Travel and Entry to U.S

When can I enter the U.S?
A student can enter the U.S 30 days prior to their program start date on their I-20 or DS-2019. This rule is enforced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to regulate the arrival of new international students

May I enter the U.S before the 30 days window?
No, a student can enter the U. S only 30 days prior, not more than that.

What document do I need to show to enter the U.S?
To enter the U.S., you need to carry your Form I-20 or DS2-10, a valid passport, a student visa, the SEVIS fee receipt, your admission letter from the school, proof of U.S. residential address, and financial documents Carrying photocopies of your passport and other documents is also advised. You can find more information at travel.state.gov

What are the requirements of entries and exits regarding the U.S?
Upon entry, the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to permit or deny admission. An Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) will be electronically issued to you, tracking your entries and exits in the U.S. This I-94 serves as proof of your lawful entry to the United States. For exits, students on F-1 visas can leave the U.S. for short periods (not exceeding 5 months). If the absence exceeds 5 months, you'll need a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID, and you'll have to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee again.

Check-in After Arrival

Where do I get the I-94 entry certificate?
Once you enter the U.S after immigration, student should be able to download the I-94 form from I94.cbp.dhs.gov.

How do I update and/or confirm the status of my address and phone number?
In your student center, go to personal information and update your address, phone number and email addresses.

Why is check-in important?
Check-in is vital as it helps the university understand whether a student has entered the U.S. and reporting to campus. It also ensures that the student is not missing any required information before classes start. This process is crucial for maintaining the status of your enrollment and complying with immigration regulations.

Orientation

I’m new to Sacramento State, is orientation mandatory? Who should I contact regarding that purpose?
Yes, orientation is mandatory for all new Sacramento State students. The orientation program is comprehensive, consisting of a self-paced online orientation through Canvas, and in-person orientation program. This program is designed to provide you with valuable information about academics, immigration regulations, health and safety, campus resources, and more. You will also learn how to submit immigration documents and other information essential for maintaining your immigration status. Additionally, it offers opportunities to meet other Sac State international students. For more information and guidance, check your email after accepting the offer and contact intlprg@csus.edu and visit the ISSS Pre-Arrival and Orientation page.

When are the orientation sessions?
Orientation takes place the week before instruction starts. Please see the Academic Calendar. Specific details are posted on the ISSS Pre-Arrival and Orientation page every term and emailed to students.

What is the program of these orientation sessions?
The orientation sessions are structured to assist students in their transition to campus life. The online orientation covers essential aspects like academics and immigration regulations. During the in-person session you will receive a welcome from leadership, campus tour, academic advising, and critical information about how to maintain your status and be successful at Sac State.

Registration and Academics

How do I get my student ID?
Your student ID number will be mentioned in your admission notice. To get your physical student ID, known as the OneCard, visit the Bursar's Office in Lassen Hall, Room 1001. To obtain a new card, you must verify your information, present your passport, have your picture taken, and pay a $15 fee. This card serves multiple purposes, including being a library card, access card for campus events, and public transit card.

How can I pay my tuition fees?
Payments can be made in-person, online, and by mail. Please see details on the Bursar’s Office website.

How much are the tuition fees?
An estimate of your tuition and living expenses can be found on your I-20 or DS-2019. However, specific calculations can be found on the Bursar’s Office website. International students must pay registration fees, per-unit non resident fees, and mandatory health insurance.

How do I register for courses?
New first-year students at Sacramento State are pre-enrolled in their first-year classes through the Hornet Launch Program. This program arranges schedules for new students, ensuring a meaningful start to their education.

Undergraduate transfer students must register in classes after receiving academic advising. Academic advising is available through their college’s Student Success Center, as well as during orientation.

Graduate Students must work directly with their Graduate Program Coordinator for guidance on enrollment procedures for their specific program.

How can I connect with my academic advisors?
Undergraduate students should connect with the Student Success Center associated with their major. To find out which college your major falls under, please see the list of colleges and departments.

• Engineering and Computer Science
• College of Business
• Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies
• Health & Human Services
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics
• Arts and Letters
• Education

Visas and Immigration Regulations

What are the documents needed for the F-1 visa in-person interview at my local embassy?
For an F-1 visa interview, you typically need to present your passport, the Form I-20 or DS-2019 (issued by the university you plan to attend), a SEVIS fee receipt, a visa application (Form DS-160) confirmation page, a photograph in the prescribed format, and financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. You may also need additional documents such as academic transcripts, test scores, and proof of intent to return to your home country after your studies.

Can I work as an F-1 student?
Yes, you can work as an F-1 student. The regulations allow you to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and more than 20 hours per week during school breaks. It's important to comply with these guidelines to maintain your visa status.

Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) to be able to work?
Yes, you need an SSN to legally work in the U.S. As an F-1 student, once you secure a job offer, you can apply for an SSN.

Where can I find job opportunities on campus?
To find job opportunities on the Sacramento State campus, you can utilize the following resources:

• Career Center: Helps with job searches, interviews, resumes, and more.
• Handshake Portal: A job-search portal for students and alumni, offering listings for on-campus jobs, internships, and more at Handshake.
• UEI Jobs
• ASI Jobs
• Aramark (Campus Dining)

Note Handshake and UEI includes both on and off campus postings. When searching for on-campus positions it is important to apply filters to identify on-campus positions only.

What is considered a full-time student?
For undergraduate students, full-time status means enrolling in at least 12 credit hours per semester (Fall and Spring). For graduate students, full-time status is defined as 9 credit hours per semester (Fall and Spring).

What are the minimum requirements to stay in status?
To maintain F-1 status, you must be enrolled as a full-time student, make satisfactory academic progress, not engage in unauthorized employment, and keep your passport valid. You must also keep your I-20 updated and report any changes in your address or program to your school's international student office. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the loss of your F-1 status. Detailed information about how to maintain your status can be found on the Maintaining Your F-1 / J-1 Status.

Health Care and Health Insurance

Do I need health insurance?
Yes, Sacramento State requires all international students on F-1 and J-1 visas to have health insurance. You will be automatically enrolled in the CSU approved UHCSR plan once you enroll in classes.

For more information, please visit this page: https://www.csus.edu/international-programs-global-engagement/international-student-scholar-services/international-student-health-insurance.html

Am I required to purchase the insurance affiliated to Sacramento State?
Yes, you are required to have the UHCSR plan unless you qualify for a waiver.

What is the cost of the health Insurance?
Health insurance rates vary by semester. For details, please visit the Health Insurance page.

How do I subscribe to health insurance?
Students are automatically enrolled in the plan once they enroll in units. Then, the health insurance fee is applied to your Student Center. You do not need to enroll yourself directly. However, since registering in units triggers your enrollment in health insurance, it’s very important to register for classes during the priority enrollment period.

What if I already have a health Insurance?
You may request a waiver from the UHCSR health insurance if you are covered under a government-sponsored scholarship (e.g. AMIDEAST, SACM) or have a U.S.-based, employer-sponsored health insurance plan through a spouse or parent. Certain types of insurance will not be accepted for waivers, such as coverage through a CPT or OPT employer, travel insurance, and international insurance plans underwritten outside the U.S. For details, please visit the Health Insurance page.

How can I schedule an appointment with a doctor?
To find your PPO In-Network List of doctors, Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers visit UnitedHealthcare Student Resources. You can also search for doctors, hospitals or urgent care centers on the UHCSR App. From your mobile device or tablet go to the App Store or Google Play and search for the UHCSR app to download. For questions about the app, please visit www.uhcsr.com or call UHCSR at: 1-800-767-0700. In case of a life-threatening emergency call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room.

Does Sacramento State have Health care facilities?
Sacramento State provides a Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness center, offering an integrated approach to physical and mental healthcare. Services include illness and injury care, psychological services, nutritional health care, and more. Currently enrolled students who pay health fees are eligible to access these services. Additional fees may apply for certain specialty services. For more details or to access services, visit Student Health and Counseling Services.

Housing

What are the options for housing in Sacramento State?
There are two options, one is on-campus and off-campus housing. Please see resources below for each:
On-campus Housing Resources
Off-Campus Housing Resources


What are the costs of living in Sacramento State? What about outside the campus?
Estimates of living expenses, including housing, can be found at the Bursar's Office website.

Miscellaneous

Do I need a U.S phone number during the course of my study in the U.S?
Yes, you should have the U. S phone number during the course, and you must update your U. S phone number in your student center. J-1 students are required to have a US phone number for their SEVIS record.

How do I get a California Driver License?
To obtain a California Driver's License as an international student, you need to pass a written exam, a driving test, and provide various documents, including proof of your legal presence in the U.S., such as your passport and I-20 form. You should visit the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to start the application process. It's recommended to study the California Driver Handbook and possibly take driving lessons if you're not familiar with U.S. driving laws. Find more information at dmv.ca.gov.

Is there public transportation available on and outside the campus?
Yes, Sacramento State offers convenient public transportation options. There are frequent buses to and from the campus via SacRT and the Hornet Shuttle. Additionally, with your Student ID, transportation within Sacramento is free, making it easier and more affordable to commute to campus and explore the city.