J-1 Exchange Students

California State University Fullerton facilitates exchanges through the California State University International Program (CSU) as well as through direct agreements with partner universities.

Interested students should contact their home university’s Exchange Program office on eligibility and application details.

J-1 Health Insurance Requirements

• All J-1 exchange students 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

• To ensure a smooth acceptance process, be sure that you have submitted (uploaded) a complete application packet with supporting documents, including your course wish list.
• Upon receiving your official acceptance to the exchange program, set up your CSUF Student Portal and CSUF email.
• Submit the documents required for the Form DS-2019. Incomplete or inadequate documents will delay DS-2019 preparations.

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

• Pay the one-time SEVIS I-901 Fee once Form DS-2019 is ready.
• Secure a J-1 Exchange Student Visa.
• Purchase the required CSUF International Student Health Insurance.
• Enroll in CSUF courses (minimum of 12 units for one semester).
• Attend Pre-Arrival Webinar(s) – to be announced via email
• Complete Mandatory New International Titan Check-in.
• Attend the International Titans Orientation.

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.
  
  • Spring: January 16, 2026
  • Fall: August 21, 2026

Mandatory New International Titans Check-in

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

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
  • If you are interested in doing an internship off-campus, please meet with an ISS Advisor.