FAQs

Visas & Immigration

• How do I apply for a J-1 Visa? The Exchange Advisor at your university will be able to supply you with the most current and accurate information for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area. Click HERE to link to the U.S. Department of State website for complete J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa details.
• Where is the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate?  Click HERE to be linked to the U.S. Department of State website.
• How long does it take to get a J-1 Visa?  Click HERE to link to the U.S. Department of State website.
• What is the SEVIS I-901 fee?  The SEVIS I-901 fee is mandated by the U.S. Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on after September 1, 2004 is responsible for paying this fee.
• Do I have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee?  Yes.  Exchange students are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee as a condition of applying for a J-1 visa.
• How do I pay the SEVIS I-901 fee? The method of payment may vary from country to country, but in general, most students may either file the I-901 form and pay the fee online or pay the fee locally using the Western Union Quick Pay service. Click HERE to link to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement site to access these services.

Health Insurance

• I already have health insurance in my home country, do I have to buy the CSULB Health Insurance?  YES.
  The Center for International Education (CIE) requires that all exchange students purchase the mandatory CSULB Health Insurance Plan as a condition of exchange program participation.  No exceptions are permitted.  View the Health Insurance page for full requirements.
  

University Academic Calendar

• What are the important dates for the semester/ academic year?  Click <HERE> to link to the calendar.

Employment  

• Can I work on the University campus? Yes. Exchange students who have applied for and received permission to work from the Center for International Education (CIE) may work in any type of job on the University campus a maximum of 20 hours a week or less while classes are in session and may work full time during official school breaks and holidays.
• Can I work off campus?  Maybe. Exchange students may be eligible for Academic Training, which permits part-time and full-time employment in work that closely relates to a student's major area of academic study at any on-campus or off-campus location for a maximum period equivalent to the duration of a student's exchange program.  Permission to work must be granted by the Center for International Education (CIE) prior to starting any employment.  Please make an appointment with your advisor at the CIE for more information.

Classes
Housing
Health Insurance/ Immunizations
Pre-Arrival Information