Cambridge Scholars Exchange Program
Congratulations on your award to participate in Caltech Cambridge Scholars Exchange Program (CamSURF)!
To receive your immigration document, use the following link to submit your ISP Intake Form and required documents to International Student Programs (ISP) so that we may begin processing your request.
ISP Intake Form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you confirm receipt of my documents?
Due to the high volume of incoming students, ISP is not able to confirm receipt of your documents. We will contact you if anything is needed.
What visa classification will I be given?
ISP will issue you the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) so that you may apply for an F-1 student visa and enter the United States in F-1 status.
Note: If you intend to remain in the United States to participate in another academic program beginning Fall of 2022, you must inform ISP and FASA immediately for guidance.
When will I receive my immigration document?
After submitting your completed ISP Intake Form with all required information and documents ISP will issue your I-20 within 7-10 business days. Your I-20 will be sent to you as a PDF and is valid for all purposes, including visa acquisition and entry to the United States. No paper I-20 will be issued or mailed by ISP.
When can I apply for a visa?
You may apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate after you have received your I-20 from ISP. F-1 visas can only be issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate a maximum of 120 days prior to the start date printed on your I-20 issued by ISP. You are required to present a printed and signed copy of the I-20 emailed to you by ISP during your visa interview. Note: Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement. Always confirm directly with the specific U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate where you will apply for your visa for their specific processes, requirements, and timelines as local conditions and policies can vary.
How do I apply for a visa?
After you receive your PDF I-20 from ISP, schedule your F-1 visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Each consular post has a different process for scheduling appointments. Follow the instructions on that consulate's website, review the list of documents to bring to your visa interview, and pay attention to the timeline for visa appointments and issuance. You will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before you schedule your visa appointment and pay the DS-160 visa application fee. For complete visa application details, review the F-1 visa application process.
When can I enter the United States?
You may enter the U.S. up to a maximum of 30 days prior to the Program Start Date as printed on the I-20. Failure to enter the U.S. on or before the Program Start Date may result in delay or denial of U.S. entry. Contact ISP and FASA if your arrival will be delayed, as ISP may need to update your I-20 Program Start Date.
What documents do I need to carry with me to the United States?
Keep the following documents accessible to you when traveling to the United States so that you may present them to the U.S. immigration officers upon entry.
- Documents for Travel:
- Caltech Cambridge Scholars Exchange Program award letter
- Passport
- Visa (Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement)
- I-20
- SEVIS Fee (I-901) Receipt
- Verify any additional COVID-19 requirements and current travel requirements (Travel Guidance 2022)
- Transit Visa:
- If stopping in other countries en route to or from the United States, you are responsible for any transit visa requirements or restrictions that might impact travel through those countries. For information, visit the consulate websites for the countries in which you will travel.
- Airport Arrival:
- When you arrive at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or other U.S. port of entry, an immigration official will review your documents and grant you entry to the United States by stamping your passport. You then collect your luggage and proceed through customs inspection.
- For information for international visitors (including students) entering the United States, visit the Customs & Border Protection website.
- When you arrive at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or other U.S. port of entry, an immigration official will review your documents and grant you entry to the United States by stamping your passport. You then collect your luggage and proceed through customs inspection.
Questions About Caltech COVID Policy?
Please note that ISP does not manage the Caltech COVID policy. Visit the website: https://together.caltech.edu/
Email inquiries to: covid19@caltech.edu