Immigration

International students must register for a full course of study during Fall and Spring Semesters:

• Undergraduate Students - 12 credits
• Graduate Students - 8 credits
• Post graduate, seeking a second bachelors degree - 12 credits

Please note:

• Full time course registration is not required for summer semester
  • Summer considered a "Break" term if you plan to return the next semester.
  • If you graduate in the summer, the same rules apply: only one 100% online course is allowed.
  • You cannot complete your program with all 100% online courses in the summer unless you take them outside the U.S. and do not apply for Post Completion OPT.
• Audit or incomplete course units are not applicable to the full-time enrollment total
• On-line courses must be limited to only 3 credits or one on-line course per semester is applicable to the full-time enrollment total

Limitations to Enroll in Online Courses:

Students with F-1 visa:

• Only O.N.E. online course may be taken per semester towards the "full course of study" requirement. For example, if a student takes 12 undergraduate credits, only one three-credit online class may be taken per semester.
  • When you are applying RCL, only ONE 100% online course is allowed per semester toward to your RCL Under RCL you are enrolling:
    • ONE class, it must be an in-person class.
    • TWO classes, one can be online and one must be in-person.
    • THREE classes, one can be online and two must be in-person.
• However, if an undergraduate student takes more classes than the required "full course of study" requirement, that student may enroll in more than one online class. For example, if a student takes 15 credit hours, that student can enroll in two 3-credit hour online courses.
• Please note that government scholarship students from Saudi Arabia also have rules regarding online classes through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) that are more stringent than the U.S. Federal Government requirements. Those students are individually responsible for following SACM requirements. We also have several government-sponsored students from other countries who are individually responsible for meeting their scholarship requirements. Center for Global Engagement is the University's point of contact for government sponsoring agencies.

Students on J-1 visa:

• Students must take a full course of study in "classroom" participation/instruction. Refer to the full-time enrollment definition above.
• Classes delivered through online and distance education modalities cannot be used to satisfy the full course of study or full-time prescribed course of study requirements determined in the Federal guidelines on exchange visitors and student category.
• Students who have fully met the in-person classroom study requirement (that is, they are enrolled in 12 credit hours of in-person classroom study as an undergraduate) may enroll in one 3-credit online course.

Online Course vs. Hybrid/Blended Course

• Online Course: A course does not have a physical presence requirement
• Hybrid/Blended Course: A course has a physical presence requirement
• Hybrid/Blended courses can count towards meeting the full course of study requirement (Count as in-Person)

HyFlex Course(s)

• The HyFlex course, students can choose to participate in the course “In-Person/Face to Face class session” or remote asynchronous options.
• HyFlex course(s) are to count toward the HyFlex course as an “In-Person/Face to Face class if:
  • An international student completed the International Student HyFlex Course(s) Agreement Form.
    AND
  • Send the completed form to international@mnstate.edu.” by Drop/Add Deadline each semester.
    AND
  • Keep International Student HyFlex Course(s) Attendance Log to prove participation in the HyFlex course “In-Person/Face to Face class session”.
    AND
  • Send the completed form to international@mnstate.edu.” by Grading Day each semester.

Passport: Students must have a valid passport at all times. The passport must be at least 6 months into the future. If the passport will expire soon, students must make necessary arrangements to renew the passport. In most cases the passport can be renewed from your home country embassy or consulate in the U.S.

Please note: give enough time to renew your passport. Certain countries may have to send your passport to your home country for renewal.

I-20/DS-2010: International students must be aware of the expiration date on their I-20/DS-2019. If it is not possible to complete your academic program by the I-20/DS-2019 expiration date, students must request a program extension a minimum of 2-3 weeks prior to the I-20 expiration date on the I-20/DS-2019. Students who fail to complete a Program Extension Form with International Student Services will be considered out of status.

International students who change their local address or move to a different apartment must report the change to International Student Services within 10 days of the move. Please complete the Update Information page as soon as you move to a different place.

International students have a set of grace period regulations that must be met to their visa status.

• F-1 students who complete an academic program or OPT have a 60-day grace period to depart the U.S.,
  
  • change to a different program, degree level, transfer to a new school
  • change institutions or change visa status (H1-B, PR)
    • Immigration status for F-2 is dependent on F-1 student and they cannot remain in the U.S. under the F-2 status after the F-1 student has departed the U.S. during the grace period
• J-1 students who complete an academic program or academic training have a 30 day grace period to depart the U.S.
  • change to a new program
  • transfer or change to a different institution or change of visa status (H1-B, PR)
    • Immigration status of J-2 is dependent upon J-1 student and they cannot remain in the U.S. under the J-2 status without the presence of the J-1 student

F-1 or J-1 students who have received prior authorization to withdraw from classes have 15 days to depart the U.S. after the withdrawal date. Students who withdraw from classes without prior authorization are not eligible for a grace period.

F-1 or J-1 students are required by federal immigration regulations to be engaged in a "full course of study", which means 12 credits each for Fall & Spring Semester for undergraduate students and 8 credits each for Fall & Spring Semester for graduate students. You must obtain authorization from International Student Services to be enrolled less than full-time during any Fall or Spring Semester.

International Student Services must indicate the authorization in the SEVIS system in order to make it official. There are only a few exceptions to the full time enrollment requirements for Fall and Spring Semesters. Each exception has its own criteria, which are outlined below. The deadline for submitting the Reduced Course Load (RCL) Form from the Forms page is the last day to add/drop for that semester, and must be approved by the student's academic adviser prior to submission to International Student Services.

Students should not drop below full time enrollment unless the student have received authorization from International Student Services to do so. Student who drop below full time enrollment without proper authorization from International Student Services will be considered out of status.

Academic Difficulty RCL

Students may request an RCL due to academic difficulty only once per degree level. Academic difficulty could be due to the following reasons:

• Difficulty with English language or reading requirements
• Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods
• Improper course replacement

Students who receive an academic Reduce Course Load (RCL) must resume a full course of study in the next available semester in order to maintain status. Please submit the Reduce Course Load Form to International Student Services along with other supporting materials.

Medical RCL

International Student Services may authorize a medical RCL due to a temporary medical condition with an appropriate official doctor's letter recommending the RCL for medical reasons. Students must receive prior approval from International Student Services for medical RCL. To submit a medical RCL, F-1 or J-1 students must meet with an International Student Advisor at International Student Services. Please see below for the medical RCL requirements:

• Letter from licensed physician, medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist that recommends student to take less than the minimum units required for full time enrollment or this MSUM form.
• Receive prior approval from International Student Services
• Full time enrollment due medical reasons cannot exceed total of 12 months per degree level
• If the condition prevents student from enrolling beyond the first semester, new documentation must be provided from your physician and authorization must be granted from International Student Services
• Must take a minimum of 6 credits for undergraduate students or 4 credits for graduate students
• If a doctor believes that a student is unable to meet this minimum credit enrollment, then the student must consider a Medical Leave of Absence.
• If you are considering to apply for a Medical RCL or Medical Leave of Absence please visit the Forms page to submit the relevant forms.

Final Semester RCL

International Student Services may authorize a final semester RCL for students who are in their final semester of study and only have a few credits remaining to meet the academic program requirements. Students may request a RCL due to final semester only once per degree program. Please complete the Reduce Course Load Form on the Forms page.

Only ONE 100% online course is allowed per semester in your final semester if you have only a few credits left to complete your program. Examples:

• If you need ONE class to finish your program, it must be an in-person class.
• If you need TWO classes, one can be online and one must be in-person.
• If you need THREE classes, one can be online and two must be in-person.

Summer Term:

• Considered a "Break" term if you plan to return the next semester.
• If you graduate in the summer, the same rules apply: only one 100% online course is allowed.
• You cannot complete your program with all 100% online courses in the summer unless you take them outside the U.S. and do not apply for Post Completion OPT.

Graduate Students - Thesis, Projects and Examinations Pending RCL

Graduate students who register for thesis, projects or qualifying exams are considered to be enrolled full time, although the number of credits enrolled will be below the normal full-time course load. Students must complete a Reduce Course Load Form and submit to International Student Services.

F-1 or J-1 international students who want to take a semester off during the academic year (Fall or Spring Semester) and not enroll in courses must receive authorization for a leave of absence from International Student Services.

Students must meet the following criteria for leave of absence:

• Student must be in good academic standing when requesting requirements
• Students must be outside the U.S. during the leave of absence period

It is the student's responsibility to meet with the relevant academic advisers and complete the leave of absence process for the relevant department. Students also need to confirm with their department if they are eligible to return back to the academic department, and must receive written approval from their academic department adviser. Please complete the Leave of Absence Form.

Medical Leave of Absence

F-1 or J-1 students are eligible to take a leave of absence due to medical reasons. Students have the option to return to their home country or remain in the U.S. to receive medical treatment. Students who wish to remain in the U.S. must obtain a doctor's letter recommending the leave of absence for medical reasons. Students who remain in the U.S. without obtaining advance approval for a medical leave of absence from International Student Services will be considered out of status.

Requirements and limitations of medical leave of absence include:

• Must have an official letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist recommending leave for a specific semester
• Must have prior approval from International Student Services before withdrawing from courses
• No more than 12 months total leave are allowed per degree level

Students considering to apply for a leave of absence due to medical reasons must meet with an adviser in International Student Services as soon as possible.

Leave of Absence Exceeding 5 Months

Students who will be out of the U.S. for longer than 5 months on a leave of absence must obtain a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID, pay the $200 SEVIS fee and obtain a new F-1 student visa from your country U.S. consulate in order to re-enter the U.S. and return regardless of your U.S. visa expiration date. The current I-20/DS-2019 will no longer be valid after being outside of the U.S. for more than 5-months.

It is the student's responsibility to contact International Student Services AT LEAST two months prior to returning to request a new I-20. If you are planning to return before the 5 month duration, it is the student's responsibility to contact International Student Services at least 4 weeks before your arrival date to the U.S. We recommend that you contact International Student Services before you depart the U.S. and make necessary arrangements.

Returning to Full-Time Enrollment After Leave of Absence

Upon your return to the U.S. from a leave of absence, students must validate their return with International Student Services 21 days before the start of your new semester. Students must meet with an International Student Services advisor and submit the following:

• Passport and visa
• Stamped I-20/DS-2019
• I-94 card

F-1 and J-1 students are given a specific period of time to complete the academic program requirements. For F-1 students, this period of time is shown under Program of Study of your I-20 and for J-1 students, this period is shown on #3 of your DS-2019. Please note the program end date or expiration date on the I-20/DS-2019. Students who are unable to meet the academic program requirements by that date must request a program extension from International Student Services before the I-20 program end date. If the date on the I-20/DS-2019 has passed, students must meet with an international student adviser immediately, as the student is considered to be out of status.

Eligibility Criteria

• The expiration of your I-20/DS-2019 has not yet passed
• Continuously maintained the F-1 or J-1 student status
• The delay in completion or program must be due to one of the following reasons:
  • Compelling academic reasons (change of major, change in research topics, unexpected research problems, unexpected grades, repeat courses)
  • Compelling medical reasons (documentation is require from Hendrix Health Center or U.S. licensed medical physician)
• Must have sufficient funds to cover the additional time needed to complete program requirements.

If you need a program extension, please submit the Program Extension Form along with the supporting documents from your academic adviser and/or medical practitioner.

F-1 students are eligible for simultaneously taking full-time enrollment with a combination of courses from MSUM and another SEVIS approved college or university, only if approved by MSUM International Student Services.

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must be registered for at least one credit at MSUM during all terms including the final term
• Students who wish to be admitted, enroll and go to classes full time at an institution other than MSUM need to request a transfer to the new institution
• Combined credits for which the student is enrolled are equivalent of a full courses of study (undergraduate 12 credits and graduate 8 credits)
• Students must be enrolled at MSUM, MSUM must issue and maintain the students SEVIS I-20, handle all SEVIS reporting requirements and ensure that the student is pursuing a full course of study
• The student has permission from MSUM International Student Services to concurrently enroll with MSUM and another institution
• Course work at the other institution must not be vocational and must be accepted as credits transferable to MSUM. This must be confirmed by a letter from an academic adviser at MSUM
• MSUM International Student Services will issue a new I-20 documenting the concurrent enrollment, based on evidence that the student's enrollment in both institutions is the equivalent of a full course of study

How to Apply for Concurrent Enrollment

• Complete the Concurrent Enrollment Form
• A letter from your MSUM department academic advisor, indicating that you have permission for this enrollment and that the credits earned at the other school will be counted toward your degree at MSUM. The letter must also indicate the number credits to be taken at each school
• Proof of registration in classes from the concurrent school, indicating that you are enrolled
• A copy of your I-20
• An unofficial copy of your academic transcript - print from E-services

Please note: A student wishing to be a guest student at another institution for incidental courses while maintaining full-time enrollment or during the summer term does not need to be issued an I-20 for concurrent enrollment.

Reinstatement is an option for an F-1 student who fails to maintain status and wishes to regain status without leaving the U.S. An F-1 student must be in status to be eligible for any benefits such as work permission as practical training, program extension, school transfer and adjustment of status. Depending on the student's case, reinstatement may or may not be the best option. In certain cases we encourage you to consult an immigration attorney. Please consult International Student Services for more information. A student may be considered out of status if the student:

• Fails to apply for program extension before I-20 expiration date on the I-20 (#5 on your I-20)
• Fails to maintain a full course of study each semester
• Fails to maintain international student F-1 status (see above)
• Unauthorized off-campus employment

To apply for Reinstatement, student:

• Should not be out of status for more than 5 months at the time of filing reinstatement
• Does not have a record of repeated or willful violations of USCIS regulations
• Is currently pursuing, or intending to pursue, a full course of study in the immediate future
• Has not engaged in unauthorized employment

How to Apply for Reinstatement

1. Write a letter explaining the circumstances. Student will need to briefly
   explain the violation and outline how you are eligible to apply for
   reinstatement according to the above mentioned criteria.
2. Attach supporting documents to support your letter (i.e. medical records,
   letters from your advisors, professors, work supervisors)
3. Obtain a letter from your academic adviser confirming expected graduation
   date and that you are making progress towards completing the degree
   program
4. Complete USCIS for I-539 (www.uscis.gov). The International student
   adviser will mark the form "Reinstatement". The address in Part 1 should be "Office of International Student Services, Box 97, Minnesota State University
   Moorhead, Moorhead MN 56563". Part 2, item 1 should be marked for
   "Reinstatement for F-1 status"
5. A $470 check or Money order made payable to “US. Department of Homeland
   Security” or use this form to pay with a credit card https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450.
6. Colored copies of your immigration documents: I-20s, I-94 card, visa,
   passport, previous I-20s
7. Financial documents to prove that you have sufficient funding to study at
   MSUM.
8. The new "Reinstatement I-20" issued by the office of International Student
   Services
9. Once you receive the Reinstatement I-20, please make the $350 SEVIS fee
   payment through ww.fmjfee.com. You will need to attach a copy of the
   SEVIS payment receipt
10. Office of International Student Services International Student advisor will
    write a supplementary letter saying that Office of International Student
    Services agrees to grant you “Reinstatement”
11. Where to file
    
    For U.S. Postal Service (including U.S. Postal Service Express mail):
    USCIS
    Attn: I-539 P.O. Box 4010
    Carol Stream, IL 60197-4010
    
    For express mail and courier deliveries (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc):
    USCIS
    Attn: I-539 (Box 4010)
    2500 Westfield Drive
    Elgin, IL 60124-7836
    
    We recommend that you write “Expedite I-539 Reinstatement Applications” on the outside of the envelope.

USCIS information and forms may change. Before submitting any documents
please refer to the USCIS website.

If you move while your reinstatement application is pending, please submit
an AR-11 form.