The Office of International Student Services is looking forward to meeting you! Our university is located in Riverside, California where you are a few miles away from the beach, Hollywood, Disneyland, Los Angeles City life, Big Bear mountains, the deserted valleys, and the Seventh Day Adventist faith based community that cares about you. 

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides assistance to La Sierra University international students and their dependents. OISS advisors participate in national networks to provide La Sierra University international students with up-to-date expertise on cultural adjustment and non-immigrant visa and travel issues. Information on maximizing opportunities and how to best meet obligations under each visa category is available at our office.

A student visa (F) is required to study in the United States. La Sierra University is a SEVP approved school and manages all F-1 students and accomodates other visa candidates depending on the limitations of their status. After La Sierra University accepts the student's request for admission, a Form I-20 will be issued and registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Student must pay for the SEVIS I-901 fee. After the student receives the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS (I-901 fee), you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulatefor a student (F) visa. Student must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer during visa interview.

Deadlines For Issuing I-20 Form

*Students transferring from another U.S. institution (with an active F-1 visa) are allowed to submit I-20 documents until the first day of school.

Step One: Are You Admitted To La Sierra University?

• La Sierra University is a SEVP-approved school in the United States. The application fee is free so we encourage you to apply so that we are able to retain your contact information and assist you more, please Click HERE to apply.
• For financial estimates and first year experience scholarships, please contact your Enrollment Counselor at (951) 785-2424 or international@lasierra.edu

Step Two: Set Up Your Campus Portal (My La Sierra)

1. Go tohttps://my.lasierra.edu
2. Click on “Activate Login or Reset Password”
3. Enter your La Sierra username, should be the same as the username for your La Sierra email address. If you cannot find your username, please feel free to contact our office.
4. A message will display with instructions on an email address that you will need to access in order to click on that link to access your account.
5. When you access your email and click on that link, it will ask you to set up your password. Keep in mind that the password is sensitive and must be in 12 characters. An example of a temporary password is AbcdeLa Sierra University2020. Write down your username and password for the next step or make sure you remember your login credentials.

Step Three: Begin Your Pre-i20 Process

1. Wait for an invitation email from the Office of international Student Services
2. On your top right corner, click on "LOGIN"
3. Log in with your My La Sierra credentials.
4. Once you are logged in, you will be asked to fill out your emerency contact. Make sure you have your friend and/or relative full name, phone number, and an email address.

Step Four (Part 1): Apply For An I-20 Form

1. Once you have succesfully logged in to your i-student page, you will find a 'Welcome Global Golden Eagles' page.
2. If you are a transfer in student with a current I-20 from a U.S. University, click on Number 2 "Immigration information to upload your visa stamp, I-94 and current I-20.
3. Click on number 3 "Personal & Program" to update your phone number and address. If you plan to live in the dorm, the local address would be 4500 Riverwalk Pkwy, Riverside, 92505. If you plan to live off campus and knnow your local U.S. address, you can add the correct U.S. physical address.
4. Read the instructions carefully and ensure all the boxes are checked. 
5. Click on number 4 "Financial Details" to read the estimated costs and instructions on paying your fees and deposit. You would also download your affidavit and then upload the signed copy of the affidavit along with the bank statement(s) and receipts. Please read the instructions carefully and ensure all the boxes are checked. 
6. Click "Submit Your Request".

Step Four (Part 2): Need More Time To Complete This Form?

1. If you need more time to gather your documents, you can simply go back to your page by going to your iStudent Portal
2. On your top right corner, click on "LOGIN".
3. Log in with your My La Sierra credentials.  
4. On your top left corner under, you will see a small house icon, click on the icon, select "USER".
5. Once you are on your home page, locate your form on the left corner "RECORDS"and click on your "Initial I-20 Request"
6. This link will take you back to your page so that you can continue to complete your request for an I-20 form.

Documents You Need To Submit

• Affidavit of Support if you have additional sponsors for your finances.
• Copy of Bank Statement (MUST BE 2-3 months old)
• Copy of your passport and/or visa
• $3000 International Student Deposit, click on International Deposit Instructions for more information.
• $100 International Student Processing Fee, click on International Deposit Instructions for more information.
• If you plan to live in the dorm, a $150 Dorm Deposit, click on International Deposit Instructions for more information.

Transfer Students Only

• Submit copy of F-1 visa.
• Submit copy of current I-20 Form biographical page (page 1).
• Must complete the Immigration Information on the iStudent page.