Post Admission / Pre-Arrival / Arrival

Now that you have been admitted to California State University, Bakersfield, we want to take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome you to both CSUB and the city of Bakersfield.

Your Next Steps

Before you book your airline ticket to Bakersfield, you will need to apply for a student visa. You will not be granted entry into the United States unless you have a student visa. Apply for a visa in the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country.

Many U.S. Embassies/Consulates now take approximately four to six weeks to process student visas. Gather the following documents before proceeding with the visa appointment:

  • I-20 from California State University, Bakersfield
  • Admission letter
  • Valid passport
  • Passport size photographs (specifications)
  • Financial documents
Information concerning the SEVIS I-901 fees can be found at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

WHO MUST PAY THIS 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.

EXEMPTIONS AND SPECIAL CASES:
F-2 and J-2 dependents are exempt from the SEVIS fee. J-1 visitors whose DS-2019s are issued by the U.S. government are also exempt

New students must attend one of the check-in sessions as part of their orientation. If you missed the check-in session, go directly to ISSP and tell them you need to check in.

The following documents must be presented at the time of check-in:

  • Passport with visa and U.S. entry stamp, marked valid for duration of status by "D/S"
  • Copy of I-94 form, which can be retrieved from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Immunization records
  • Final official transcripts and certificates of completion, if they have not yet been submitted
All newly-admitted students are required to attend international orientation, which is scheduled the Friday before the 1st day of classes.
Communication on scheduling an advising appointment and registering for classes for the Fall 2024 semester will come from the campus or the academic school of your major.

In order 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
  • Contact the Student Services Center for the department of your intended major for more information