Visa Information — California State University, Bakersfield

Visa Requirements

• Visa Type: F-1 student visa [citation:1].
• Entry Window: You will not be granted entry into the United States unless you have a student visa [citation:1].
• Processing Time: Many U.S. Embassies/Consulates now take approximately four to six weeks to process student visas [citation:1].
• SEVIS I-901 Fee: F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to pay a fee before applying for a visa. The fee cannot be paid at the port of entry. The SEVIS fee is in addition to any other application fees [citation:1].

Required Documents for Visa Appointment

• I-20 from California State University, Bakersfield [citation:1].
• Admission letter [citation:1].
• Valid passport [citation:1].
• Passport size photographs (specifications) [citation:1].
• Financial documents [citation:1].

Post-Arrival Check-in Requirements

• Mandatory Check-in: New students must attend one of the check-in sessions as part of their orientation [citation:1].
• Required Documents at Check-in:
  • Passport with visa and U.S. entry stamp, marked valid for duration of status by "D/S" [citation:1].
  • Copy of I-94 form, which can be retrieved from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website [citation:1].
  • I-20 or DS-2019 [citation:1].
  • Immunization records [citation:1].
  • Final official transcripts and certificates of completion, if they have not yet been submitted [citation:1].
• International Orientation: All newly-admitted students are required to attend international orientation, which is scheduled the Friday before the 1st day of classes [citation:1].

Important Notes

• F-2 and J-2 dependents are exempt from the SEVIS fee [citation:1].
• J-1 visitors whose DS-2019s are issued by the U.S. government are also exempt from the SEVIS fee [citation:1].
• To become eligible for an academic advising appointment, you must: Be admitted to the university, have submitted official transcripts and all required documents as an international student [citation:1].

Contact Information

• International Student & Scholar Programs (ISSP): Contact for visa and immigration questions [citation:1].
• Website: CSUB International Student & Scholar Programs

Note: Visa requirements and fees are subject to change. Please verify all information with the university's International Student & Scholar Programs and the U.S. Department of State.