WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, DOMINGUEZ HILLS

                                                                                                                                                 

Now that you have been admitted to California State University, Dominguez Hills and as we anticipate your joining us, we want your stay with us to be pleasant! Therefore, we hope to give you a few "tips" that may help you in your preparation and after your arrival. While in the United States, you will need to obey all the rules and regulations set forth by those in authority. These will include insurance regulations, tax rules, etc. We would also encourage you to take advantage of the activities and diversity of cultures while you are here in the United States of America. Plan to get involved in the various activities and reach out to those around you. In doing so, not only do you gain some insight on the American culture, but we gain insight on your culture.
 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES (ISSO)

                                                                                                                                                                                      

International Student Services Office (ISSO) is the campus office that assists international students with F-1 visas in all areas connected with attending California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).  We process applications, make decisions on admitting undergraduate students and make recommendations for admitting graduate students.  ISSO handles the immigration (USCIS) issues for students: I-20s, travel validation, visitor validation, bank certification letters and practical training work permits.

Here is the International Student Services Office (ISSO) staff:

TIPS ON VISA APPLICATION 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

What are the basic requirements for a student visa (F-1) ?

Student Must:

  • Register and pay the $100 (non-refundable) Federal fee on-line at www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml,
  • Prove they have been accepted by a school for a certificate or a degree course,
  • Have sufficient English skills to complete their studies or show that the school will provide them with adequate English language training,
  • Show evidence that they have enough money to pay for their school fees and all living expenses without having to work.
  • Show that they have compelling reasons to return to their own country once they have completed their studies.
What are the procedures for applying for an F-1 student visa?

The first step is for you or a representative to take your passport to the U.S. Embassy or American Consulate General to make an appointment for an interview and ask for an application form.  You should plan early, since there may be a waiting period of a few weeks between your appointment and going to the interview.

When you appear for the actual interview, you should bring with you your passport, the visa application form, one 1.5" photo, the SEVIS I-20 Form issued by the school that accepted you, originals and photocopies of your financial support documents, and your examination and school results.

You will be required to have an interview, in English, with a visa officer.  Questions that the visa officer may ask you include:

"Why do you want to study in the United States of America (USA)?"
"What kind of subjects do you want to study?"                                                                                                                                                                      "How does your education in the USA affect your future when you return home?"
"What are your plans after you graduate?"

Do not over-rehearse your interview, and be sure to listen carefully to the questions the visa officer asks.

You will find out at the end of the interview whether or not your application has been approved.  If you are granted the visa, you will have to return a few days later to pick up your passport, which will have the photo-copies of your financial documents attached. You will need these when you enter the USA.  The name of your school will be written on your visa.

If you decide to attend a different school, you must re-apply for a new F-1 student visa.

If your application is denied, your passport will be stamped "application received," and you will not be able to apply again for a couple of months. You should ask the visa officer for the specific reason why you were denied.  You may apply again only if you have new evidence to support your application.

How can I prove that I have been accepted to study at an American university?

You will receive an acceptance letter and a SEVIS I-20 Form. These are documents you will need to show the U.S. Consulate to prove that you have been accepted by a school. If you receive a SEVIS I-20 Form from a school that you do not plan to attend, you should return the form to that school.

How can I show that I have sufficient financial resources to pay for my studies?

You need to prove that you have enough money available to pay for the first year of your studies and living expenses. You will also need to show evidence that you will continue to be able to pay for the remaining period of study in the USA. The amount that you will need, including tuition and living costs, is shown on the SEVIS I-20 Form (total of $30,000 (US) per year see page one sections 7 & 8 on your SEVIS I-20 Form).

Any document which proves that you have sufficient funds in US dollars can be used to support your visa application. Students most often use their sponsor's bank passbooks, showing savings, fixed deposits, etc.

As evidence that funds will continue to be available after the first year, the visa officer would like to see your own, or your sponsor's, financial statements for the past three years, indicating that there has been a steady income.

Ideally, someone in your immediate family will act as your sponsor. It is possible for someone else, such as a close family friend, to sponsor you, but the visa officer would want a clear explanation, preferably in writing, why this person is willing to sponsor you for the duration of your study in the USA.

How can I prove that I return to my home country when I finish my studies in the USA?

When you apply for your student visa, the visa officer will look for three things which "tie" you to your home country:

  • Your social ties may be called into questions if you have spent a long period of time away from your country, for example, if you have been studying in another country.
  • The visa officer may ask about your family ties if you have several relatives living abroad.
  • You should be able to prove strong economic ties if your family has a business or own property in your home country.
How long is the visa valid?

The visa is valid for at least the period specified on the SEVIS I-20 Form.  Normally, a visa will be valid for three years. If any question may arise about your visa length, you should make sure to explain to the visa officer that your I-20 Form is from a 4-year university.

Carefully read your SEVIS I-20 Form!!!

Carefully read all the pages attached to your SEVIS I-20 Form.  Print your full name and sign it and date the bottom of page 1.

WHAT TO BRING

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The Los Angeles area generally has warm weather, but it does get cool in the evenings and during the winter season. You will probably want to have a warm coat and some sweaters. Students usually dress casually for classes, so you will see both men and woman wearing jeans, sweatshirt, etc. Dresses and suits are appropriate for more formal occasions. As a rule, it is better to bring clothes that are easy to care for and not those that need frequent cleaning and ironing.

Please feel free to bring/wear your national dress as we welcome you and the culture you represent. There is not usually much rain in Southern California, although there are times when an umbrella is necessary (January through March).

If you bring small electrical appliances from your own country (iron, hair dryer, electric razor), you should bring an adapter plug. U.S. electrical current is 110-115, 60 cycle AC. We encourage you to bring the following: a good dictionary with both your language and English, traditional clothing from your country (you may have the opportunity to share your culture with others), and your favorite music and pictures. You will need to provide your own blankets, sheets, towels, lamps, pillow, etc. These items can be easily purchases after you arrive if you do not wish to bring them with you.
 

TRAVEL TO THE U.S.

Since you have obtained your SEVIS I-20 form with your Admissions packet, you can apply for your visa from the U.S. Consulate. After this, you should arrange for your transportation at least one month before you plan to leave (if possible). If possible, try to arrive in Los Angeles between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you arrive at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about a 1/2 hour drive from the airport to CSUDH campus. Take any of the airport shuttle services that are available 24 hours a day (van or bus). Show them the attached map. Make sure you are dropped off at our campus apartments (it is a long walk from the front of campus to housing--1 mile. The airport shuttle service cost is approximately $25 (with tip). Three companies that serve our area are: BEST SHUTTLE: telephone (800) 606-7433 or SHUTTLE 2000: telephone (800) 977-7872 or SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COACH: telephone (800) 232-6224, FAX (714) 978-2516.
 

USING PAY PHONES

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

All U.S. phone numbers have seven digits plus a three area code which comes before the number. The Carson-Dominguez area code is 310 and the seven digit telephone number for CSUDH-ISSO (310) 243-2215.  If you are outside the 310 area, you will need to dial 1-(310)-243-2215. The Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is in the 213 area so you will need to dial 1-(310)-243-2228 to reach CSUDH apartments. For information dial 1-(310)-555-1212.  To use a pay phone you will need U.S. coins. Place .25 (a U.S. quarter) in the appropriate slot, and after hearing the dial tone, dial your number. After you deposit your .25 in the telephone and dial your number, the operator will come on the phone and tell you how much money you need to put in. Be prepared ahead of time with U.S. coins. After depositing the correct amount, your call will be connected. Always check the coin-return slot; your initial .25 cents will be returned to you unless it was a local call which needed only .25 cents. When calling the operator of directory assistance, your .25 will be returned to you.
 

REGISTERING FOR CLASSES AND PAYING TUITION & FEES OVERSEAS

  1. Use the “Toro Web” site www.csudh.edu to contact your academic advisor.  All newly admitted students must clear their registration “hold” by contacting their academic advisor.
  2. Use the “Toro on line” registration system to look up a catalog definition of your major, read the class schedule, select classes and to register for classes.
  3. If you cannot use the” Toro on Line” Web site telephone (310) 243-2734.
  4. When registering to identify yourself use your CSUDH assigned ten digit I.D. number that starts out with a 983 number. 
  5. Your registration PIN number is your six-digit birth date.
CSUDH Cashier’s FAX number is (310) 516-4432.  For more information about F-1 student visa (USCIS), banks, hotels, car rentals, local newspapers, weather, activities and income taxes (IRS) look up www.csudh.edu/isso.

U.S. CURRENCY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The U.S. monetary system follows the decimal system. The basic unit is the dollar and "$" is the dollar symbol. Bills in denominations of $1, $5, $10, and $20 are widely used but also come in $2, $50, $100 and higher. The dollar can be divided into 100 cents. The coins are: 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), and 50 cents (half-dollar).
   

PAYING YOUR SCHOOL BILLS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Complete payment for each semester is required at registration. Be prepared to pay for your tuition at the time of your registration. If you are living on campus, be prepared to pay for your housing and board at the time of registration. If you bring money to the U.S. in a check or money order and deposit it in a bank, it may take up to three weeks for the check to be processed and become available for your use. You will need an American Social Security number to open a bank account.

COSTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Besides tuition, many times there are additional fees to be paid while attending an American university. To help you plan better for the cost of your education, some of the extra fees are listed below:
    State University Fees Undergraduate: $ 1,700 Graduate: $2,020 (per semester)
    International Matriculation Fee $ 50 (one time)
    Transcript Copy Fee $ 4 (per copy)
    Graduation Fee $ 20
    Non-Resident Tuition Fees $ 339 (per unit)
    Mandatory International Health Insurance $1,050* (per 12 months)
    Diploma Fee $ 15
If you are in a music, art, or science program, additional fees may be charged to cover extra expenses, such as choir outfits, recitals, laboratory costs, research fees, etc. Each class that has an extra fee should be explained in the class schedule and/or catalog. Prices are subject to change.  

             Activities & Facilities Fee

         $ 70 per semester
             Student Center Fee         $ 93 per semester
             Health Services Fee         $ 43 per semester
             Revised Evaluation         $ 5 per copy
             On-Campus Apartments (12 months)         $ 6,800  (two people per room)

*Note: International medical insurance requires that you are insured for $250,000 (US) for injury or sickness including repatriation and medical evacuation to your home country. You will pay for this policy at the mandatory International Student Orientation Program during the first week of registration or not be allowed to enroll in classes.

The Estimated International Student Budget Sheet attached to your SEVIS I-20 form is based on actual school and living expenses.  It is a modest list of expenses for a 12 month period. It is advisable to have a minimum of $30,000 per year available to pay for non-resident tuition, fees, room, utilities, meals, medical insurance, transportation, telephone calls and incidentals.  These expenses do not include purchasing a car which will cost you a minimum of additional $12,000.  The California State University System charges the same tuition and fees for all 23 campuses. The CSU System non-resident tuition is below the US national average for university non-resident tuition and fees.


No financial aid is available to international students. It is for this reason that the Confidential Financial Statement Sheet documents who your sponsor is by name and that they will be able to support you for the duration of your stay with all your expenses (working is not to be part of your earned income of support). Failure to have adequate sponsorship could result in dismissal from CSUDH and your returning to your home country.

HEALTH SCREENING

All new students are required to present proof of measles, rubella and Hepatitis B immunizations prior to enrollment.  Proof of immunizations must be taken to the Health Center in person.  The Health Center can provide measles/rubella and Hepatitis B immunizations without cost to those students unable to obtain acceptable proof of immunizations.

HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION

Contrary to what is true in most foreign countries, there are no free medical facilities in the United States. HEALTH CARE IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE! Therefore, we advise you to take care of any current medical or dental problems before leaving your own country. CSUDH requires all international student in attendance to carry international student health insurance.

For your benefit, safety, and convenience, the university has made arrangements for students to purchase a reasonable but comprehensive health insurance package. Health insurance protects you from having to pay, by yourself, large medical bills that can arise even from simple medical procedures. Insurance for any dependents that come with you is available also. However, it is limited, and so we encourage you to purchase insurance for your dependents from your own country.

All F-1 visa students are required to carry a comprehensive medical insurance in the minimum amount of $250,000 for each accident of illness. Your CSUDH policy will include coverage for repatriation and medical evacuation to your home country (unlike residential policies). Cost is $1,050 per year (12 months). You may not complete registration without proof of a CSUDH medical insurance policy (your insurance card). If you fail to maintain your health insurance while attending the university you will be out-of-status and not eligible for a work permit or travel validation to return to the USA.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

The apartment complex, known as "Student Housing," is located on the northeast corner of campus, just a few minutes' walk from classrooms and campus recreation areas.  Each of the 164 apartments in the complex are carpeted, draped and fully furnished with full kitchens.  The complex includes two multipurpose buildings housing an office, computer lab, recreation and meeting rooms and laundry facilities. The complex grounds are for relaxing, exercising and recreation, and include basketball and volleyball courts, picnic tables and barbecue pits.  Convenient residential parking partially surrounds the complex.

As an on-campus resident, you can expect to be exposed to more individuals with different interests, backgrounds and philosophies on a day-to-day basis than probably in any other living situation.   Approximately 470 students live on campus out of 12,000 enrolled student body.  In addition, you can expect educational, recreational, social and cultural programs developed for and by residents that enhance the congenial "I belong" atmosphere. You do not need to own a car if you live on campus. Finally, you can expect living on campus to make your university life more fulfilling and exciting.

A very limited number of rooms are available to international students who need a temporary place to live while they get settled in the local area.  To apply for a room go on-line and fill-out their housing form and submit it with the $45 fee.  If you are interested in further information about on-campus living, please E-Mail: housing@csudh.edu or telephone (310) 243-2228 or FAX (310) 516-4275.  Early application is expected.  After applying you will need to make a $300 deposit. 

Housing application form
 

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

SEVIS I-20 FORM:  This is the only USCIS document issued by CSUDH.  CSUDH does not issue the J - 1 "visitor exchange" visa to students.  You may go to a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate and obtain a an F-1 student visa after paying the $100 registration fee.  You must show them your CSUDH admissions letter and SEVIS I-20 as well as evidence of financial support.

Once you arrive in the United States of America you will need to present your SEVIS I-20 to the U.S. Customs officer.  He/she will stamp your I-20 and return it to you.  Do not throw away your SEVIS I-20 I.D. since you will need it throughout your stay at CSUDH.

PASSPORT:  At all times in the U.S. and when traveling outside of the USA, you must maintain a passport which is valid for at least six months.
F-1 STUDENT VISA STAMP:  Secured outside the U.S. in order to gain entry, the F-1 student stamp visa is placed within your passport.  It is only a border crossing permit used for single or multiple entries into the U.S.  The expiration date indicated on the visa means that you must enter the U.S. prior to this date.  However, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. (even if the visa stamp has expired) as long as you remain in legal status and your I-94 number is valid .  If your I-94 number has "D/S" (Duration of Status) written on it you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. in full-time student status until you complete your studies (as stated on your SEVIS form I-20).

I-94 CARD:  This is the white arrival-departure card which you fill out as you enter the United States.  This card records your entry date to the U.S. and indicated the visa you have.  The I-94 in marked with a "D/S" when you pass through the U.S. Custom, this means "Duration of Status" and you may remain in the USA as long as you are in legal student status.  The I-94 will be stapled in your passport.  Please be careful not to lose or misplace your I-94 as it may be needed during your stay at CSUDH and the U.S. Immigration Service charges a substantial fee to replace it.  It is necessary that you bring your passport, I-20, and I-94 to the International Student Services office in order to register.  Copies will be made and kept in your file in case your forms are lost or stolen.  You must turn in your I-94 card when departing the USA.  You will receive a new I-94 card and number upon returning through customs at the airport.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

Accredited:  To be officially recognized as meeting specific standard (CSUDH) is accredited by the Western Association Of Schools and Colleges).

Agent:  A person who acts for or represents a company by helping customers.

Bathroom:  Restroom; toilets; water closet; WC.

Beverage:  Something to drink.

CSUDH:  California State University, Dominguez Hills (one of 23 campuses in the CSU System).

Credits:  See "Units."

Customs:  The government office that examines imported goods.

DMV:  Department Of Motor Vehicles. This is where you may obtain your driver's license and/or California Identification card. An International Driver's License is only valid for a short period of time once you arrive in the U.S. You will need to obtain a California driver's license if you plan to drive during your stay here (remember you must also have automobile insurance).

Figure Out:  To decide or understand about something.

Full-Time:  As an F-1 international student you are required by the U.S. Immigration to be enrolled as a full-time student. Full-time for undergraduate students is 12 units each semester; for graduate student it is 8 units per semester minimum.

Graduate Student:  One who enrolls in a master's degree program after having obtained the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree.

I.D.  Number: Identification number is assigned to you by CSUDH.  Your academic records will be kept on the computer under this number to avoid any confusion with others who may have a similar name as yours.   

Illegal:  Not lawful.


USCIS:  The US Government of Customs Immigration and Naturalization Services (USCIS) office examines visas and passports and admits foreigners to the country.

Inspector:  A person who examines or checks your luggage at the airport or border crossing.

IRS:  Department of the Treasury of Internal Revenue Services (IRS).  The IRS requires that all non-residents report their income yearly by filing a 1040NR, 540NR by April 14th.  All international student who did not earn money in the USA must fill out the 8843 income tax exemption form June 15th.

ISSO:  International Student Services Office.

L.A.:  Los Angeles.

Lost And Found:  The office where you take things you find and look for things you lose.

Out-Of-Status:  Category an international student is given by the USCIS when failing to enroll in the institution issuing their I-20 form full-time (they will not qualify for travel validations and work permits and maybe deported if not placed back in status).

Porter:  A person who carries your baggage.

Print: To write in readable block letters.

SEVIS:  Student Enrollment Visa Information System.  USCIS computer system that reports and tracks international student data in real time (enrollment, address, data)

Shuttle:  Short, connecting transportation between two places (van or bus).  Use a public shuttle service to arrive from LAX airport to campus.  LAX is only 20 minutes away from campus.

Undergraduate Student:  One who enrolls in the university after having graduated and obtained the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.

Units:  In order to graduate you must have a certain amount of "units" or credits which are based upon the number of hours of study. Each class is awarded a number of units, usually 3 units per class (3 hours per week). Undergraduates must have at least 126 units to graduate. Required units for graduate students will vary depending on the specific major (average is 35 units).

Valid:  Officially accepted.

Violation:  Breaking of a law or rule.

The Dominguez mascot is the Toro, also known as a bull.  Our university colors are burgundy red and gold (like USC). 

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California State University, Dominguez Hills • 1000 E. Victoria Street • Carson, California 90747 • (310) 243-3696
If any of the material is in violation of a copyright, please contact copyright@csudh.edu.
Last updated 10-August -2006 - @2006 Copyright - Academic Technology -CSUDH -RB