International Students - FAQs

FAQs FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Please read carefully the FAQs listed below:

Q: Can I travel to the U.S?

A: Please visit the Travel Advisory section for the latest information on travel bans, recommendations, and essential documents to carry.

Q: Will I still be able to get an F-1 visa?
A: Please check the website of the US embassy or consulate nearest you for updates and visa appointments availability.

 IMPORTANT NOTE: If you plan to attend CSUN, you must use your CSUN I-20 to apply for your F1 visa and for admission into the U.S. Approval of the F1 visa stamp is the decision made by U.S. Department of State.

Q. I am a first time new international student and I won't be able to attend CSUN for my admitted term. What are my options?
A:   We are sorry that you won't be able to join us at CSUN. Please contact the International Admissions Office and request to have your application moved to the next semester available for your specific academic program. You can send an email to intladm@csun.edu for assistance.

Q: How can I drop my courses if I am unable to attend CSUN?

A: Newly admitted undergraduate students must contact your International Academic Advisor at The Hub for assistance with dropping courses. You may reach them via email at hub.intladvisor@csun.edu. Newly admitted graduate students, can drop courses using their CSUN portal account. Helpful Link: How-to-Guide: Drop or Swap A Class

Q: I am a new TRANSFER international student. Can I attend CSUN courses remotely while in the U.S.?
A: No. As you plan your first semester enrollment, make sure you are following the immigration regulations regarding online courses: F1 students are permitted to enroll in no more than the equivalent of one online class or three online credits per semester to count towards your full-time enrollment. Please register for classes accordingly.

Please Note: If you have only one class left to graduate, this class must be an in-class, traditional course to comply with legal guidelines governing your F-1 status.

Q: I have a foreign (F) hold on my account. How do I clear this hold?
A: To remove the foreign (F) hold from your student account, you are required to purchase a health insurance policy from CSUN International Student Health Insurance policy group. Once you purchase your insurance policy online, the IESC will automatically receive proof of coverage directly from the health insurance provider and your foreign (F) hold will be removed. For more information, please visit our Health Insurance Requirement webpage.

If you have questions or concerns, please email insurance@csun.edu. 

Q: What type of courses are offered at CSUN?
A:  Please check the Schedule of Classes for the course format offered every semester. 

Q: How do I register for classes?

A: As a new undergraduate student, please make sure to contact your International Academic Advisor at The Hub and follow their guidance on class registration. You can reach them at hub.intladvisor@csun.edu. Make sure to register full time (12 units) and make academic progress for the current semester. As a new graduate student, please make sure to contact your Graduate Advisor within your graduate program. Make sure to register full time (8 units) and make academic progress for the semester.

Q: I am a first time new international student. Can I enter the U.S. while enrolled fully online?
A: No. You will not be able to enter the U.S. if you are enrolled in 100% fully online course of study. Please enroll accordingly to all F-1 regulations.

Q: I do have more questions. What should I do?
A:  We understand that you may have additional questions about your F1 visa, I-20, traveling and more. You may schedule an appointment with an international student advisor, see our International Student Advising Options. We are available, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. To contact us, please go here. Click here to sign up for one of our upcoming webinar events.

FAQs FOR CONTINUING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Please read carefully the FAQs listed below:

Q: Should I travel abroad?

A: Please refer to the Travel Advisory section below for the latest information on travel bans, recommendations, and essential documents to carry.

Q: Can I take fully online classes and stay in the U.S.?
A: No. As you plan your enrollment and beyond, make sure you are following the immigration regulations regarding online enrollment: F1 students are permitted to enroll in no more than the equivalent of one online class or three online credits per semester to count towards your full-time enrollment. Please register for classes accordingly.

Q: What type of courses are offered at CSUN?
A: Check the Schedule of Classes for the course format offered this semester.

Q: What type of classes should I enroll to maintain legal F-1 status in the U.S.?
A: As you plan your enrollment and beyond, make sure you are following the immigration regulations regarding online enrollment: F1 students are permitted to enroll in no more than the equivalent of one online class or three online credits per semester to count towards your full-time enrollment. Please register for classes accordingly.  Important Note: If you have only one class left to graduate, this class must be an in-class, traditional course to be in compliance with legal guidelines governing your F-1 status.

Q: My F-1 Visa stamp is expired. Can I renew my F-1 Student Visa in the U.S.?
A: No. The student visa is only a permit to enter the United States and it can only be renewed at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside of the U.S. prior to re-entry. If you have an expired F1 or J1 student visa while in the U.S. and have no plans to leave the U.S., you do not need to worry about your expired visa. Once you are here, your I-20 form becomes the relevant document that keeps you in status. However, please review your I-20 form to make sure that it is not expired. Contact the IESC at least 60 days prior to the I-20 expiration date to inquire about an extension.

Q: How do I obtain a travel signature?
A: To request a travel signature, please complete and submit the Request for a New I-20/DS-2019 form to and indicate reason "Travel" and a new I-20 will be reprinted and signed for travel. Please allow 7-10 business day for processing.

Q: Can I request a leave of absence from CSUN?
A: Yes, you may request a leave of absence for one or two semesters. To request a leave of absence, please contact your International Student Advisor at the IESC.

Q: Can I obtain an immigration status verification letter from the IESC for visa or re-entry purposes?
A: Yes, you may obtain an immigration status verification letter from the IESC. To obtain this letter, please submit the Student Letter Request Form to iescrequest@csun.edu. Please allow 7-10 business day for processing.

Q: What should I do if I have more questions?
A: We understand that you may have additional questions about your F1 visa, I-20, traveling and more. You may schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor, see our International Student Advising Options. We are available, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Click here to to contact us. Click here to sign up for one of our upcoming webinar events.

For more information on the Post-Completion OPT or STEM Extension OPT application process, please visit the appropriate links below:

Pre-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT

STEM Extension OPT

FAQs FOR OPT STUDENTS

Please read carefully the FAQs listed below:

Q: Should I travel abroad?

A: Please refer to the Travel Advisory section below for the latest information on travel bans, recommendations, and essential documents to carry.

Q. I need to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)/STEM OPT extension. Is it possible to apply while I am abroad?
A. No. Students must be physically present in the United States to apply for POST-OPT/STEM OPT Extension. You must be present in the United States when submitting your POST-OPT or an OPT STEM Extension application. The application requires an I-94 number, which is only valid while you are in the United States. If you depart the United States, you will not have a valid I-94 and your application will likely be rejected. We will keep you informed of any new policies and guidance from DHS/USCIS as they become available.

Q: I am on POST-OPT or STEM OPT and my employer has asked me to work remote. Will this affect my F-1 status?
A: Students must still report their employment information. OPT students should follow the same reporting requirements, please see Report (Your POST-OPT/STEM OPT) Employment.

Q: My company/employer is going out of business and I am no longer working for them. What should I do?
A: Students must report their unemployment. To report any change of employment or unemployment please follow the steps in Report (Your POST-OPT/STEM OPT) Employment.

Q: Does the 90-day/150-day unemployment rule apply to POST-OPT/STEM OPT students?
A: Yes, the 90-days/150-day of unemployment rule still stands. DHS is evaluating this issue but has not yet determined whether to implement a specific exemption for exceeding the regulatory limits for unemployment of 90 days for OPT and 150 days for STEM OPT. 

Q. I am currently on OPT but have not found a job yet. I am nearing the end of my 90 days on unemployment, but I am unable to leave the United States. What should I do?
A. In the event you are unable to find paid or unpaid employment and you are nearing the 90th day of unemployment, you have the following options:

• Consider departing the United States. If you are having difficulties leaving due to flight cancelation, travel restrictions etc. Please contact an international advisor for further advise. You may be asked to provide proof of departure difficulties.
• Transfer your SEVIS record to another SEVP school to begin new program. Please note that any OPT time remaining will end.
• Change your visa status to another visa category. You will need to contact an immigration attorney for this option.

***On June 4, 2025, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation and accompanying Fact Sheet that announced restrictions on nationals from certain countries from entering the United States. This “travel ban” begins on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.***

FAQs FOR TRAVEL BAN

Q: Which countries are included in the travel ban that begins on June 9, 2025?

A: There are two sets of countries included in this proclamation, including a ‘full’ suspension for twelve countries and a ‘partial’ suspension for seven other countries.

The ‘full’ travel ban suspends the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants from the following countries:  Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. 

The ‘partial’ ban suspends the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants under the B-1/B-2, F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2 and M-1/M-2 visa categories from the following countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Q: Does the ban impact the status of students that are already in the U.S.?

A: No. The ban only affects the ability of certain nationals from the listed countries to enter the U.S. It does not impact the ability of those already lawfully inside the U.S. to remain and continue their studies as long as they continue to comply with the regulations of their visas.

Q: Does the proclamation revoke the visas of those from one of the affected countries?

A: No. The proclamation explicitly states that it does NOT revoke the validity of any existing visas. While visas may be revoked on other grounds, and at the discretion of the Secretary of State, this proclamation does not constitute a general revocation of visas from the designated countries.

Q: What are travel recommendations for any student that is part of the travel ban?

A: International travel for those students from the 19 designated countries who are already in the U.S. is not recommended, especially if you do not currently have a valid visa for re-entry. Even if you already have a valid visa, we strongly advise against travel while the Presidential Proclamation is active and until the travel restrictions are modified by the government.

IMPORTANT NOTE! The IESC highly recommends that you keep travel restrictions in mind, which can change rapidly and with little to no notice.

FAQS FOR TRAVELING

Q: What to carry when traveling within the U.S?

A: Please make sure you carry the documents listed below:

• Valid Passport
• Valid F1 visa or J1 visa
• Copy of your electronic I-94 form (download your I-94 form here)
• I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature
• Important note: If you are crossing state borders or traveling to San Diego, CA, take the original documents with you.

Q: What to carry when traveling abroad?

A: Please make sure to carry your valid travel documentation.

• Valid passport
• Valid F1 visa or J1 visa
•  I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature *See below on "Need to request your travel signature."
• Students on OPT will also need to carry their EAD card and a letter from their current employer.
• If you need to renew or apply for your F1 or J1 visa, please refer to your local U.S. embassy and U.S. consulate  any updates about visa issuance (if applicable) and additional travel information.
• Make sure to budget for any delays in your return. If applicable, we recommend that you look into purchasing travel insurance to cover for any applicable travel cost.
• If you are traveling to a country other than your home country, check to see if you need a visa to enter that country. 
• Please contact your IESC International Student Advisor immediately to help you coordinate any immigration issues.

How to obtain a travel signature on your Form I-20? 

A: Please note: If you already have a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20, please make sure it is valid. For continuing students, the travel signature is valid for one year from the issue date of the travel signature. For students on OPT, the travel signature if valid for 6 months only. 

• To request a travel signature, please complete and submit the Request for a New I-20/DS-2019 form to iescrequest@csun.edu and indicate reason "Travel" and a new I-20 will be reprinted and signed for travel. Processing times are 7-10 business days; however, processing times may vary during peak times. An electronic I-20 will be sent to you, once your records are reviewed and you are in correct F-1 status. SEVP has allowed for issuance of electronic I-20s. For additional information and resources, please visit the US Department of State, the CDC, and the Travel.State.Gov website.

What if I need to renew my F-1 visa stamp?

A: Students who plan to travel outside the U.S. and need to renew their F-1 visa must do the following:

• Check with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country for appointments, required documents and processing times for visa renewal if applicable. Information on visa applications and U.S. embassies is also available.
• Request a travel signature
• If you would like to request a letter verifying your immigration status, please submit a request to iescrequest@csun.edu
• If you need an enrollment verification letter, please visit Admissions and Records to request one.

Below you will find valuable information that will connect you to various resources on and off campus:

• Please refer to the Department of Homeland Security , Study in the States, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the latest updates.
• Please visit Travel.State.Gov for the latest information on international travel and U.S. visas.
•  For health and safety, please refer to Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the CDC Travelers' Health  for updates regarding travel and warnings.
• The University Counseling Services (UCS) is committed to supporting student mental health, well-being, and academic success.  If you would like to schedule a new or returning appointment, please call (818) 677-2366, option 1, to schedule an appointment. UCS services are free, confidential, and accessible to students.
• To review scholarship opportunities, please click on  Scholarship Opportunities for International Students. 
• Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$): An initiative by the CSU Chancellor’s office to promote the use of low- or no-cost course materials to reduce the financial burden on students. Please click here for more information.
• CSUN Food Pantry: Supplement your weekly grocery needs with support from the CSUN Food Pantry and pick-up non-perishable foods (canned goods, dry packaged foods) and high-demand personal hygiene items.  Please visit CSUN Food Pantry website for information on hours and location, including Pop-Up dates.
• Oviatt Library Resources and Services are available to all students. Please visit their webpage for a list of available services.
• Device Loaner Program: Provides technology to students who are without a device such as a computer or internet hotspot so that you may continue your education uninterrupted. 
• Please visit the Learning Resource Center  to access a variety of learning programs including workshops, one on one and group tutoring, and supplemental instruction classes.
• Join the IESC for Coffee Hour on Fridays!  Invite you to join us on Fridays from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the IESC Office - USU Building C during the semester. This is a great way to meet and make new friends and learn about different cultures from around the world.
• On-Campus Employment: International students are eligible to work on-campus on a part-time basis, which is 20 hours or less per week while school is in session. During vacation periods (summer and winter terms), if you are eligible and intend to register for the next semester, you may work on-campus for 21 or more hours, which is defined as full-time employment.
• Off-campus Employment due to severe economic hardship: An eligible F-1 student may request off-campus employment based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond his or her control. To apply, please review the eligibility and application procedure under Off-campus employment (Economic Hardship).
• Special Student Relief (SSR) designated by Department of Homeland Security: Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for an F‑1 student from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. Regulatory requirements that may be suspended or altered for an F-1 student include: duration of status, full course of study and off-campus employment eligibility. Currently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not issued a SSR for Bangladesh students. If issued, we will make sure to reach out to all students from Bangladesh who are eligible to apply via email. In addition, you can monitor SSR notices issued by DHS by going to the What’s New page on ICE.gov/SEVP.
• YOU@CSUN is a comprehensive online well-being platform intended to enhance student mental health, physical wellness, happiness, and academic success, and to connect students to information, campus resources, peers, and opportunities. 
• CSUN Police Services  provides support for a wide-range of programs and services to make CSUN a safer place to work, learn, and live.  In an EMERGENCY, please dial  911 or TEXT to 911: Text Your Emergency & Location to CSUN PD.
• Student Outreach and Recruitment: Check out their webpage for Campus Tours, Virtual Video Library, and Meet their counselors. In addition, Prospective students can find information on Admission Requirements.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Please review for more information about TPS found on NAFSA's website.

For the most up-to-date information about campus health and safety policies and protocols including masking, vaccinations and boosters, visit CSUN Health and Safety Policies. 

 June 9, 2025

Presidential Proclamation Announced on June 4, 2025

On June 4, 2025, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation and accompanying Fact Sheet that announced restrictions on nationals from certain countries from entering the United States. This “travel ban” begins on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.

"BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 
A PROCLAMATION

During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld.  In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes. 

I also stated that the United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests.  More importantly, the United States must identify such aliens before their admission or entry into the United States.  The United States must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to our national security..."

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