Check your passport end date. It must be valid at least six (6) months past your entry date if you are exiting the USA and re-entering. It must be valid at all times while outside of your home country.
If it will be less than 5 months from when you last attended your previous school or were on approved OPT to when you begin classes at Cal Poly, then request that your school transfer your SEVIS record to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, SEVIS School Code: LOS214F00093000. They will likely ask for proof you are admitted to Cal Poly. If they do not accept your electronic notice on the My.CalPoly.edu web portal as proof of acceptance, please contact your Admissions Advisor to request a paper acceptance letter
Once the transfer release date has passed, and we have received all of your documents and proof of sufficient funding, we can issue your Cal Poly I-20 and send it to you.
Review the I-20 form for accuracy. If there are any errors in any of the fields, the International Students and Scholars staff immediately. Canadian citizens mays skip to Step 8.
If you are travelling outside the USA before attending Cal Poly, use your Cal Poly I-20 to re-enter the USA. You will need a valid F-1 visa for re-entry so if your visa is expiring soon, you should apply to renew it while outside the USA. You cannot extend your visa within the USA. Your visa must be valid for entry to the USA, but it is okay if it expires while you are in the USA. If you are not sure if it will be 5 months from when you were last attending school or on approved OPT, please contact the International Students and Scholars office.
Bring your documents with you: Signed I-20, Cal Poly Acceptance Letter, I-901 Payment Receipt, Proof of Funding to match I-20. If you are continuing your studies at Cal Poly, print your Poly Profile to show your enrollment history since you were accepted.
You will be interviewed in English. Remain calm and answer questions honestly. Be prepared to talk about your educational program at Cal Poly and your plans when you return to your home country. The interview is normally brief and may be as short as five to ten minutes.
Check to be sure that your I-20 is returned with your passport and the information on your visa is correct. Carry your I-20 with you on the plane.
Special instructions for Canadian citizens: An F-1 visa is not required. Pay the SEVIS (I-901) Fee, then bring your I-20, I-901 receipt, printout of electronic acceptance letter, and proof of funds with you to the U. S. port of entry (Skip step 8 and proceed to step 9.)