ISSS New Student Requirements for Removal of AI Hold
All new international graduate students will need to complete two ISSS requirements for permanent removal of their AI “Determine Current Visa Status” registration hold. ISSS requires student participation in the following to prepare students for their transition to the University of Minnesota and the U.S., as well as to complete visa requirements.
- International Student Preparation Course (iPrep): iPrep is a required, pre-arrival online course that new international students should complete prior to their arrival at the University of Minnesota. It includes information about immigration regulations, academics, cultural adjustment, and more.
- ISSS Check-In: This is required after a student has arrived at UMN.
- This requirement is completed online. Students will complete the “ISSS Check-in” form in the MyISSS portal to submit copies of their immigration documents, provide information ISSS needs to update their PeopleSoft and SEVIS immigration records, and complete a brief immigration regulations quiz.
- Federal regulations require that all new international students “check in” with their school upon arrival, and the ISSS Check-in is how students fulfill this requirement of their visa status.
Each student’s AI hold will have an effective date of August 29, 2023; it will not prevent students from registering for classes before that date. After the hold goes into effect on August 29, students who have not completed iPrep and/or the ISSS Check-in will NOT be able to modify their registration or enroll in the following semester until they have completed both items.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a new international student register for classes?
Because the AI hold will not take effect until August 29, 2023, students will be able to register for Fall 2023 classes throughout the summer. The AI hold will be permanently removed once students have completed both of their ISSS new student requirements.
Please note: Just because the AI hold is on the student’s record does not mean it is blocking registration! Advisors should check the “Effective Date” of the AI hold — if the “Effective Date” is in the future, the hold is not currently preventing registration. Even if the AI hold is not currently active, unresolved registration holds placed by other departments may prevent the student from registering before this date.
Please direct questions about the AI hold and ISSS new student requirements to [email protected].
Why would ISSS not lift the AI hold after August 29, 2023?
- If a student has not arranged their “immigration transfer” from another U.S. school
- If the student does not complete the International Student Preparation Course AND/OR their ISSS Check-in
You can contact [email protected] with questions.
Credit Load
Students must take a full-time credit load:
- Graduate students: 6 credits per semester
- Professional degree students: between 6 and 12 credits, depending on program
Online Enrollment
F-1 Students
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated it plans to return to the usual registration requirements for F-1 students in Fall 2023. As classes at UMN have returned to primarily in-person and blended modes of delivery and the U.S. government’s COVID-19 emergency ended in May 2023, the Department of Homeland Security’s exception allowing additional online courses no longer applies after May 10, 2023.
Graduate F-1 students are required to take a minimum of 6 credits every fall and spring semester. At least 3 credits must be for in-person or blended courses. Remaining credits may be online or remote.
Courses that count towards in-person credits are “in-person” and “hybrid” or “blended” courses. Courses that are considered online are courses with an “online” or “remote” designation.
Summer enrollment for continuing students is optional and is not subject to this requirement.
J-1 Students
J-1 students must follow Department of State guidance which requires some in-person component. J-1 students must maintain program objectives, which may include some online classes, while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. A fully or predominantly virtual exchange program is not permitted for J-1 students.
Reduced Course Load Requests
Immigration regulations require international students to complete a full course of study each term during the academic year. Students must submit a Reduced Course Load request for each semester they are enrolled less than full-time. If you have questions about Reduced Course Loads, please contact [email protected] or 612-626-7100.
