before You Travel

Getting ready to travel can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to do everything at once. Focus on securing your documents first—this is the most important step before entering the United States.

Step 1: Obtain Your Travel Documents
  • Receive your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
    • If you are a J-1 student, you will receive your Form DS-2019 instructions separately.
  • Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
    • Print the receipt and keep a copy.
  • Apply for your visa
  • Confirm your visa details match your passport
Step 2: Prepare Your Travel Documents

Bring the following in your carry-on (not checked luggage):

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • SEVIS fee receipt
Step 3: Arrange Housing and Phone Access

🛬 After You Arrive in the U.S.

Once you arrive in the United States, there are a few important steps to complete right away to activate your immigration record and stay in compliance. These tasks are time-sensitive, so be sure to complete them as soon as possible.

Step 4: Print Your I-94

Access and print your I-94 record online. Keep a digital copy for your records. 

Step 5: Check Your Email

Monitor your CSUSB email for orientation and immigration instructions

Step 6: Submit Required Documents

Submit documents to activate your immigration record

🏫 After You Arrive at CSUSB

After arriving on campus, your focus will shift to getting settled and completing required university processes. This includes orientation, payments, and setting up your student account.

Step 7: Complete Required Tasks
Step 8: Attend Orientation (Required)
  • Pay the orientation fee
  • Attend ISSS orientation
  • Submit required documents

👉Learn more about the Orientation process, including the required in-person orientation. 

Step 9: Get Settled
  • Review the CSUSB campus map
  • Arrange transportation (parking or public transit)
    • See the Transportation to CSUSB section below
Step 10: Get Ready, Set, Go! 

You’ve made it to campus—welcome to CSUSB!

Your experience here is not only about what you study, but also what you explore, learn, and experience outside the classroom.

Take some time to get to know the surrounding area and discover what San Bernardino and Southern California have to offer.

👉 Explore our CSUSB City Guide and Events

For J-1 Students

If you are a J-1 student, there are a few additional requirements and expectations as part of the Exchange Visitor Program. This section highlights what makes your program unique.

The Exchange Visitor Program

The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is twofold:

  • It allows students to study at a U.S. institution.
  • It allows students to experience U.S. life and culture. 

Student exchange visitors can study at CSUSB with a J-1 visa for a predetermined period of time based on an exchange agreement with the student's home university.

Tuition and Fees

Please note that many programs have tuition waiver agreements.  

✉️ Consult the Education Abroad Specialists for additional information.

J-1 Welcome Documents

As a J-1 exchange visitor, you are required to review additional program materials beyond orientation.

Please review and keep the following documents for your records:

Transportation to CSUSB

Planning how you will travel to San Bernardino is an important part of your arrival. While ISSS does not arrange transportation, the information below can help you prepare.

Nearby Airports

The closest major airports to CSUSB include:

  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) – closest and most convenient
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – largest international airport
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) – located in Orange County

Transportation Options

Students commonly use a combination of the following:

  • Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft)
  • Airport shuttles
  • Public transportation (train and bus systems)
    • San Bernardino is accesible through the MetroLink System (Train)
    • San Bernardino is also accesible through bus services, such as Greyhound
  • Personal pickup (friends, family, or housing providers)
    • If you are driving a personal vehicle, consider securing a parking permit. 

Availability, cost, and travel time may vary depending on your arrival time and airport.

Travel Tips

  • Plan your route in advance before arriving in the U.S.
  • Allow extra time for travel, especially if arriving through Los Angeles (LAX)
  • Be aware that traffic in Southern California can be heavy, especially during peak hours
  • Keep your important documents accessible during travel

Important Reminder

You are responsible for arranging your transportation to campus. If you are unsure which option is best for you, we recommend researching your route and planning ahead before your arrival.