International Student Community
International Student and Scholar Success Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to frequently asked questions for admitted and current F-1 and J-1 international students. To see all the information and resources the ISSS has curated for you, log in to the International Student Portal.
I-20 / DS-2019
Learn how to request your immigration document, submit financial documentation, and prepare for the visa process.
During admission, students will receive instructions for submitting immigration and financial documentation required to issue an I-20 or DS-2019.
Once all required documents have been submitted and approved, processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days.
Yes. The University of Redlands issues immigration documents electronically.
Students must demonstrate funding sufficient to cover the estimated cost of attendance for their program. For issuance of an I-20/DS-2019, the evidence must cover estimated living and learning costs for a minimum of 12 months, or the program length – whichever is longer. Additional funds must be documented for any accompanying spouse or dependents applying for F-2/J-2 status.
Acceptable documentation must:
- Be on official bank letterhead or stamped and signed by the bank
- Be issued within the last six months
- Include the account holder's name
- Show available liquid assets
- State the currency
- Be in English or accompanied by an English translation
Applicants using non-U.S. currencies should provide a conversion to U.S. dollars using XE Currency Converter.
The following generally cannot be accepted:
- Investment accounts
- Certificates of deposit with future maturity dates
- Retirement accounts
- Real estate holdings
- Business ownership or equity
Yes. Students should submit copies of scholarship, assistantship, or award letters showing the amount and terms of funding.
Admissions
Information about applying to University of Redlands and the next steps after admission. For more information, visit the International Admissions FAQs.
No. Admission decisions are made by the appropriate admissions office. ISSS supports admitted international students with immigration-related processes. Learn more about our International Admissions here.
Students should contact their admissions counselor regarding deferral requests and options. Find your admissions counselor here: Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.
Questions regarding application status should be directed to the admissions office for your program. Find your admissions counselor here: Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.
SEVIS Transfer
Information for students transferring their SEVIS record from another U.S. institution.
A SEVIS transfer allows F-1 students already studying in the United States to transfer their immigration record from one institution to another without obtaining a new SEVIS record.
No, the University of Redlands does not require a SEVIS Transfer Form, but admitted students must work with their designated school official (DSO) at the current institution to initiate transfer of their record to the University of Redlands.
- Students currently enrolled at another institution should complete the transfer process at least one week before the start of classes. See our academic calendar here.
- Students not currently enrolled should submit required materials by the first Monday of the month prior to the term start date.
Travel during a SEVIS transfer may affect your immigration record. Students should consult ISSS before making travel plans.
Preparing for Arrival
Information to help students prepare for travel, housing, orientation, and arrival in the United States.
New F-1 and J-1 students may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their immigration document.
Students may arrive up to 30 days early; however, campus housing may not be available until closer to the start of the term.
Yes. All new international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. Additional details will be provided before arrival.
No. International Student Orientation is separate from academic or program-specific orientation activities.
The Office of Global Education offers airport pick-up services depending on the capacity of the team for that term. If airport pick-up is available, exact dates and times will be communicated by the International Student and Scholar Success team within one month before Orientation. If airport pick-up services are not available, all travelers are advised to use public transportation or Ride-Sharing Apps.
Yes. A pre-arrival checklist is available through the ISSS SharePoint site.
ISSS SharePoint
A centralized resource for immigration processes, forms, announcements, and student support.
All current international students should log in to the International Student Portal for more information. Go to the International Student Portal →
Current students can access forms, guidance, announcements, and resources by logging into through the International Student Portal.
Email: iss@redlands.edu
Students can also schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor through Navigate. Find your admissions counselor here: Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.
Maintaining Status
Basic information about maintaining F-1 or J-1 status while studying at University of Redlands.
Students must:
- Maintain full-time enrollment
- Keep immigration documents valid
- Report address changes
- Obtain authorization before employment
- Follow all federal immigration regulations
Current students should log into the International Student Portal for complete guidance and procedures.
Travel
Information about international travel and travel endorsements.
Yes, F-1 and J-1 students need a valid travel endorsement on their I-20/DS-2019 before re-entering the United States.
Travel endorsements are requested through Etrieve.
- Enrolled students: up to 12 months
- Students on OPT or STEM OPT: up to 6 months
Students should regularly review ISSS announcements and federal guidance, as DHS requirements may change.
Employment
Information about on-campus employment
Yes. Eligible students may work on campus with authorization from ISSS and approval through University procedures.
- Undergraduates eligible for work study can apply for student employment.
- Graduate students can apply for graduate assistantships or other part-time employment with the university.
Generally, students may work up to 20 hours (part-time) when school is in session and more than 20 hours (full-time) when school is not in session. Employment limitations are governed by federal regulations and University policies. Students should consult ISSS before beginning employment.
Yes. Students must receive authorization from ISSS before beginning employment, including on-campus jobs.
Social Security Numbers
Information about obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN).
Yes. ISSS can provide guidance and a support letter when appropriate.
Yes. Students must generally have qualifying employment before applying.
Students should complete their ISSS check-in process and wait approximately 10 days after arrival in the United States before applying.
CPT & OPT Overview
An overview of employment authorization opportunities available to F-1 students.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization for practical experience that is directly related to and required for a student's academic program.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study.
STEM OPT is an extension of post-completion OPT available to eligible students in qualifying STEM fields.
Students should review:
- International Student Portal under Current Student resources
About International Student and Scholar Success
The International Student and Scholar Success (ISSS) team serves as a partner in student success. We work alongside academic advisors, faculty, campus offices, and students to provide immigration advising, support services, and educational programming. We encourage students not to navigate challenges alone. Our goal is to help international students feel supported, connected, empowered, and able to thrive as members of the University of Redlands community.
Contact
We encourage students to connect with us for guidance and support.
- Email us at iss@redlands.edu or call 909-748-8817.
- Virtual and in-person advising are available during office hours or via Navigate.
Workshops
We offer educational workshops that support student success and immigration compliance.
Current topics include:
DHS Regulatory Updates, CPT Fundamentals, Planning for Post-Completion OPT, and STEM OPT.
Office Hours
We offer advising support through appointments, drop-in opportunities, and virtual services.
- Schedule advising appointments through Navigate.
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Duke Hall.
Office of Global Education
Hours of operation
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Office of Global Education oversees ISSS. Our goal is to help international students feel supported, connected, empowered, and able to thrive as members of the U of R community. Connect with us for guidance and support.
Contact us
