International Student Services
We know F-1 visa regulations can be complicated and overwhelming, but the Office of International Programs is here to help. Our comprehensive website and advising give you the information you need to maintain your F-1 status. Understanding F-1 regulations allows you to concentrate your energy on studying, making friends, and completing your degree at Minot State.
- New Students
- Life in Minot
- Health Insurance
- F-1 Visa Regulations & Travel
- Employment & Taxes
- Graduation
- Banking
- Mobile Phones
- Local Transportation
- Driving a Car and Interacting with the Police
- Cultural Adjustment
- Weather Tips
- Minot Visitors and Convention Bureau
- Stay Away from Marijuana
Informational Videos
Maintaining F-1 Status
- F-1 Regulations Overview
- Physical Presence Requirement
- Traveling with your Visa and I-20
- Resolving Status Problems
- Preparing for Graduation
Forms
- Concurrent Enrollment [pdf]
- Reduced Course-load [pdf]
- Extend your I-20 [pdf]
- Transfer to a U.S. Institution [pdf]
Taxes and Social Security
There are a few options you have as an F-1 student once you graduate.
- Return Home: If you are graduating and wanting to return to your home country, please let us know. You have 60 days after your program end date to return to your home country. Remember to keep all your I-20s for your record.
- OPT: If you are graduating and want to apply for OPT, don’t leave your application until the last moment because USCIS processing times can be extremely long. You are able to apply for OPT up to 90 days before your graduation date and up to 60 days after your graduation date.
- Transfer: If you plan on transferring to a new university, please fill out a Transfer Out Form and submit your acceptance letter to the international office so we can send your SEVIS record to your new institution.
- Graduate Program: If you are accepted into one of MSU’s master’s programs, you will receive a new I-20. That I-20 will be created by our Graduate Admissions Specialist.
- New Visa: In some cases, you may be working on your next visa status with the help of an immigration attorney.
If you are graduating, please let us know so we can reserve a graduation sash for you to represent your country. You can borrow the sash from our office for free or you can purchase one from our office for $30.
Notice from IT Services
Please be advised that student email, Blackboard, and file storage services will remain active for 18 months following the end of your final enrollment. If you do not plan to return within this period, ensure you back up any necessary emails or files. For any inquiries, please contact the IT office at 701-858-4444.
Follow the Minot State Office of International Programs on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected! We will remind you of important dates and let you know about upcoming events for international students!
Do you have concerns about discrimination or incidents of racism? Click on the anti-bias button located above to connect to the Student Complaint and Anti-Discrimination Forms. Information that you submit will be sent to the Vice President of Student Affairs, who will make sure your concern is addressed by the appropriate campus department.
