J-1 Exchange Students

Overview

• What is an Exchange Student?
• How to Apply to be an Exchange Student at Cal State Fullerton
  
  

J-1 Health Insurance Requirements

• All J-1 exchange students and their J-2 dependents (if any) are required to purchase the CSUF International health insurance administered by Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk before registering for classes. No alternate health insurance plans are accepted.

Acceptance to Exchange Program & Next Steps

• After your exchange student application is completed, you will receive a CSUF Campus-wide ID (CWID) and additional information and documents.
• Students accepted to the Exchange Program will receive an email from ISS (iss@fullerton.edu) with instructions for the Form DS-2019. 

Form DS-2019

• The Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, is a U.S. immigration document which will be provided to accepted exchange students who will study in Cal State Fullerton. This form is used for seeking a J-1 exchange student visa at a U.S. embassy or Consulate.
• Accepted exchange students will receive an email from ISS with instructions on uploading the following documents to receive a Cal State Fullerton Form DS-2019: please do not email these documents.
  
  • Passport
  • Proof of funding
  • Proof of satisfying CSUF English Proficiency Requirement

New Exchange Students’ Checklist

• See document on our New Students page

Mandatory International Titans Orientation

• All Exchange Students attending Cal State Fullerton are required to attend the International Titans Orientation upon arrival in the U.S., as part of the reporting requirements of all new CSUF international students.
  
  • Fall: August 22, 2025
  • Spring: January 16, 2026

Mandatory Virtual Check-in

• All exchange students are required to complete Virtual Check-in as part of new international students’ reporting requirements.
• Virtual Check-in

Registering for CSUF Courses

• Coming Soon

Maintaining J-1 Exchange Student Status

• Full-time Enrollment Requirements
  • All exchange students are required to enroll in at least 12 units each semester except for the summer semester, which is an optional term. All courses must be taught in-person; no web or fully online courses are permitted.  
• Report U.S. local address and contact information within 10 days of the change.

Employment & Academic Training

• On-Campus Employment While in the Exchange Program
  • If you are interested in working on-campus while studying at Cal State Fullerton, meet with an ISS Advisor to determine if you are eligible before searching for on-campus jobs.
  • Eligible exchange students must submit the J-1 On-Campus Employment Request Form prior to applying for a Social Security Number (SSN).
  • If your request is approved, you will receive an email with further instructions.
  • Before starting to work on-campus, you must have received on-campus employment authorization, an updated Form DS-2019 and SSN.
• Off-Campus Employment: Academic Training
  • Coming Soon

Ending Exchange Program Participation

• Coming Soon

Emergency Procedures

• Coming Soon

FAQ

• Coming Soon