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Maintain Your F-1 Legal Status

Important Documents

Your SEVIS I-20, passport, and entry visa are important legal documents.

Full Course of Study

Immigration regulations require you to complete a full course of study every term.

Reduced Course Load

You may request a reduced course load if you meet certain immigration regulations.

Change of Address

You are required to update your U.S. address on MyU within 10 days of moving.

Unlawful Presence

You must comply with visa regulations, or you may lose your legal status.

Special Student Relief

Certain F-1 requirements can be suspended for students from a country experiencing severe hardship.

Program Extension

A program extension is required if you are unable to complete your degree requirements by the date on your I-20.

School and Visa Transfer

You will need to transfer your visa if you decide to transfer schools.

Return to UMN After Leave

You must complete certain requirements if you return to UMN after a leave of absence.

Change of Visa Status

ISSS strongly recommends individuals consult an ISSS advisor if you wish to change between F-1 and F-2 status.

Departure from U.S.

The University is required to notify SEVIS when a student is no longer enrolled.

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ISSS is a unit of the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance, the central international office for the University of Minnesota system.

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  • Students
    • New Students
      • Welcome
      • Confirm Your Enrollment
      • Get a Visa
        • Get a New Visa
        • Transfer Your Visa
        • Dependent Visas
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Prepare for Arrival
        • Choose Your Arrival Date
        • Plan Your Expenses
        • Find Housing
        • Arrive in Minnesota
        • Transportation to Campus
        • Graduate Assistantship
      • Complete ISSS/UMN Requirements
        • Complete the International Student Preparation Course
        • Complete Your ISSS Check-In
        • Claim Your UMN Email
        • Take an English Test (If Required)
        • Remove Registration Holds
        • Enroll in Duo
        • Submit Your Final Transcript
        • Submit Your Immunization Form
        • Pay Your Tuition
      • Living in Minnesota
        • Banking
        • Identification Documents
        • Climate and Clothing
        • Health and Insurance
        • Safety
        • Transportation
      • Campus Resources
        • LGBTQIA+
        • Disability Resource Center
        • English Language Support
        • Health and Fitness
      • Get Involved
    • F-1 Advising
      • Maintain Your Legal Status
        • Important Documents
        • Full Course of Study
          • Reduced Course Load
        • Change of Address
        • Unlawful Presence
        • Special Student Relief
        • Program Extension
        • School and Visa Transfer
        • Change of Visa Status
        • Return to UMN After Leave
        • Departure from U.S.
          • Temporary Departure from the U.S.
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        • Change of Address
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        • International Student Work Opportunity Program
        • Colonial Dames of America Scholarship
        • Global Excellence Scholarships
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      • Personal Counseling
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