During the last ten years, the international student population at Metropolitan State University has grown rapidly. Currently there are more than 150 international students from 53 different countries. The staff of the ISS Office provide services to international students and initiate programs to foster global understanding and promote cultural diversity within the university community.
- International Student Health Insurance
- Services
- International Student Admission Requirements and Deadlines
- Admissions Checklist
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Financial Statement
- Additional Documentation Requirements
- I-20 Requirements
- F-1 Visa Rules
- Social Security
- Immunization Requirements
- International Student Organization (ISO)
- In-State Tuition Waiver Application
- F-1 Status Reinstatement Procedure
- Event Viewer
- Contact Information
- Forms
| International Student Health Insurance |
The annual premium for the mandatory international student health insurance for the academic year 2009-10 is $969.00. The coverage period is from 8-15-09 thru 08-14-10.
Download the 2009 student health insurance enrollment form
International students are required to have the student insurance and need to submit the completed the health insurance enrollment form when making payment at Financial Management. The health insurance coverage will only be considered official once the forms are received at Mega Life through Financial Management.
IMPORTANT: International students (F-1 or J-1 visa visiting scholars) are not eligible to apply for the student health insurance online, it is not the correct insurance plan and it costs more. International students MUST apply for the mandatory student health insurance at the Metropolitan State University's Financial Management office at the St. Paul Campus, Founders Hall, 3rd Floor.
**Note: In-state tuition waiver applications will not be processed until students purchase the health insurance.
For payment, please go to "Register for Classes" and follow the web registration log-in. Enter your student ID and registration PIN; on the next screen, choose the "Student" tab and select "My Account" from the menu on the left side of the screen. To pay, select the "Pay Online" tab. We accept Visa and MasterCard.
If you have any questions or need more information regarding the international student health insurance coverage, please contact Heather Oehrlein, Student Insurance Advocate at hloehrlein@stcloudstate.edu or call her at (320) 308-4855.
| Services |
International Student Services provides the following support services to the international student population at Metropolitan State:
- international admission paper processing and policy information dissemination;
- new international student orientation;
- immigration advising related to F-1 status;
- advising for on-campus and off-campus employment and work authorization;
- liaison between international students, faculty and other support services units including the Registrar's Office and the Admissions Office;
- referrals to student support services, such as Career Services, Student Counseling Services, English as a Student Second Language Office, Women's Services and the Internship Office;
- promote educational, social and cultural events involving international students
The ISS staff helps international students understand complex immigration rules and process paperwork for the following:
- international student admission
- visa status changes and reinstatement of F-1 visa status
- health insurance requirements
- transfer notification
- on-campus and off-campus employment
- employment authorization verification
- practical training and internships.
| International Student Admission Requirements and Deadlines (undergraduate and graduate students) |
International students (undergraduate and graduate students) must follow procedures required for all prospective students. However, due to longer processing time involved in evaluating international transcripts, applicants are required to submit applications by the following deadlines:
| Applicant | Term | Deadline |
| Transfer Students | Fall Semester | June 15 |
| Transfer Students | Spring Semester | November 15 |
| Overseas Applicants | Fall Semester | May 1 |
| Overseas Applicants | Spring Semester | October 1 |
Freshman Students
A freshman is a student starting college or university for the first time or transferring with fewer than 16 semester credits. Usually this student is directly out of secondary school with no college/university experience.
- Your academic performance will be evaluated for acceptance to Metropolitan State. If your grade reports are not issued with a U.S. 4.0 grading system our Admissions Office will evaluate your grade report or mark sheet to determine eligibility.
- Proof of English proficiency. (See number 2, below)
- Financially self-sufficient and able to provide proof of at least US $24,859.
An official transcript from the secondary school must be submitted directly to Metropolitan State from the issuing school. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited agency. Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE) is one of such agency (www.ece.org). The type of evaluation report should be general for students who have only a high school diploma and a course-by-course report for students who have earned credits beyond high school. The report must show the equivalence of a U.S. GPA of at least a 3.0. It often takes six to eight weeks to receive a report, so it is important to send transcripts well in advance so that the report is received by the application deadline date. Metropolitan State is not responsible for any delays in receiving the reports.
Transfer Students
A transfer student is one coming from another college or university with more than 16 college/university level credits. A transfer student can be transferring credits from a college/university overseas or within the U.S. All transfer credits must be from an accredited college/university.
- Transfer students need to have a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in an American equivalent system. If your grade reports are not issued with a U.S. 4.0 grading system our Admissions Office will evaluate your grade report or mark sheet to determine eligibility.
- Proof of English proficiency. (see number 2, below)
- Financially self-sufficient and able to provide proof of at least US $24,859 for undergraduate students, $25,872 for graduate students.
If you have fewer than 16 transfer credits, you must also request an official high school transcript be sent (see freshman student section). For students transferring from another U.S. institution, the following documents are also required:
- A copy of the current I-20 or visa approval document.
- A completed Transfer Verification Form (obtainable from the International Student Services Office). This form must be mailed directly to the Admissions Office from the current institution.
We will not accept student or fax copies. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Admissions Office.
| Admissions Checklist |
| Proof of English Proficiency |
Official TOEFL scores must be submitted, student copies are not acceptable. TOEFL minimum scores are as follows:
- 500 on paper test
- 173 on computer-based exam
- 61 on internet based exam
- Metropolitan State University's school code for TOEFL is 6445
| Financial Statement |
To receive an I-20 and F-1 Visa, you must show that you have adequate funding to meet all the expenses that will be incurred in your proposed program of study. This amount is currently $24,859 per year for undergraduate students, and $25,872 for graduate students. You must submit a current (not over 90 days) and certified copy of your financial statement from a registered bank or savings institution in U.S. dollars showing adequate financial resources for the period of intended enrollment. The I-20 will not be processed until we have received this information. This document must be included with your admissions application. Do not send this information to any other office except the Admissions Office. For questions concerning the I-20 or your financial documents, contact the International Admissions Office at 651-793-1219.
If support is coming from outside of the U.S., then submit a certified letter from the sponsor indicating that they will be responsible for all educational expenses and a bank statement showing availability of U.S. $24,859 or more for undergraduate students, and $25,872 for graduate students plus the additional amount required for each dependent. For more information see International Student Admissions Application. Copies will not be accepted.
| Additional Documents to be sent to the Admissions Office |
- Photocopy of Passport (picture page, page with expiration date.)
- Photocopy, if available, of visa page and I-94, clearly indicating the port of entry.
- International home address and phone numbers. If you only have a P.O. Box, more information is needed, i.e. street name, house number or section of town or rural areas.
For other questions about I-20 and other United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents, students seeking admissions to the university should contact the International Admissions Office at 651-793-1219; and current students should contact the International Student Services Office at 651-793-1219.
Mail the completed application with a U.S. $20.00 non-refundable application fee (check or money order should be made payable to Metropolitan State University), all academic transcripts, TOEFL test scores, certified financial statements to:
International Admission Office
Metropolitan State University
700 East Seventh Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55106-5000.
| I-20 Requirements |
- A completed Affidavit of Financial Support Form I-34 (original and notarized) with supporting documents must be submitted with admission application.
- Download Affidavit of Financial Support form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
- For transfer students, Metropolitan State requires additional information. Contact the International Student Advisor.
| F-1 Visa Rules |
Conditions for International Students (on F-1 Visa) at Metropolitan State University.
Students on F-1 Visa status at Metropolitan State must comply with the following rules:
- Possess a valid passport and unexpired I-20 at all times.
- Maintain full-time student status with 2.0 GPA. Undergraduate students must enroll for 12 credits per semester; graduate students must enroll for eight credits per semester. International students at Metropolitan State must be registered for fall and spring semester. A student may choose to be enrolled for summer semester. Students under special circumstances who cannot take a full-time course load must contact the International Student Advisor at 651-793-1219.
- Covered by adequate medical insurance.
Metropolitan State University Policy: "All international students and visiting scholars engaged in educational activities are required to purchase the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities international student accident and illness insurance plan, unless they can provide written verification that their government accepts full responsibility for any medical claims that might occur."The only exception to this regulation is proof that the student is from a country that has national health insurance. A letter from the Embassy is required. Metropolitan State University reserves the right to require all students from a particular country to purchase the university's student health plan, if, in Metropolitan State's sole discretion, that country or its Embassy is unable or unwilling to provide comparable, consistent, comprehensive and timely coverage and payment. For the complete policy go to: https://db.metrostate.edu/webapps/drep/Policy3000.pdf
- On-Campus Employment. An international student on F-1 visa status is eligible to seek on-campus employment (20 hours/week) upon enrollment. The university has limited on-campus job opportunities. Permission to work off-campus is given by BCIS only for certain restricted reasons, and only after nine months of full-time status.
- Compliance with F-1 visa rules and regulations.
| Social Security |
- Information for Students and Exchange Visitors Pursuing Employment, April 2009
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Fact Sheet on Social Security Application Verification (PDF), March 17, 2004
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Fact Sheet on Employment in the U.S. (PDF), June 14, 2004
| Immunization Requirements |
Minnesota Law (M.S. 135A, 14) requires all students born after 1956 be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus (every 10 years), mumps, and rubella. Minnesota high school students who graduated in 1997 or later are exempt from the immunization requirements. In addition, a student may be exempted for medical or conscientious reasons. Unless exempt, a student must provide immunization data at initial registration. For more information and to obtain an Immunization Form, contact the Admissions Office, visit the Immunization Requirements section or download the student immunization record form.
| International Student Organization (ISO) |
The International Student Organization of Metropolitan State is an official student group recognized by the Student Senate. ISO members represent diverse world cultures. The group organizes and participates in cultural and educational events. Together with the ISS office they organize programs to enhance global understanding. For more information, please contact the Student Activities Office at 651-793-1551 or visit the events web site.
| In-State Tuition Waiver Application |
- F-1 International Student Tuition Waiver Application
- F-1 International Student Tuition Waiver Application for Transitional Cohort
- Policy 3010: Non-Resident Tuition Waiver for F-1 International Students
Summer 2008 and Fall 2008 In-State Tuition Waiver Application Deadlines
- The in-state tuition waiver deadline for Summer is April 1 of that year.
- The in-state tuition waiver deadline for Fall is May 1 of that year.
- The in-state tuition waiver deadline for Spring is December 1 of the previous year.
All applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office postmarked no later by these deadlines. No late applications will be accepted.
All award notifications will be made via NetDirect email accounts. There will be no exceptions. The reason for this change is to standardize the notification process.
For more information on the application requirements, please go to https://db.metrostate.edu/webapps/drep/Policy3010.pdf.
| F-1 Status Reinstatement Procedure |
The following information and application procedure should only be used in the following situations:
- An International student who failed to maintain F-1 status at another institution which issued the I-20.
- A student who was issued an I-20 by Metropolitan State University, but failed to register for full course load and did not maintain F-1 status.
Important Advice
It is a student's responsibility to complete application material and apply for reinstatement after consultation with the International Student Advisor. Also, if you have been involved in any unauthorized off-campus employment, your application will be denied. In this situation, the International Student Office advises you to return to your home country at which time a new initial I-20 will be issued to you to return as a new student. Please consult with us before you make a decision.
Documentation Needed For Reinstatement
USCIS does not accept any incomplete, inaccurate or false documentation and, in such cases, the reinstatement application has been denied. Students must complete and submit the following documentation:
- A SEVIS I-20 issued by Metropolitan State with the notation: "Pending Reinstatement." Student must sign and date the I-20.
- Complete Form I-539 accurately and answer all questions and enclose attachments and supplements if needed. Supplements are completed only if you have F-2 dependents (spouse and children). The form is available from International student advisor or from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Form I-539
- I-539 Supplement Form - $300.00 fee (It is for one applicant and dependents if applicable). Make a check payable to USCIS and in memo write Fee for I-539.
- Effective September 1, 2004, students must complete Form I-901 and pay a $200 SEVIS fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid before you request reinstatement from USCIS. If the fee is not paid, your application will not be processed by immigration. The Form I-901 is found atwww.FMJfee.com. The $200 SEVIS fee is separate from the reinstatement application fee of $300.
- A letter to USCIS requesting Reinstatement to F-1 student visa status. This letter should include the date you entered the United States on F-1 visa, the circumstances which resulted in falling Out of Status; and how these circumstances were beyond your control. Attach documents to support your statements in your letter. Also, include in your letter a statement that you understand the importance of maintaining F-1 status.
- Original Affidavit of Support. Enclose all applicable supporting documents such as bank statements, sponsor's letters, and employment letters.
- Photocopies (do not send the originals).
- Passport picture and number page with expiration date
- Visa page from passport
- I-94 (both sides of arrival/departure entry card)
- If you have dependents (spouse or children), complete the supplement section of I-539 form and also send photocopies of each passport, visa page and I-94.
- For those students with a previously issued valid SEVIS I-20, please include a copy of your course registration (12 credits for Undergraduate, 8 credits for Graduate students) at Metropolitan State for the current or upcoming semester. Students without a previously issued SEVIS I-20 cannot be enrolled until reinstatement has been approved by USCIS.
Important Note: Please make two copies of all the documents which you plan to send to the USCIS as a part of your application for Reinstatement. Submit one copy to the International Student Services Office, Metropolitan State. Keep one copy in your file. In case documents are lost in the mail or at USCIS office, you will have documentation demonstrating you applied on time, and your stay in the United States is legal.
USCIS Address
Please send complete application with all the documents to:
California Service Center
P O Box 10539
Laguna Nigel, CA 92607-1053
Students Waiting for Reinstatement
Applicants for the reinstatement must follow F-1 visa regulations while they wait for approval from USCIS. These include:
- Take and complete full-time course load at Metropolitan State (applies only to students with a current SEVIS I-20 from Metropolitan State);
- Keep your health insurance valid and unexpired;
- Have your passport valid at all times;
- Refrain from any employment or any illegal activity.
USCIS Processing Time for Reinstatement
It takes approximately three to five months USCIS processing time for reinstatement applications.
USCIS will send a receipt of student's application directly to the student. If you use a personal check, USCIS will stamp the back of the check with date received and receipt number. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the checking account has sufficient funds for payment. If USCIS has any further questions on documentation, the student will receive a letter from USCIS specifying needed documentation.
The International Student Services Office has no authority to expedite your application processing or communicate with USCIS unless they directly receive a letter of inquiry from USCIS. Students can track the status of their application by using the number listed on their application receipt mailed by the USCIS.
| Event Viewer |
Visit the university's Event Viewer for the latest details on the times and location of campus activites.
| Forms |
- Permission for International Students to Enroll in Off-Campus Courses
- Your SEVIS I-20 - What You Need to Know About this New Document
- Checklist for International Students Seeking Off-campus Employment Based on Economic Hardship
- Petition to Waive TOEFL Test
- Academic Advisor Recommendation for Extension of Time
- Transfer Verification for F-1 International Students
For more information contact:
International Student Services:
Kamal Elbasher
Director for International Student Services
phone: 651-793-1219
fax: 651-793-1546
TTY 651-772-7687
kamal.elbasher@metrostate.edu