Congratulations on being admitted to the University of Minnesota! We're so excited for you to join us as a Global Gopher.
Things to Do
First Steps
Get Started
- Confirm your enrollment
- Claim your UMN account and begin checking your email regularly
Request Your I-20
If you've never attended a U.S. institution OR have taken more than a 5-month absence from a U.S. institution
F-1 students
- Obtain "Initial Attendance I-20" from UMN
- Apply for F-1 visa
J-1 students
- Obtain DS-2019 from UMN program coordinator
- Apply for J-1 visa
If you are currently enrolled at a U.S. institution OR did enroll for the most recent term
- Request a Transfer I-20/DS-2019 from UMN
- Renew visa (if applicable)
Before the Semester Begins
- Complete your pre-arrival New Global Gopher Required Tasks
- Identify and remove registration holds, if necessary
- Register for classes (contact your department for details)
- Complete Duo registration
Note: An AI registration hold may be added to your record. You cannot modify course registration until you complete all of your New Global Gopher Required Tasks.
Before You Arrive at UMN
- Complete the Boynton Immunization Form
- Find and secure housing
- Attend Global Gopher Experiences (GGE) webinars
After You Arrive
- Complete your post-arrival New Global Gopher Required Tasks
- Once you complete these tasks, the AI registration hold will be permanently removed within 2 business days
- Attend welcome events such as Global Gopher Experiences and departmental events
- Get your U Card
- Update home/mailing address in MyU
- Register for full-time courses if you haven't yet
After these steps are complete, ISSS will activate your SEVIS record.
Note for F-1 SEVIS transfer students: Your "Transfer Complete" I-20 will be issued within 15 days after the start of classes.
If You Have a Graduate Assistantship
If You Have a Graduate Assistantship
Before Your First Day of Work
To do:
- Confirm your position and check in with your department
- Complete the I-9 process. This must be completed on or before your first day of work.
Prepare SSN Application Documents
To do:
If you do not have a Social Security Number yet, prepare your SSN application documents.
F-1 students: Your employer must complete the F-1 verification letter, and ISSS must finalize it.
J-1 students: Meet with an ISSS advisor to get a formal letter.
After SEVIS Record Is Active, Within 10 Days of Starting Job
To do:
- Apply for a Social Security Number (if you do not have one)
After You Receive Your SSN Card
To do:
- Report your SSN to HR in your department.
Last updated: March 19, 2025
