As an F-1 student, it is your responsibility to understand F-1 rules and regulations and maintain your F-1 status while studying in the U.S. Review the below “Maintaining your F-1 Status Guide” for reminders about your responsibilities as an F-1 student.

• Maintaining your F-1 Status Guide
• The I-20, F-1 Visa, and I-94: What are these documents and what are they used for?
• F-2 Dependents (only applicable for F-1 students with F-2 dependents)

In few circumstances, an F-1 student is eligible for a Reduced Course Load. All reduced course loads require authorization from the International Student Advisor in advance. More information:

• F-1 Reduced Course Load
• Loss of F-1 Status and Options for Regaining F-1 Status

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Study in the States information:

• Maintaining Status
• Students and the Form I-20
• What is the Form I-94?

Please submit questions, completed forms, and other associated documentation to the International Student Coordinator.

• Concurrent Enrollment Request
• Medical Reduced Course Load Request
• Program Extension Request
• Request to End F-1 Status and Exit F-1 Program

While in active F-1 status, you are eligible to work an on-campus Student Employment job once you arrive to the U.S. You may work no more than 20 hours/week while school is in session, though you may work more during the breaks. If you are also authorized for CPT or OPT, you may work no more than 20 hours/week between both your on-campus employment and CPT/OPT while school is in session.

If you have been offered on-campus employment:
You will need to apply for and receive a Social Security Number (if you do not already have one), and complete the student employment onboarding process and paperwork before you begin working. You may not begin working until you receive permission from the Student Employment Coordinator, and we are not able to back-date your pay.

Student Employment Coordinator: Malia Thao, malia.thao@cgicalendars.com

For information on applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), click under "IDs: SSN, Minnesota Driver’s License, and State ID"

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Study in the States information: Working in the United States.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work authorization related directly to your field of study at Saint Paul College, before graduation from your program. There is an application process, and authorization requires registration in an approved internship, externship, or practicum course during the semester of your CPT. There is an application process, and authorization requires registration in an approved internship, externship, or practicum course during the semester of your CPT. You must be approved for CPT and receive authorization on your I-20 before you may begin your internship.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Information and Application Process

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Application Forms:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Faculty & Advisor Verification Form
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Site Approval Form

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Study in the States information: Working in the United States.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of off-campus work authorization to allow F-1 students to gain experience directly related to their field of study. Students may apply for OPT during their program (pre-completion OPT), after completion of their program (post-completion OPT), or a combination of both.

To apply for OPT, you must request a recommendation and receive approval from the International Student Advisor, and apply to USCIS by filing Form I-765. OPT is approved or denied by USCIS and Saint Paul College has no influence on USCIS decisions.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information and Application Process
• How to Apply for OPT Online to USCIS

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Study in the States information: Working in the United States.

It is not required for F-1 students to apply for a Minnesota Driver’s License or State ID, but you are eligible to do so if you wish:

• Minnesota Driver’s License Application Process
• Minnesota State ID Application Process

F-1 students are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) only if they have been offered an on-campus Student Employment job, or authorized for CPT or OPT and offered a paid internship. There is no other way to apply for and receive an SSN.

• Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)

There are no restrictions on travel in the US for F-1 students as long as you ensure you are maintaining status. Carry your passport and your I-20 with you.

Before you travel outside the U.S. while on F-1 status, you must have your I-20 signed for travel (travel signature must be less than one year old).

You must also have a valid F-1 visa. If your F-1 visa in your passport has expired, or you changed status to F-1 while in the U.S., you will need to re-apply and be approved for an F-1 visa before re-entering the U.S.

You must have the following with you to re-enter the U.S.:

• Valid passport
• Valid F-1 visa
• Valid I-20
• I-20 signed for travel on page 2 less than one year old
• Copy of paid I-901 SEVIS FEE receipt
• Copy of unofficial Saint Paul College transcript (print from eServices under "Academic Records")
• Copies of your bank statement or other financial statements showing US$24,015 (recommended)

You are responsible for researching visa requirements for other countries you may visit outside of the U.S.

Health insurance is required for all F-1 international students at Saint Paul College. This requirement provides a healthcare plan and protects against financial hardship resulting from the need for medical care.

The United States does not have a national health care system available to non-immigrant students; therefore, the cost of medical care is the responsibility of each individual student. Healthcare in the US is very expensive. Without insurance, one doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars. One emergency room visit can cost thousands.

International students must purchase the system-approved health insurance, per the Minnesota State policy: Undergraduate Admissions Policy Part 5, Subpart B, #2. This plan is United Health Care Student Resources (UHCSR). Students may also have supplemental insurance such as spousal insurance, or state insurance (if applicable), but must still purchase the system-approved policy while attending Saint Paul College in F-1 status.

New students must pay the required insurance fee before registering for first semester classes.

Continuing students must pay the Fall or Spring/Summer insurance fee before the start of the Fall and Spring semesters, respectively. Students who d not pay in full by the deadline will have their classes dropped for non-payment.

Students should budget for this expense each semester. International Student Services will notify students of the insurance fees for the year and due date as soon as it is available.

Fall 2023 coverage runs August 10, 2023 – December 31, 2023. Spring/Summer 2024 coverage runs January 1, 2024 – August 9, 2024.

Payment for Spring/Summer 2024 is due for current students by December 13, 2023 and must be paid in full. The fee will be available to pay starting November 1, 2023. Health insurance fees cannot be paid using the Nelnet payment plan. Payment can be made in full through eServices or at the Tuition Office window.

If you have paid the insurance fee on eServices and continue to have a hold on your account, contact the Tuition Office at 651.846.1395 or tuition.office@cgicalendars.com.

F-2 dependents are not required to purchase the health insurance, but it is highly recommended.

Review the insurance plan and access your account at the links below:

• UHCSR Main Page
• UHCSR MyAccount

If you have questions about the health insurance, please contact the Minnesota State Student Insurance Advocate at 320.308.4855 or studentinsurance@stcloudstate.edu.

Regardless of whether or not you have worked, all F-1 students and their F-2 dependents are required to file an annual tax form by April 15 each year. Students are responsible for filing their income taxes and tax forms. Taxes are always due for the previous calendar year. The deadline for taxes and tax forms for 2022 is April 15, 2023. This means that your taxes and forms must be post-marked no later than April 15.

If you have worked either on- or off-campus for CPT or OPT, you must file your state and federal income taxes.

Saint Paul College partners with a tax company called Sprintax to support students in filing non-resident tax returns. Sprintax can help you file state and federal tax returns for a fee ($40-50) – students are responsible for this fee. You are not required to use Sprintax for help filing your taxes, but it is highly recommended. Small discounts for Sprintax are available through the International Student Advisor.

Between January and April, the International Student Advisor will send out a link to the Sprintax website that you may use.

If you were in the U.S. the prior year and did not work or receive any income in the U.S., you must file Form 8843 (Statement of Exempt Individuals).

• Form 8843 Instructions

The International Student Advisor cannot give tax advice.

Sprintax has free tax webinars available for the upcoming 2023 tax season.View dates and register here!

SEVIS Transfer Out and Departure Form

Transfer-Out
To transfer your SEVIS record to another SEVP-certified U.S. college or university, you must present your acceptance letter to that college, along with the above SEVIS Transfer Out form filled and signed to the International Student Advisor.

Graduation
Before you graduate, do not forget to apply for graduation. You will receive reminders from Saint Paul College about this. Once you have applied for graduation, you may consider applying for post-completion OPT. See more information under “Optional Practical Training (OPT)”. If you are transferring after your graduation, see more information above.

Upon completion of your program and/or completion of your post-completion OPT, you have a 60-day grace period in the U.S.

If you are interested in inviting family from home to the graduation commencement ceremony, please reach out to the International Student Advisor for more information.

Early Withdrawal
While on F-1 status, you cannot be un-enrolled or under enrolled in courses and remain in the U.S. without an authorized reduced course load. If you withdraw below 12 credit hours or do not enroll for the Fall or Spring semester, and you have not completed your program, you must depart the U.S. within 15 days. Please fill out the above SEVIS Departure Form if you plan to withdraw and depart the U.S.

If you withdraw and do not depart the U.S. within 15 days, it would be considered an unauthorized withdraw, which is a violation of F-1 status.