J-1 Scholars

New Scholars

Find everything you need to know to get started at the University of Minnesota.

Maintain Your Legal Status

Follow these regulations to maintain your J-1 Scholar status.

Travel

Requirements for traveling outside and within the U.S.

Work Options

You may not work without proper work authorization. Work options are limited.

Dependents

Your spouse and children younger than 21 are eligible to accompany you to the U.S.

Prospective Scholars

Learn more about being a J-1 scholar at the University of Minnesota.

J-1 Student-Interns

New Student-Interns

Find everything you need to know to get started at the University of Minnesota.

Maintain Your Legal Status

Follow these regulations to maintain your J-1 Student-Intern status.

Travel

Requirements for traveling outside and within the U.S.

Work Options

You may not find work outside UMN or receive payment that is not directly related to your internship.

Dependents

Your spouse and children younger than 21 are eligible to accompany you to the U.S.

Prospective Student-Interns

J-1 student-interns are enrolled in a university abroad and come to the UMN for the purpose of training in their major.

H-1B Visa Holders

H-1B Basics

Find out if you're eligible for H-1B status and discover what your employer needs to do.

Obtain or Extend Status

Learn more about the application process, fees, and processing times.

Maintain Your Legal Status

Follow these regulations to maintain your H-1B legal status.

Travel

Requirements for traveling outside and within the U.S.

Dependents

Your spouse and children under age 21 are normally eligible for H-4 dependent status.

Notices of Intent to Hire

These notices are provided to notify the workforce of the UMN’s intent to hire an H-1B/E-3 employee. 

Permanent Residence

PR Basics

Permanent Residence allows a foreign citizen to live and work permanently in the U.S. while retaining home country citizenship.

Applying for PR

ISSS works with new tenure-track and tenured faculty members and their departments to apply for permanent residence.

Paths to PR in Higher Education

There are several paths to employment-based Permanent Residence.

Changing from Nonimmigrant Status

Follow these steps after changing from a nonimmigrant status, such as F-1 or J-1, to Permanent Residence.

Working with Outside Counsel

Departments and employees often use outside counsel to prepare and file employment-based petitions.

Living in Minnesota

Housing

There are a variety of housing options available both on-campus and off-campus.

Climate and Clothing

The weather in Minnesota will change quite a bit during your stay. Make the most of it by being prepared.

Safety

The University of Minnesota works hard to ensure that campus and the surrounding neighborhoods are safe.

Transportation

Take public transit, the University shuttles, or hop on a bike.

Banking

Find out more about currency exchange, bank accounts, and debit cards.

About Us

Contact Our Staff

Contact ISSS staff who work with J-1 scholars and student interns, and employment-based visas.