Congratulations on being admitted to the University of Minnesota! We're so excited for you to join us as a Global Gopher.
Text Version of Timeline and Checklist
First Steps
Get Started
- Confirm your enrollment
- Claim your UMN account and begin checking your email regularly
- Complete the New Student Checklist from Orientation
- Within the checklist, you will:
- Select your New Student Orientation date
- Upload your U Card photo
- Within the checklist, you will:
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
- Obtain "Initial Attendance I-20" from UMN
- Apply for F-1 visa
If you are currently enrolled at a U.S. institution OR did enroll for the most recent term
- Obtain "Transfer Pending I-20" from UMN
- Renew visa (if applicable)
Before You Register for Classes
- Complete your pre-arrival New Global Gopher Required Tasks
- Identify and remove registration holds, if necessary
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
- Complete Duo registration
- 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 Welcome Week
- 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.
Last updated: July 24, 2025
