Request Forms

Request Forms

The International Student Center (ISC) receives requests electronically. All of our requests are listed below by category.  Click on each request to expand text and read a description of the objective for each one, as well as a list of required actions or documents, if any are required. 

The processing time for ISC requests is a maximum of 7 business days. Business days are Monday - Friday. Holidays and weekends are not business days and no processing happens on these days. Plan accordingly and submit your request as early as possible. It is your responsibility to be aware of deadlines. Incomplete requests will not be processed, and your 7 business day processing time will start over once a completed request is submitted. 

ACADEMIC CHANGES

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you have changed your major and you need an updated I-20 that reflects the new major.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you will not complete your program by the program completion date listed on your I-20 and your I-20 is expiring at the end of this term.  Extension of your I-20 will extend your F-1 immigration status. Note: You cannot request an extension after your I-20 has already expired.

Required Documents:

  • Advisor's Signature Form: This form is to be filled out by an academic/graduate advisor supporting the I-20 extension.  
  • Financial Statement Form:  The financial statement form must be completed, signed, and dated by the student (page 1) and the student's financial sponsor (page 2) prior to submission.
  • Financial Proof: Read criteria carefully before submitting to avoid processing delays. 

You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the additional semester(s) indicated in your I-20 extension request.

Processing Time: 7 business days

CHANGE OF IMMIGRATION STATUS

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you have:

  • Adjusted visa status and will conclude use of F-1 or J-1 visa;
  • Completed your degree program with no intention of applying for OPT;
  • Withdrawn early from OPT/STEM OPT and will depart the U.S.;
  • Withdrawn from SDSU and will not finish your degree.


Required Action: meet or speak with an international student advisor about your e-Request prior to submitting it. Otherwise, the e-Request will not be processed.

Required Documents: will vary depending on the reason, see below:

  • Withdrawing from the university and will not finish your degree program: Submit proof of reported withdrawal from SDSU.
  • Completing degree program, with no intention of applying for OPT: Submit a copy of degree evaluation or transcript showing that you graduated.
  • Withdrawing early from OPT/STEM OPT, and will depart the U.S.: Submit copy of EAD card.
  • Adjusted visa status and will conclude use of your F-1 or J-1 visa:
    • Submit a copy of I-797 approval notice.
    • Submit a copy of the new visa type, or I-94.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are currently enrolled at SDSU in a non-F1 category and will apply to change to F1 status in the U.S.

Required Action: meet or speak with an international student advisor about your e-Request prior to submitting it. Otherwise, the e-Request will not be processed.

Required Documents:

  • Copy of your Current U.S. Visa
  • Copy of Passport Biographic Page
  • Financial Statement Form:  The financial statement form must be completed, signed, and dated by the student (page 1) and the student's financial sponsor (page 2) prior to submission.
  • Financial Proof: Read criteria carefully before submitting to avoid processing delays. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for 1 academic year.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are a continuing student who needs a new SEVIS ID to be generated for one of the following reasons: 

  1. You are currently in a non-F-1 immigration status and plan to depart the U.S. to obtain an F-1 student visa and acquire F-1 Status.
  2. You were in F-1 status but are now out of status and plan to re-establish legal presence in the U.S. by departing the U.S. and re-entering.

Note that a new SEVIS fee must be paid to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This form is not for newly admitted students requiring an I-20.

Required Action: meet or speak with an international student advisor about your e-Request prior to submitting it. Otherwise, the e-Request will not be processed.

Required Documents:

  • Financial Statement Form: The financial statement form must be completed, signed, and dated by the student (page 1) and the student's financial sponsor (page 2) prior to submission.
  • Financial Proof: Read criteria carefully before submitting to avoid processing delays. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for 1 academic year

Processing Time: 7 business days

DEPARTURE/LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are an international student who will take a leave of absence from SDSU and needs to take the appropriate action on their F-1 SEVIS record to depart the U.S. 

Required Action: Before submitting this form,  please review the ISC’s Leave of Absence webpage and make a required appointment to speak with an International Student Advisor.

Required Document:
  • Departure flight information

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are currently on a leave of absence and would like to return to SDSU to resume your degree program. For information on returning from a Leave of Absence, please review the ISC’s Leave of Absence webpage.

Required Documents:
  • Screenshot of your My.SDSU record showing that all holds have been removed for the semester in which you will return OR a screenshot showing your enrollment in classes for the semester in which you will return.
     
  • Financial Statement Form:  The financial statement form must be completed, signed, and dated by the student (page 1) and the student's financial sponsor (page 2) prior to submission.
  • Financial Proof: Read criteria carefully before submitting to avoid processing delays. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for 1 academic year

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to either transfer your SEVIS record to another U.S. school OR if you need a transfer clearance form to be completed. 

Required Action: Only students who will not complete their degree program at SDSU and are transferring out are required to speak with an ISC advisor. To make an appointment, please contact us.

Required Documents: Vary depending on type of request:
  • For SEVIS Transfer Out Request:
     
    • Upload a copy of acceptance letter to new institution
    • Provide New School SEVIS number
  • For Transfer Clearance Form: 
    • New School’s transfer out clearance form. 

Processing Time: 7 business days

F-1 STUDENT EMPLOYMENT


Purpose: Submit this e-Request to upload your CPT application along with required documents to seek permission to engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students are only allowed to start working AFTER they receive the I-20 with CPT authorization and can only work during the approved CPT dates indicated on I-20. Visit the ISC’s CPT webpage for more information. 

Required Documents: 
  • CPT Application Form: Completed and with your academic department’s signature of approval.
     
  • Employment/Internship Offer Letter: The letter needs to be on company letterhead and include:
    • your name,
    • company name,
    • complete address of company,
    • the anticipated start and end dates of employment,
    • the number of hours per week,
    • if the position is paid or unpaid,
    • your job title,
    • a brief description of the duties.
    • signed and dated by your employer.
    • supervisory plan for remote work (if applicable)
 

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to request an I-20 with OPT recommendation if you are completing your degree program and will be applying for pre-completion or post-completion OPT application within 30 days. Before submitting this request, review the ISC’s OPT webpage.

Required Documents:

Processing Time: 7 business days


Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are currently on post-completion OPT and are requesting an I-20 with recommendation to apply for OPT STEM extension. Before submitting this request, review the ISC’s OPT STEM 24 month Extension webpage.

Required Documents:
  • Upload receipt for the $200 International Student STEM Optional Practical Training Administrative Processing Fee. You may pay this fee at https://commerce.cashnet.com/ECASHIER
  • I-983 training plan.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: use this e-Request if you are a student on OPT or OPT STEM extension and one of the following applies:
  • You have not received your SEVP portal email notification after the start date on your EAD card
  • Your SEVP portal account is locked (request a reset)
  • Personal information has changed (email address, U.S. physical address, phone number)
  • You self-reported your employment in SEVP and would like a reprinted I-20 to reflect the updated information
  • You are ending OPT or STEM OPT early and departing the U.S., or changing to another immigration status
  • You are updating employment information past the 10-day reporting window
  • Received H1B Cap Gap extension and would like a reprint of your I-20 to reflect this information. 
Lastly, students on the OPT STEM extension should use this form to:
  • Report their 6-month participation
  • Submit annual evaluations
  • Change of employer information
  • Updated I-983 with material changes.

This form should be completed within 10 days of the change.

Required Documents:
  • Varies depending on the type of update you need. The form will prompt you to update any documents if needed.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are an F-1 student who has been offered on campus employment and need a letter from the ISC certifying your F-1 status to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Please review the detailed information about how to apply for a Social Security number.

Required Documents:
  • Letter from HR of Evidence of On-Campus Employment
Before Submitting Ensure you have done the following:
  • Completion of the New Student F-1 Immigration Module
    Purchase of Health Insurance 

Processing Time: 7 business days

F-1 I-20 TRAVEL SIGNATURE/REPLACEMENT/UPDATE

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to request a travel signature or a replacement I-20, only for the reasons listed below:
  • Lost
  • Damaged
  • Travel Signature

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to request one of the I-20 updates listed below. 
  • Add Dependent
  • Change of Country of Citizenship
  • Change of Name
  • Update Financial Documentation
Required Documents:
  • Add Dependent
    • Passport Copy of Dependent(s)
    • Copy of Financial Documentation
    • Copy of Marriage Certificate (spouse dependent) or Birth Certificate (child dependent) with English translation
  • Change of Country of Citizenship
    • Copy of New Passport
  • Change of Name
    • Copy of New Passport
  • Update Financial Documentation
    • Financial Statement Form: The financial statement form must be completed, signed, and dated by the student (page 1) and the student's financial sponsor (page 2) prior to submission.
    • Financial Proof: Read criteria carefully before submitting to avoid processing delays. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for 1 academic year

Processing Time: 7 business days

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FORMS:

Purpose: use this F-1 financial statement form if you are a continuing degree-seeking student and need to provide evidence of funding.

Required Documents:

Purpose: use this J-1 Financial Statement form if you are a J-1 exchange student and need to provide evidence of funding.

Required Documents:

FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT:

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to upload your application for a reduced course load by Friday of the second week of classes. 

Required Action: Before completing this request form, please read the Application for Reduced Course Load (ARCL) information for eligibility. 

Required Documents:

  • Completed and signed Application for Reduced Course Load. The application must be signed and dated by the applicant and the applicant's major or graduate advisor; the applicant and advisor also must provide an explanation. Otherwise, the application will not be processed.
  • Other required documents, when applicable. 

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request only if you will be under-enrolled at SDSU (less than 12 units for undergraduate and less than 9 units for graduate students) and have proof of enrollment from the other school. If you have not enrolled at the other school and need a letter from the ISC to do so, you will first complete the Letter Request Form – Authorization to Take Additional Courses Outside of SDSU. If you will be enrolled full-time at SDSU, you do not need to complete this form.  For Concurrent Enrollment rules and application steps, please review this webpage first.

Required Documents:
  • Proof of enrollment in the course(s) at the other school.

Processing Time: 7 business days

J-1 EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you hold J-1 immigration status and need a travel signature, replacement or updated DS-2019 for the reasons listed below:
  • Travel signature
  • Lost
  • Damaged
  • Updated

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are a J-1 exchange student and need to request a signature for a home university form--such as a learning agreement or Arrival/Departure form--required by your home university.

Important to Note:
  • For Arrival/Departure Document: You may submit this form after attending the International Student Check-In & Reception.
  • For Learning Agreement: You may submit this form once your schedule at SDSU has been finalized. If you make any changes to your schedule, it is your responsibility to submit an updated request. For this reason, we suggest waiting until AFTER the schedule adjustment (add/drop) deadline to submit Learning Agreements.

Processing Time: 7 business days


Purpose: Submit this e- Request if you are a J-1 exchange student who is studying at SDSU for one semester and wish to extend for one more semester. Submission of this request starts the process of receiving approval from both your home university coordinator and the SDSU Global Education Office. For more details read the “ EXTENSION OF PROGRAM ” information under the “Current J-1 Students” section in the J-1 Exchange Students site.

Required Documents:

Processing Time: Once approval from both your home University and SDSU’s Global Education Office is granted, please allow 7 business days for the International Student Center to issue you an updated DS-2019.

J-1 STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to request and receive authorization to work on-campus as a J-1 student. Authorization from the ISC must be received before J-1 students can begin working. J-1 students who have more than one on-campus job or change campus jobs must submit a new request for each job. You may work up to 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session.

Required Documents:
  • Letter from HR of Evidence of On-Campus Employment
Before Submitting Ensure you have done the following:
  • Completion of the New Student J-1 Online Orientation
  • Purchase of Health Insurance

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to upload your J-1 Academic Training application along with required documents to seek permission to engage in Academic Training (AT). Before Submitting review the application steps in the “J-1 Off-Campus Employment: Academic Training” section of the J-1 Employment site. 

Required Documents:

  • Academic Training Record Form: Completed and with your academic department’s signature of approval.
  • Employment/Internship Offer Letter: The letter needs to be on company letterhead and include:
    • your name,
    • company name,
    • complete address of company,
    • the anticipated start and end dates of employment,
    • the number of hours per week,
    • if the position is paid or unpaid,
    • your job title,
    • a brief description of the duties.
    • signed and dated by your employer.
    • supervisory plan for remote work (if applicable)
  • Additional financial support documents may be needed based on your request.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are a J-1 student currently on Academic Training and need to do one of the following:
  • Report a change of US address, phone number, or email address; 
     
  • Ending your Academic Training early
  • Submitting the end of Academic Training Evaluation.

Processing Time: 7 business days 

LETTER REQUEST

Purpose: Submit this e-Request to request Authorization to Take Additional Courses Outside of SDSU. This letter is often required by the school outside of SDSU that you are requesting to take classes in. The letter certifies that the ISC authorizes you to take classes at another school.

Reminders: 
  • You must be enrolled at SDSU full time (Bachelors = 12 units, Masters= 9 units, Doctorate= 6 units)
  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their class selections outside of SDSU are transferable to SDSU and applicable towards their Degree. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are fully sponsored by the Ministry of Education of your country, such as SACM, KCO, Qatar, and UAE, please go to the Sponsored Student webpage and complete the appropriate form.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you are currently on your OPT period and want to request an Authorization to Take Additional Courses outside SDSU. Please note that OPT regulations only allow you to take incidental/avocational type courses while on OPT, if you have questions about this, consult with an ISC advisor. This letter is often required by the school outside of SDSU that you are requesting to take classes in.

Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you need a letter that certifies you are an F-1 or J-1 student attending SDSU. Your date of birth, citizenship, major, and the number of units currently enrolled in will be included. Note: No alterations will be made to the standard format of this letter.


Processing Time: 7 business days

Purpose: Submit this e-Request if you need a letter other than the ones above, please provide a detailed description of what you need. Your request will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if the International Student Center can assist.

Processing Time: 7 business days If you need a letter 

SPONSORED STUDENTS

If you are fully sponsored by the Ministry of Education of your country, such as SACM, KCO, Qatar, and UAE, please go to the Sponsored Student webpage and complete the appropriate form

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