Visa and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Information

You have been sent a certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) to be presented at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy when you interview for an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor visa. You should be prepared to present your original financial documents and your letter of admission.

• SEVIS (I-901) Fee: Please pay the fee online before going to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for your visa interview.
• WARNING: Do not enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa unless "prospective student" is noted.  Do not enter the U.S. on a visa waiver, or you will be refused at the U.S. point of entry. Dependents (F-2, J-2) must have their own, entirely separate Form I-20 or DS 2019.
   

You are not required to become an F-1 or J-1 visa holder in order to study at Cleveland State University. Please note that, F-2 visa holders who wish to enroll in full-time credits (>11 for undergraduate studies or > 8 for graduate studies) must change to an F-1 visa. Students in F-2 status may be enrolled in a degree-seeking program but may only study part-time. The advisors in the Center for International Services and Programs will provide advice and referrals to students with any visa status, as needed. 

U.S. immigration regulations require you maintain valid F-1 status at your current institution before your transfer to CSU. Your current institution's DSO/ International Advisor should send your immigration record to Cleveland State via the school-to-school SEVIS transfer process. If you are "out of status," you must discuss your situation with a CISP advisor during a scheduled advising appointment. A Form I-20 for CSU will not be provided to you but can be provided after you register for classes. 

WARNING: The SEVIS transfer process MUST be completed within 15 days of the start of your new term, or you will have violated your F-1 status. You may not work on campus until your F-1 immigration transfer has been approved.

Please schedule an advising appointment with an immigration advisor so that we may determine if a J-1 transfer is possible. Please provide a copy of your current Form DS-2019, your J-1 visa and most recent I-94.