Next Steps for Admitted International Students

Many of the steps below are required to be completed before arriving in the US, such as applying for the F-1 visa and the online orientation. Some steps below, such as course placement assessments, are highly recommended to be completed before arriving in the US.

You can arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. Do not attempt to enter the US more than 30 days before your program start date.

1. Receive and review your Form I-20
   You will be issued a Form I-20 along with your acceptance letter to Minneapolis College 7-10 days after you receive your email notifying you of your admission. When you receive your I-20, please check your I-20 for accuracy, and print, sign and date your I-20 after you receive it. You will need your I-20 to apply for the F-1 visa, and to enter the US.
   
   You must keep your I-20 with you while in the US. You will receive new I-20s while in the US each time something on your I-20 is updated. You should save each I-20 you receive in a safe place. We highly recommend making a copy.
    
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
   New students must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for the F-1 visa. This fee is charged by the US Department of Homeland Security, and it is not administered by Minneapolis College. This fee cannot be waived. Your SEVIS ID is on the upper left of page 1 of your I-20. This fee is currently $350.
   
   Student with a country of citizenship or country of birth of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank. All other prospective F or M students also have the option to make a credit card payment on FMJfee.com.
   
   SEVP will accept third party payments, meaning someone else can pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee using the same method of payment. For students who cannot pay the fee by credit card, third party payers are also restricted from paying the fee by credit card. 
   
   Click for instructions on how to complete the Western Union Quick Pay/Quick Collect form.
   
   You can access the PDF version of the SEVIS Form I-901 here. Print and mail in your paper SEVIS Form I-901 with your check or money order, according to the instructions on the form. 
   
   For detailed instructions or for assistance on how to make an I-901 SEVIS Fee payment, call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400. 
    
3. Complete Visa Application and Schedule Interview
   Locate the closest US Embassy or Consulate to you at www.usembassy.gov. This is where you will apply for your visa. Detailed instructions on completing the visa application and visa interview instructions can be found on the website for the US embassy in your home country.
    
4. Notify Minneapolis College of Visa Interview Date and Result
   Please email iss@minneapolis.edu with the date of your interview once you schedule your interview. After your interview, please notify us if your visa application was approved or denied. When you receive your F-1 visa, you must send a picture or scan of the visa by uploading it to this International Admissions general document submission eForm.
    
5. Complete the online International Student Orientation
   The online International Student Orientation is separate from your in-person orientation at Minneapolis College and must be completed by the stated deadline, which you will receive via email. This orientation is self-guided and contains important information about maintaining your visa status, as well as information about being a student at Minneapolis College.
   
   To complete the online orientation, please watch for an email with the link to the D2L online learning platform and the deadline sent from the International Student Advisor.
    
6. Arrange Transportation and Housing
   Minneapolis College does not have any on-campus housing, and students are responsible for finding their own housing. It can take 3 to 4 weeks to secure an apartment, so we recommend arriving early if you do not have housing arranged. You can arrive up to 30 days before your program start date on your I-20. The college also does not provide or arrange transportation or offer airport pick-up. Airport transportation options include bus/train, taxi, and Uber/Lyft.
    
7. Review Financial Obligations
   You submitted an F-1 Student Agreement Form and demonstrated proof of funding as a part of your application. In doing this, you demonstrated to Minneapolis College that you have the funds to support you financially during your time at the college and it is your responsibility to ensure you have access to those funds.
   
   To maintain your status as an F-1 international student at Minneapolis College, you are required to register full-time for at least 12 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester purchase the required health insurance, and pay your tuition.
   Please be prepared to pay approximately \$4,000 - \$5,500 to the college for your first semester of tuition, books, and health insurance.
   
   As an international student, it is critical that you have the funds to support yourself throughout the duration of your studies at Minneapolis College.
   
   On-campus work opportunities at Minneapolis College are extremely limited. There are no off-campus work opportunities for F-1 international students in the first year of study and the options that become available after the first year of study are also limited and not guaranteed.
   
   The Minneapolis College scholarship application is available for current students. Applications open each spring ahead of the upcoming fall semester. These scholarships range from $500 to $1,500 per semester and are not guaranteed. These college scholarships should not be used as a primary source of funding.
   
   Minneapolis College does not recommend relying on any type of employment or college scholarship as a means of long-term financial support. 
   
   Ultimately, it is each student’s individual responsibility to ensure that they have the funds to pay for tuition, living expenses, mandatory health insurance, and any other expenses while a student at Minneapolis College. Failure to financially prepare may result in the need to leave the US early without completing your academic program and/or the loss of F-1 legal status.
    
8. Pay the required health insurance fee
   International students are required to purchase the system-approved health insurance for each term while attending classes at Minneapolis College. The charge for your first semester will be added to your account a few weeks before the start of the semester. 
   
   This must be paid in full to register for your classes. More information about the health insurance cost and coverage information can be found in the ISS website in #4. Mandatory International Student Health Insurance", as well as in the online orientation. This fee can be paid in your eServices account under "Bills & Payment" or in-person in T.2100 Student Services. Once you have paid your health insurance fee.
   
   If you attempt to register for classes before you have paid the health insurance fee, a hold may block you from registering. Health insurance that remains unpaid past the stated deadline will result in your classes being dropped and you will not be able to re-register until the insurance has been paid.
    
9. Report to Minneapolis College/Register for classes
   Your International Student Advisor will assist you with registering for the classes you need to take in your first semester. Please make a video appointment if you are not in the U.S. yet or email the International Student Advisor to set up an in-person appointment if you are in the US. Once you are a current student, you will work with your academic advisor to register for classes.
    
10. Complete steps 3-7 of the Student Checklist
    In #5 of the checklist, please click on Tuition Payment Options to view the tuition payment policy deadline and ways to meet the payment policy. The online orientation in #3 is for all students. This is a different orientation than the online international student orientation. Please complete both orientations. The items in #6 must be completed after arrival.
     
11. Attend New International Student Orientation
    Attend your New International Student Orientation! Please watch for an email regarding the date, location and time of the in-person International Student Orientation. You will receive the orientation agenda via email prior to the orientation. We HIGHLY recommend attending the in-person orientation. If you are not able to attend, please contact the international student advisor early in the semester to set up an in-person meeting to make sure you start your semester smoothly.
    
    The Online International Student Orientation is required for all students. Failure to complete the International Student Orientation will result in a hold on your account that prevents you from registering for future classes.
     
12. Required Immunizations
    All Minneapolis College students, including international students, must have gotten a measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunization on or after 12 months of age, and tetanus and diphtheria (TD) immunization within the last 10 years.
    
    If the immunization requirement was deferred as part of your admissions process, you will need to either get the immunizations before you leave your home country or get them while you are in the US within the first month of arrival.
    
    If you already have your immunizations and have not yet submitted them, please submit the Immunization Form to the International Admissions general document submission eForm.

1. Transfer your SEVIS record
   Once you receive your Minneapolis College acceptance letter, present the acceptance letter and the I-20 transfer form with your part completed to your P/DSO at your transfer-out school. In doing so, you are asking them to release your SEVIS record to Minneapolis College.
   
   The Minneapolis College SEVIS School Code is: SPM214F00349000
   
   The timing of your SEVIS record transfer is important for keeping active F-1 status. It's important to consult with Minneapolis College International Student Admissions and/or your DSO at your transfer-out school if you have questions about your SEVIS record transfer.
   Minneapolis College does not want a terminated or completed SEVIS record transferred to us without prior notice from the transfer-out school and a conversation with the student about the circumstances that led to the loss of F-1 status.
    
2. Receive transfer-pending Form I-20
   Once your SEVIS record is released to Minneapolis College, you will be issued a transfer-pending Form I-20. Please check the I-20 for accuracy. You must print, sign and date your I-20 immediately after you receive it. We highly recommend you always make a copy of your I-20 and save it.
    
3. Complete the required online International Student Orientation
   The online International Student Orientation is separate from your in-person orientation at Minneapolis College and must be completed by the stated deadline, which you will receive via email. This orientation is self-guided and contains important information about maintaining your visa status, as well as information about being a student at Minneapolis College.
   
   To complete the online orientation, please watch for an email with the link to the D2L online learning platform and the deadline for completion that will be sent from the International Student Advisor.
    
4. Arrange Transportation and Housing
   Minneapolis College does not have any on-campus housing, and students are responsible for finding their own housing. It can take 3 to 4 weeks to secure an apartment, so we recommend arriving early if you are not already in the Twin Cities area and do not have housing arranged. The college does not provide or arrange transportation or offer airport pick-up. Airport transportation options include bus/train, taxi, and Uber/Lyft.
   
   Public Buses: City bus/light rail service is provided by Metro Transit. The bus lines 4 and 6 both run down Hennepin Ave. through the downtown area and stop at the college. The cost per ride is $2.50 without the GoTo College Pass. Schedules and more information available at www.metrotransit.org
   
   Minneapolis College has the GoTo College Pass available for purchase in the College Store. This allows students to use public transportation anytime, anywhere during the semester.
    
5. Review Financial Obligations
   You submitted an F-1 Student Agreement Form and demonstrated proof of funding as a part of your application. In doing this, you demonstrated to Minneapolis College that you have the funds to support you financially during your time at the college and it is your responsibility to ensure you have access to those funds.
   
   To maintain your status as an F-1 international student at Minneapolis College, you are required to register full-time for at least 12 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester purchase the required health insurance and pay your tuition.
   
   Please be prepared to pay approximately \$4,000 - \$5,500 to the college for your first semester of tuition, books, and health insurance.
   
   As an international student, it is critical that you have the funds to support yourself throughout the duration of your studies at Minneapolis College.
   
   On-campus work opportunities at Minneapolis College are extremely limited. There are no off-campus work opportunities for F-1 international students in the first year of study and the options that become available after the first year of study are also limited and not guaranteed.
   
   The Minneapolis College scholarship application is available for current students. Applications open each spring ahead of the upcoming fall semester. These scholarships range from \$500 to \$1,500 per semester and are not guaranteed. These college scholarships should not be used as a primary source of funding.
   
   Minneapolis College does not recommend relying on any type of employment or college scholarship as a means of long-term financial support. 
   
   Ultimately, it is each student’s individual responsibility to ensure that they have the funds to pay for tuition, living expenses, mandatory health insurance, and any other expenses while a student at Minneapolis College. Failure to financially prepare may result in the need to leave the US early without completing your academic program and/or the loss of F-1 legal status.
    
6. Request official transcript/course placement
   If you have completed certain coursework at your previous U.S. college or university, and you have requested an official transcript, you may already have placement. It takes about 2-4 weeks to get the official transcript evaluated for transfer credit/placement. If you have not submitted the official transcript but need to get registered please submit your unofficial college transcript will be evaluated, please submit an unofficial transcript to the Course Placement Appeal form on the course placement webpage.
   
   (NOTE: To be eligible to submit a course placement appeal, your unofficial transcript must be from a U.S. college or university. Please do not submit your high school transcript or international college transcript because your waiver will be denied). 
   
   If our office determines that you are not eligible to receive placement from your US college/university transcript, they will reach out to you with more information about the doing the guided self-placement process with your international student advisor instead.
    
7. Pay the required health insurance fee
   International students are required to purchase the system-approved health insurance for each term while attending classes at Minneapolis College. The charge for your first semester will be added to your account a few weeks before the start of the semester. This must be paid in full to register for your classes.
   
   More information about the health insurance cost and coverage information can be found in the ISS website in “#4. Mandatory International Student Health Insurance", as well as in the online orientation. This fee can be paid in your eServices account under "Bills & Payment" or in-person in T.2100- Student Services. 
   
   If you attempt to register for classes before you have paid the health insurance fee, a hold may block you from registering. If already registered, health insurance that remains unpaid for the upcoming semester past the stated deadline will result in your classes being dropped and you will not be able to re-register until the insurance has been paid.
    
8. Report to Minneapolis College/Register for classes
   Your International Student Advisor will assist you with registering for the classes you need to take in your first semester. Please make a video appointment if you are not in the Twin Cities yet. If you are in the area, please email the International Student Advisor to set up an in-person appointment. Once you are a current student, you will work with your academic advisor to register for classes.
    
9. Complete steps 3-7 of the Student Checklist
   In #5 of the checklist, please click on Tuition Payment Options to view the tuition payment policy deadline and ways to meet the payment policy. The online orientation in #3 is for all students. This is a different orientation than the online international student orientation. Please do complete both orientations. The items in #6 must be completed after arrival.
    
10.  Attend New International Student Orientation
    Attend your New International Student Orientation! Please watch for an email regarding the date, location, and time of the in-person International Student Orientation. You will receive the orientation agenda via email prior to the orientation. We HIGHLY recommend attending the in-person orientation. If you are not able to attend, please contact the international student advisor to set up an in-person meeting to make sure you start your semester smoothly.
    
    The Online International Student Orientation is required for all students. Failure to complete the International Student Orientation will result in a hold on your account that prevents you from registering for future classes.
     
11. Required Immunizations
    All Minneapolis College students, including international students, must have gotten a measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunization on or after 12 months of age, and tetanus and diphtheria (TD) immunization within the last 10 years.
    
    If the immunization requirement was deferred as part of your admissions process, you will need to either get the immunizations before you leave your home country or get them while you are in the US within the first 2 months of arrival.
    
    If you already have your immunizations and have not yet submitted them, please submit the Immunization Form to the International Admissions general document submission eForm.

1. Receive and review your Form I-20
   You will be issued a Form I-20 along with your acceptance letter to Minneapolis College 7-10 days after you receive your email notifying you of your admission. When you receive your I-20, please check your I-20 for accuracy, and print, sign and date your I-20 after you receive it. You will need your I-20 to apply for the F-1 visa, and to enter the US.
   
   You must keep your I-20 with you while in the US. You will receive new I-20s while in the US each time something on your I-20 is updated. You should save each I-20 you receive in a safe place. We highly recommend making a copy.
    
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
   New students must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for the F-1 visa. This fee is charged by the US Department of Homeland Security, and it is not administered by Minneapolis College. This fee cannot be waived. Your SEVIS ID is on the upper left of page 1 of your I-20. This fee is currently $370 (online application) or $470 (paper application.
   
   Student with a country of citizenship or country of birth of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank. All other prospective F or M students also have the option to make a credit card payment on FMJfee.com. 
   
   SEVP will accept third party payments, meaning someone else can pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee using the same method of payment. For students who cannot pay the fee by credit card, third party payers are also restricted from paying the fee by credit card. 
   
   Click for instructions on how to complete the Western Union Quick Pay/Quick Collect form. 
   You can access the PDF version of the SEVIS Form I-901 here. Print and mail in your paper SEVIS Form I-901 with your check or money order, according to the instructions on the form. 
   For detailed instructions or for assistance on how to make an I-901 SEVIS Fee payment, call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400.
    
3. Apply for Change of Status to USCIS (File Form I-539)
   Click here for the Changing status information brochure.
   Here’s link to the I-539 form: https://www.uscis.gov/i-539.
   
   It can take USCIS between 3 and 9 months (in some cases longer than 9 months, but the average is currently 4-5 months) to make a decision on your change of status application. 
   
   Please email iss@minneapolis.edu if your program start date on your I-20 has passed, and you have not yet heard from USCIS to request a deferral of your I-20 to the next semester.
    
4. Notify Minneapolis College once your change of status is approved (or denied)
   Please email iss@minneapolis.edu when your change of status is approved or denied. You must upload  a copy of your approval notice (I-797) to the International Admissions general document submission eForm.
   
   You are required to enroll in a full course of study in the next available semester after USCIS approves your change to F-1 status. In some cases, this means enrolling in full-time courses in the summer semester. Contact mailto:iss@minneapolis.edu if you have questions about your situation.
    
5. Receive Form I-20
   Once your change of status application is approved, you will be issued a new Form I-20. Please check the I-20 for accuracy. You must print, sign and date your I-20 to validate it. We highly recommend you always save/make a copy of all I-20s you receive.
    
6. Complete the required online International Student Orientation
   The online International Student Orientation is separate from your in-person orientation at Minneapolis College and must be completed by the stated deadline, which you will receive via email. This orientation is self-guided and contains important information about maintaining your visa status, as well as information about being a student at Minneapolis College.
   
   To complete the online orientation, please watch for an email with the link to the D2L online learning platform and the deadline for completion that will be sent from the International Student Advisor.
    
7. Arrange Transportation and Housing
   Minneapolis College does not have any on-campus housing, and students are responsible for finding their own housing. It can take 3 to 4 weeks to secure an apartment, so we recommend arriving early if you are not already in the Twin Cities area and do not have housing arranged. The college does not provide or arrange transportation or offer airport pick-up. Airport transportation options include bus/train, taxi, and Uber/Lyft.
   
   Public Buses: City bus/light rail service is provided by Metro Transit. The bus lines 4 and 6 both run down Hennepin Ave. through the downtown area and stop at the college. The cost per ride is \$2.50 without the GoTo College Pass. Schedules and more information available at www.metrotransit.org 
   
   Minneapolis College has the GoTo College Pass available for purchase in the College Store. This allows students to use public transportation anytime, anywhere during the semester.
    
8. Review Financial Obligations
   International students are not eligible for Financial Aid. as part of your application, you submitted an F-1 Student Agreement Form and demonstrated proof of funding. In doing this, you demonstrated to Minneapolis College that you have the funds to support you financially during your time at the college and it is your responsibility to ensure you have access to those funds. 
   
   To maintain your status as an F-1 international student at Minneapolis College, you are required to register full-time for at least 12 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester purchase the required health insurance and pay your tuition.
   Please be prepared to pay approximately \$4,000 - \$5,500 to the college for your first semester of tuition, books, and health insurance.
   
   As an international student, it is critical that you have the funds to support yourself throughout the duration of your studies at Minneapolis College.
   On-campus work opportunities at Minneapolis College are extremely limited. There are no off-campus work opportunities for F-1 international students in the first year of study and the options that become available after the first year of study are also limited and not guaranteed.
   
   The Minneapolis College scholarship application is available for current students. Applications open each spring ahead of the upcoming fall semester. These scholarships range from \$500 to \$1,500 per semester and are not guaranteed. These college scholarships should not be used as a primary source of funding.
   
   Minneapolis College does not recommend relying on any type of employment or college scholarship as a means of long-term financial support. 
   Ultimately, it is each student’s individual responsibility to ensure that they have the funds to pay for tuition, living expenses, mandatory health insurance, and any other expenses while a student at Minneapolis College. Failure to financially prepare may result in the need to leave the US early without completing your academic program and/or the loss of F-1 legal status.
    
9. Pay the required health insurance fee
   International students are required to purchase the system-approved health insurance for each term while attending classes at Minneapolis College. The charge for your first semester will be added to your account a few weeks before the start of the semester. This must be paid in full to register for your classes. More information about the health insurance cost and coverage information can be found in the ISS website in “#4. Mandatory International Student Health Insurance", as well as in the online orientation. This fee can be paid in your eServices account under "Bills & Payment" or in-person in T.2100 Student Services. Once you have paid your health insurance fee.
   
   If you attempt to register for classes before you have paid the health insurance fee, a hold may block you from registering. Health insurance that remains unpaid past the stated deadline will result in your classes being dropped and you will not be able to re-register until the insurance has been paid.
    
10. Report to Minneapolis College/Register for classes
    Your International Student Advisor will assist you with registering for the classes you need to take in your first semester. Please make a video appointment if you are not in the U.S. yet or email the International Student Advisor to set up an in-person appointment if you are in the US. Once you are a current student, you will work with your academic advisor to register for classes.
     
11. Complete steps 3-7 of the Student Checklist
    
    In #5 of the checklist, please click on Tuition Payment Options to view the tuition payment policy deadline and ways to meet the payment policy. The online orientation in #3 is for all students. This is a different orientation than the online international student orientation. Please do complete both orientations. The items in #6 must be completed after arrival.
     
12. Attend New International Student Orientation
    Attend your New International Student Orientation! Please watch for an email regarding the date, location, and time of the in-person International Student Orientation. You will receive the orientation agenda via email prior to the orientation. We HIGHLY recommend attending the in-person orientation. If you are not able to attend, please contact the international student advisor to set up an in-person meeting to make sure you start your semester smoothly.
    
    The Online International Student Orientation is required for all students. Failure to complete the International Student Orientation will result in a hold on your account that prevents you from registering for future classes.
    During your orientation, you will receive important information about your responsibilities as an F-1 international student at Minneapolis College. You will also have the opportunity to meet other new Minneapolis College international students, be introduced to your new campus community, and learn about resources that will help you succeed inside and outside the classroom.
     
13. Required Immunizations
    All Minneapolis College students, including international students, must have gotten a measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunization on or after 12 months of age, and tetanus and diphtheria (TD) immunization within the last 10 years.
    
    If the immunization requirement was deferred as part of your admissions process, you will need to get them within the first 2 months of your first semester.
    If you already have your immunizations and have not yet submitted them, please submit the Immunization Form to the International Admissions general document submission eForm.

1. How do I get to Minneapolis College for class?
   Public Buses: City bus/light rail service is provided by Metro Transit. From the airport, you can take the Blue Line train from Terminal 1 station. Get off Hennepin Ave. and 5th Ave. Minneapolis College is ten blocks to the southwest down Hennepin Ave. The bus lines 4 and 6 both stop at the college. The cost per ride is $2.50 without the GoTo College Pass. Schedules and more information available at www.metrotransit.org
   
   Minneapolis College has the GoTo College Pass available for purchase in the College Store. This allows students to use public transportation anytime, anywhere during the semester. 
   
   Student will sometimes get a driver’s license. Please contact the international student advisor for more information. Students and sponsors are responsible for the cost of buying a car and auto insurance.
    
2. What are F2 dependents allowed/not allowed to do while on the F2 status?
   F-2 dependents are not eligible to work in the US and cannot obtain a social security number.
   There is zero option for work authorization while on F-2 status.
   
   F-2 dependent children can attend public school while in the US.
   
   F-2 dependents can engage in study at a SEVP-certified school (including Minneapolis College), as long as they are enrolled part-time (less than 12 credits each semester).
   
   F-2 dependent(s) maintain legal presence in the US as long as the F-1 student maintains their legal F-1 status. If the F-1 student departs the US permanently, the F-2 dependent(s) must also depart. 
   
   F-1 students can bring their spouse or children dependent(s) when they first enter the US; however, F -1 students can also bring them after they have entered the US. The F-2 dependent would still need to go through the F-2 visa application process.
    
3. Can I delay my admission?
   If you must delay/defer your admission to the next semester, please contact iss@minneapolis.edu as soon as possible. It is sometimes necessary to defer your admission because of the lack of availability of a visa interview appointment or because a change of status application is still pending. 
   
   Whatever the case may be, note that the I-901 fee is only valid for one year from the date it was paid. Financial documentation is also only valid from one year from the date of submission to the college. We reserve the right to request updated financial documentation for admitted students who have deferred admission for one year or more.
    
4. Can I change my major?
   Yes, you can change your major after getting admitted. Please make sure the new major is listed on the F-1 Eligible Programs list (link to remediated pdf) list. Please contact iss@minneapolis.edu with questions and to receive instructions for submitting a change of major request.
   
   Note that changing your major does require a new I-20 form.
    
5. Do I have to study full time?
   Yes, as an F-1 visa student, you must enroll for a full-time course load, which is 12 or more credits each semester. A minimum of 9 of those credits must be in-person. During the coronavirus pandemic, F-1 students were temporarily allowed more online credits towards full-time course load, but that is no longer allowed.
   
   There are instances where it may be possible to be authorized for a reduced course load. Please contact the International student Advisor to get further information.
   
   Continuing international students are not required to take summer courses but can take them if they choose. There is no credit minimum required for summer. 
   
   Students must remain in good academic standing, which includes staying above a cumulative 2.0 GPA and passing at least 66.6% of the credits they attempt.
    
6. When can I pay for tuition?
   Your cost for tuition and books will be determined once you register for courses.
    
7. Can I pay for tuition and insurance through the month payment plan?
   No. Though tuition can be paid in installments through the month payment plan, but insurance must be paid in full before the beginning of the semester.
   
   For more information for new and current international students, please visit the International Student Services website.