Office of International Students and Scholars

News & Updates

OISS Weekly

CGE Blog

Travel Advisory (Updated)

Read and review the most up to date OISS Weekly publication and #ICYMI section

Read about our international students and study abroad alumni's travel experiences

Review travel requirements and documents regularly for smooth U.S. re-entry.

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Immigration Resources

International Student Spotlight

OISS Events & Webinars

Immigration Resources

Know Your Rights

Current U.S. Administration

Immigration Support

If you believe you may have violated your F or J status or are facing challenges that could affect your ability to stay in the U.S., it’s important to seek help from OISS right away. This includes issues such as not maintaining full-time enrollment, working without authorization, an expired I-20 or DS-2019, or a terminated SEVIS record. OISS staff, as Designated School Officials, are required to report violations to SEVP and are here to guide you through the process of resolving your status. If you’re dealing with complex immigration applications, such as a Change of Status, or have received a request for information or denial from USCIS, we recommend consulting with an immigration attorney. Additionally, if you encounter difficulties entering or re-entering the U.S., or if you are approached by immigration authorities, it's essential to seek legal advice to protect your status.

How to Find a Qualified Immigration Attorney?

For international students facing status violations or other immigration challenges, it’s important to choose the right immigration attorney. When looking for legal assistance, start by consulting reliable sources such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory, university resources, or nonprofit organizations that specialize in immigration law. It’s essential to ensure that the attorney is licensed and experienced in handling F and J visa cases.

Here are some ways to find a qualified attorney:

Visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website and use their Immigration Lawyer Referral Service.
Contact your local bar association’s lawyer referral service. In Ventura County, you can reach the Ventura County Bar Association at (805) 650-7599.
Additional Resource: How to Find an Immigration Lawyer – This Informed Immigrant guide offers valuable information on finding a trustworthy immigration lawyer, how to prepare for your meeting, and how to avoid scams.

By using these resources, you can ensure that you find the right legal support for your needs.

How Should I Decide Whether to Hire a Lawyer?

Before deciding to hire a lawyer, consider the following factors:

Can you communicate clearly with the lawyer? Was the lawyer easy to understand and able to explain things in a way that made sense to you?
Are the lawyer's fees reasonable and in line with the fees charged by other lawyers for similar services?
Did the lawyer provide clear explanations about how they will keep you updated on the progress of your case?
If you're not satisfied with the lawyer’s approach or service, it may be best to seek legal assistance elsewhere.

Before signing any contract with a lawyer, be sure to read it thoroughly. Ensure that you fully understand its terms. Everything you and the lawyer have agreed to should be documented in writing. If issues arise with your lawyer, try to resolve them directly with them, or contact the State Bar of California for assistance.

OISS Events & Webinars

*Live Webinar* Health Insurance and Q&A Session

Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

A new school year means a new insurance plan, make sure you know how to use it!

A Student Insurance representative will be joining us for a live Zoom Q&A session to help you better understand your 2025–2026 student health insurance plan. Learn how to access care, what services are covered, and how to get support when you need it.

Register now

To make the most of the session, please watch this short video in advance:Student Insurance: Understanding Your 2025-2026 Policy
This video is also available anytime on the CLU website under Health Insurance. Watching beforehand will give you the necessary background so you can use the Q&A time effectively.

Note: This session is intended for currently enrolled international students.
If you are on OPT and have questions about health insurance, please contact Student Insurance directly at international@studentinsuranceusa.com for guidance and available options.

*Live Webinar* Visa and Travel Advisory Session

Thursday, May 8, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT)

Planning to travel internationally this summer? Need to renew your F-1 visa or unsure what to expect at the port of entry?

Join us for a Visa & Travel Advisory Session with Travis Feuerbacher, a former U.S. Consular Officer and current immigration attorney. With years of experience interviewing visa applicants and helping students navigate travel and visa issues, Travis will share practical tips and answer your most pressing questions.

Topics will include:

The general visa application process
2025 updates and changes to F & J visa application processes
How to prepare for your visa interview
Considerations when re-entering the United States & potential travel risks
Open Q&A for any visa-related questions and a mock student visa interview

We’re excited to welcome you to this important session—see you online!

View Webinar Recording

Please Read Before Viewing:This presentation was recorded on May 8, 2025, during a visa and travel advisory session hosted by OISS and led by a guest immigration attorney and former visa officer. The content in this video is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For updates specific to your situation, please contact OISS or refer to our Travel Advisory Page for the latest guidance. The attorney featured in this session operates independently and may charge a fee for individual consultations or legal services. If you have any questions after viewing, we encourage you to reach out to our office. We are here to support you!

OISS Community & Connection – Friday Zoom Check-In

Feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or just want to connect?

Join us this Friday, April 18 at 8:30 a.m. (PDT) for a short and supportive Zoom session with the OISS team. We'll share important updates, answer general questions, and create space to listen, breathe, and support one another. A guest from CAPS will also join us to offer helpful resources.

You belong here and we are here for you.

Register now: https://clu.zoom.us/meeting/register/VHWgO1R-Rn-fieTYRgUA2A

International Student Spotlight

Details Coming Soon!

Schedule Appointment OISS STUDENT PORTAL SEVIS Registration Support Global Engagement

Office of International Students and Scholars

Contact Us

international@CalLutheran.edu

+1 805-493-3750 (phone)

+1 805-493-3088 (fax)

Campus Location

184 Faculty St

60 W. Olsen Road #6400
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.