Welcome to San Diego State University!
The International Student Center (ISC) is excited to welcome you to SDSU! The ISC hosts numerous mandatory and optional activities for new students on F-1 and J-1 visa status to help you better understand your visa requirements, how to navigate life at SDSU, and to make new connections with your peers and the SDSU community.
If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student, please review the below mandatory and optional activities.
For F-1 degree-seeking students:
In addition to the New Student Orientation hosted by New Student & Parent Programs for undergraduate and graduate students, international students are required to complete the following requirements:
- Complete mandatory online F-1 International Student Immigration Orientation by August 17, 2022.
- Attend New International Student Check-In & Reception on Friday, August 19, 2022. As part of your F-1 immigration requirements you must report to the International Student Center after arrival at SDSU. To meet this requirement all new F-1 students are required to attend the New International Student Check-In and Reception. The session is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please review the date, time, location, and what to bring. Registration links are located below:
First Year Undergraduate Students (Requirements Checklist) &
Transfer Undergraduate Students (Requirements Checklist):
WHEN: Friday, August 19 at 10:00am
WHERE: International Student Center
First Year & Transfer Student Registration Link
Graduate Students (Requirements Checklist):
WHEN: Friday, August 19 at 11:00am
WHERE: International Student Center
Graduate Student Registration Link
*NOTE: Graduate students may have an additional graduate department orientation. Please check with your graduate department directly for details.
WHAT TO BRING?
During the Check-In and Reception session we will review the below documents together:
- Your passport
- Your I-20
- Copy or screenshot of your I-94. After you enter the U.S., an electronic record of your admission, known as the I-94, will be created. Retrieve a copy of your I-94 by visiting the CBP website and clicking on "Get Most Recent I-94" and following the steps.
A Resource Fair will be held from 9:00am-11:15am on Friday, August 19 for all international students. The Resource Fair will provide access to critical resources for newly admitted international students such as banking services, phone carriers, transportation, and more.
- Attend New International Student Check In & Reception on Friday August 19, 2022: As part of your J-1 immigration requirements you must report to the International Student Center after arrival at SDSU. To meet this requirement all new J-1 students are required to attend the New International Student Check in and Reception. The Session is approximately 2 hours. Please review the schedule, location, and what to bring. Registration links are located below:
WHEN: Friday, August 19 at 9:00am
WHERE: International Student Center
J-1 Exchange Student Registration Link
WHAT TO BRING?
During the Check-In and Reception session we will review the below documents together:
- Your passport
- Your DS-2019
- Copy or screenshot of your I-94. After you enter the U.S., an electronic record of your admission, known as the I-94, will be created. Retrieve a copy of your I-94 by visiting the CBP website and clicking on "Get Most Recent I-94" and follow the steps.
A
Resource Fair will be held from 9:00am-11:15am on Friday, August 19 for all international
students. The Resource Fair will provide access to critical resources for newly
admitted international students such as banking services, phone carriers,
transportation, and more.
ISC Activities and Workshops:
The ISC participates in the campus wide Welcome Week and hosts optional activities and workshops for F-1 and J-1 students. Below is a schedule of offerings this coming Fall semester.
- ISC Welcome Lounge: August 15, 16, 17, & 18
1:00pm - 3:00pm, International Student Center Lounge
Come talk with ISC Staff and Student Assistants to learn about ISC and SDSU services and resources, San Diego activities, and ask any general questions about SDSU and San Diego. You may also do an early document check with a team member. Be sure to bring your I-20 or DS-2019, passport and visa. No registration needed. Drop by anytime!
- F-1 Undergraduate Employment Authorization Workshop: Tuesday, August 23
9:30am - 10:15am, International Student Center Lounge
Learn about the rules and processes for on-campus and off-campus employment and internships as a new undergraduate student. This workshop helps you to avoid unauthorized work violations. Topics include eligibility for off-campus jobs, how to qualify for a Social Security Number, and a brief overview of off-campus work authorizations Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
REGISTER HERE
- Navigating Life in the U.S. & San Diego: Wednesday, August 24
2:30pm - 3:30pm, International Student Center Lounge
Adjusting to life in the U.S. and making friends in a new environment can be challenging. Join a panel of international students who have experienced the same challenges as they share their experiences and tips on how to build community at SDSU, overcome common obstacles, and more.
REGISTER HERE
- Academic Success!-How to thrive in SDSU classes: Wednesday, August 24
3:45pm - 4:45pm, International Student Center Lounge
What is the American university academic culture like? How different is the education system and the expectation going to be from what you are accustomed to? Hear the stories of current undergraduate and graduate students on how they navigate university life and succeed academically at SDSU.
REGISTER HERE
- J-1 Exchange Employment Workshop: Thursday, August 25
12:30pm - 1:30pm, International Student Center Lounge
Learn about the J-1 rules and processes for on-campus and off-campus employment and internships as a new J-1 Exchange student. This workshop helps you to avoid unauthorized work violations as a J-1 Exchange student. Topics include how to qualify for a Social Security Number for on-campus employment, and a brief overview of work authorization Academic Training.
REGISTER HERE
- F-1 Graduate Employment Authorization Workshop: Thursday, August 25
2:00pm - 2:45pm, International Student Center Lounge
Learn about the rules and processes for on-campus and off-campus employment and internships as a new Masters or Doctoral student. This workshop helps you to avoid unauthorized work violations as a new international student. Topics include Teaching/Research Assistantships, how to qualify for a Social Security Number, and a brief overview of off-campus work authorizations Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
REGISTER HERE
- International Student Center Social Hour: Friday, August 26
12:00pm - 2:00pm, International Student Center Lounge
A campuswide Welcome Week activity! Spend some time with the SDSU International Community at the ISC! This is the perfect space to meet new people, play some games, enjoy light refreshements, music, and more! No registration needed. Drop by anytime!
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