New Student Requirements

Congratulations on your admission for Fall 2025!
Complete the requirements listed below to ensure a smooth transition to CSULB. 

To attend CSULB for the Fall 2025 semester you are required to attend the International Student Orientation, plan to enter the U.S. by the I-20 program start date: August 18th, 2025. 

The earliest an F-1 student can enter the US for Fall 2025 is July 19, 2025.

If you will not be able to make it to CSULB by the I-20 start date, you must re-apply for the Spring 2026 semester. Contact cie-apply@csulb.edu for assistance.

  1. Complete the “Next Steps” list for your academic program level.
    Clear Your Holds. ​​You cannot register for classes until all your holds are cleared in your MyCSULB account. Check for these holds:
    1. International Admissions Documents
    2. Immigration Check-In
    3. Health Insurance:
      • You are required to purchase the CSULB-approved health insurance coverage via JCB before registering for courses.
      • First-year students and Transfers must purchase JCB medical insurance IMMEDIATELY after signing up for SOAR.
      • Purchase JCB Health Insurance.
  2. Deadline to Submit Admissions Documents: 
    • Undergraduate: July 15 2025
    • Graduate and Post Bac: July 15 2025

Mail Documents to: 

Center for International Education 
International Admission
6300 East State University Drive
FND 185B
Long Beach, CA 90815 USA

If you have any questions, submit a ticket inquiry.

  • Prepare the required documents in a PDF format
    • A copy of the biographical page (photo page) of your passport.
    • Financial Affidavit Instructions and Form 2025-2026 (PDF), OR Graduate College of Business Only (Coming soon: COB Financial Affidavit Instructions and Form 2025-2026) 
    •  Current financial/bank statement as described in the financial affidavit instructions.
       
  • Upload your I-20 Documents:
    Submit your prepared documents through the link below. Requests are not accepted through email.

Your form I-20 will be sent to the email address provided on your admission application. After you receive your CSULB form I-20, you can Apply for an F-1 Visa.

After receiving your CSULB form I-20, follow the steps below to apply for an F-1 visa:

  1. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee (online). All prospective F-1 students are required to pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
    • Print a copy of your payment confirmation.
    • Take your SEVIS fee payment confirmation to your visa interview. Carry the SEVIS fee payment confirmation along with your visa when entering the U.S.
       
  2. Apply for an F-1 Visa
    • Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for information about applying for an F-1 visa. You can also find your nearest embassy or consulate by visiting the U.S. Embassy website.
    • After receiving your F-1 visa, check it for accuracy.
    • Make sure that you have digital and hard copies of all your documents when preparing to travel.
    • Carry the SEVIS fee payment confirmation along with your visa when entering the U.S.

  • You may enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins and no later than the I-20 program start date: August 18th, 2025. 
    • The earliest an F-1 student can enter the US for Fall 2025 is July 19, 2025.
  • You will be responsible to complete the online immigration check-in upon arriving. 
    • This process is mandatory per federal regulations.
    • This process verifies that you have safely arrived in the U.S. and are ready to begin your academic program with CSULB. 
  • Keep in mind that travel recommendations and U.S entry advice for new international students is available in the CIE CANVAS Course. Contact cie-student@csulb.edu if you still don't have access to the CIE CANVAS course. 

All new international students must attend the New International Student Orientation.

Plan your arrival to the United States accordingly to avoid missing this important step in your enrollment!