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Extended Education and International Programs

International Programs

Apply for a J-1 student visa

The following provides information for J-1 visa students. If you are not a J-1 student, please visit F-1 student visa information.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will need to obtain a student visa to study at CSUMB. After acceptance to your program you will receive important immigration documents along with your admissions package in the mail.

Acquiring a student visa can be a lengthy and time-consuming process. The wait times vary by embassy and The U.S. Department of State maintains a list of current wait times. We recommend that you start the process as early as possible.

J-1 student at CSUMB are:

  • Students from partner universities
  • CSUIP (Cal State System exchange program)
  • IREX
  • World Learning
  • ISEP
  • National Student Exchange (non-U.S. Citizens)

J-1 visa students

After you have been accepted to study at CSUMB, you will receive a Form DS-2019 document from CSUMB or your sponsoring organization, and can begin the student visa application process.

How to apply for your J-1 visa

  1. Complete the online visa application - Form DS-160
    1. Print the application confirmation page to bring to your interview
  2. Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must meet photograph requirements
  3. Schedule an interview - at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your permanent residence. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category. Apply for your visa as early as possible.
  4. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa interview. The fee must be paid online. 
  5. Gather required documents
    1. Passport
    2. Form DS-2019
    3. Non-immigrant visa application
    4. I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
  6. Attend your visa interview - be sure to take your required documents (and all documents your local U.S. consulate requires) to your visa interview. 

Canadian citizens do NOT need to go to the U.S. consulate to obtain a visa to enter the U.S.

Entering the U.S.

First, familiarize yourself you documents you may need. Always carry your original documents and make two copies (one for family or friends and one to give to your school officials. Do not put them in your checked baggage. 

Important immigration documents:

Once your student visa is approved, you can enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the start of classes. 

  • At the port of entry, present your passport with your visa and Form I-20. You must also carry the financial documents you presented during your visa interview and your official CSUMB acceptance letter
  • A United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official will review your documents and assign you a record of admissions known as I-94 number
  • CBP official will stamp your passport with an admission stamp. The stamp includes date, class of admission, and duration of status. 

Transfer students currently attending a U.S. school or university do not need to apply for a new visa if they're not planning to leave the U.S. The SEVIS record will need to be transfer to CSUMB (see F-1 visa transfer student section). 

Review important immigration terms

Questions?

Visit the U.S. Department of State or email International Programs.