Spring 2024 Enrollment Reminders for International Students (2024)

************* Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)*************

We would like to remind undergraduate students to complete the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). The information listed below has been provided by Undergraduate Studies. For details, please visit https://www.csun.edu/undergraduate-studies/graduation-writing-assessment-requirement-gwar.

• All CSU undergraduate students with catalog years 2023 and beyond must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. For information on how to complete the writing proficiency requirement, please visit GWAR.
• CSUN has suspended the GWAR for undergraduate students with catalog years prior to 2023. You do not need to do anything; your academic record will be updated automatically.
• Graduate students are exempt from the GWAR.

Registration Holds

Foreign "F" Hold: IESC will start to review your proof of health insurance in November 2023. Your "F" hold will be removed automatically if you have all of the following.

• Health, repatriation and evacuation insurance valid until at least May 24, 2024.
• You are either enrolled full-time for fall 2023 or have submitted proof of concurrent enrollment or were approved for part-time status for fall 2023.
• You have emailed your proof of health insurance with your name and CSUN ID number in subject line.
• Your I-20 is valid to cover at least the spring semester 2024. You are required to extend your I-20 (if necessary) before your foreign hold will be removed. Please note that effective Fall 2021, the requirement for emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage will change to Emergency evacuation coverage of at least $50,000.00 (USD) and Repatriation coverage of at least $25,000.00 (USD) (also required by the U.S. Department of State). Please plan ahead and contact your health insurance provider and ensure that your policy will meet this requirement starting from Fall 2021. Make sure to visit the Health Insurance Requirement page for up-to-date information.

Other Registration Holds: Review your myNorthridge Portal for information on other registration holds. Get all holds removed prior to your assigned registration appointment. Do not wait until your assigned appointment date to get registration holds removed. Allow plenty of time for campus departments to process your requests.

Learn how to view your holds in the myNorthridge Portal.

Registering for Classes

• Classes fill-up quickly. Class registration begins on November 01, 2023. You will receive an assigned registration appointment date. Learn how to view your registration appointment in the CSUN Portal. Enroll in classes on the day of your assigned registration appointment for the best selection of classes. Learn how to add classes.
• The last day to be eligible for a partial withdrawal refund is Friday, February 9, 2024.
• The add/drop deadline is Friday, February 16, 2023. You must be enrolled in full-time units by this date. Remember that IESC must report your enrollment information to the Department of Homeland Security each semester. Meet with an International Student Advisor (ISA) no later than the first week of classes if you have not been able to enroll in full-time units.
• Full-Time Enrollment Requirement: Undergraduate students (bachelor's and second bachelor's) must enroll in at least 12 units every semester. Graduate students must enroll in at least eight units every semester. Part-time status is only authorized for special extenuating circ*mstances that fall within USCIS regulations. Before you drop below the full-time requirement, you are required to meet with a FSA to discuss your class schedule and the circ*mstances in detail. Do not drop any classes until the ISA has authorized you to do so.
• Online Course Limitation:
  F1 students are permitted to enroll in no more than the equivalent of one online class or three online credits per semester to count towards your full-time enrollment. Please register for classes accordingly.

  Important Note: If you have only one class left to graduate, this class must be an in-class, traditional course to be in compliance with legal guidelines governing your F-1 status.

• Concurrent Enrollment: Students may choose to enroll in classes at another school while they are also enrolled at CSUN. Your SEVIS record would remain at CSUN even though you are enrolled concurrently at another school. If you choose to enroll concurrently at another school, you must do the following by the add/drop deadline.
  • Enroll in a minimum of six units at CSUN if you are an undergraduate student and in a minimum of four units at CSUN if you are a graduate student.
  • Submit the completed Concurrent Enrollment Online Request Form for spring 2024 to the IESC for permission to take classes concurrently at the other school.
  • After you have enrolled at the other school, submit proof of concurrent enrollment to the IESC within one week of receiving your electronic copy of the Concurrent Enrollment Authorization.

These requirements are in compliance with Department of Homeland Security regulations and cannot be changed under any circ*mstances.

Registration and Tuition Fee Payment

Payment information is available at the University Cash Services Office, Payment Schedule and Deadlines and How to pay your fees links.

Travel Signature and Visa Renewal

• Valid Travel Signature: If you are planning on travelling outside the U.S., make sure you have a valid travel signature for your re-entry to the U.S. Submit the Request for Travel Signature form along with your CSUN I-20 to the IESC. Each travel signature is valid for one year from the date it was signed.
• Visa Renewal: If you are travelling outside the U.S. and need to renew your F-1 visa, you must request a travel signature. You are responsible for preparing all other documents required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. For more information, please visit Visa Application.

Working in the U.S.

• On-campus employment
  F1 students are authorized to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, and full-time during summer and winter vacations. Please meet with an International Student Advisor to get the Verification of International Student Status form completed.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  Are you graduating this semester? Do you want work experience in your field of study after you graduate? Please meet with an International Student Advisor.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  Do you have a paid internship off-campus offer? Make sure you request the CPT Authorization from an International Student Advisor at the IESC before you begin the internship.

Personal and Emergency Contact Information

To be in compliance with U.S. Immigration Regulations, it is extremely important that the university has current contact information for all international students at all times. Failure to update your personal information with the university will put your immigration status in jeopardy.

Need to update your contact information? If you have changed your address, telephone number, email or emergency contact information, simply update the CSUN web portal (SOLAR), and IESC will take care of the rest! Learn more about how to update your personal information in the Portal.