F-1 international students are required to adhere to a variety of immigration policies and regulations. This page provides a general overview of F-1 non-immigrant visa requirements. For specific information or further details, please make an appointment to speak to an international student advisor or Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Studies.

Maintaining F-1 & J-1 Student Status

  • Be enrolled full-time
    • Undergraduate: 12 credits (at least 9 face-to-face/hybrid credits)
    • Graduate: 9 credits (at least 6 face-to-face/hybrid credits)
  • Be in good academic standing
    • Undergraduate: 2.0+ GPA
    • Graduate: 3.0+ GPA (varies depending on program)
  • Maintain valid medica/health insurance
  • Maintain a valid passport
  • Report a change of address, phone number or email within 10 calendar days of the change to OIS.

 

Change of Major

US immigration law requires F-1 students to notify the Office of International Studies immediately about any changes to their academic program. These changes must be reported in SEVIS. Failure to report academic program changes, including a change of major to the Office of International Studies can put a student’s immigration status at risk.

When this form is received and verified, an updated I-20 will be processed and printed to reflect the new major.

Change of Major of Guidelines

  1. Apply for a change of major through the Registrar’s Office
  2. When the change of major has been approved, contact your Academic Advisor to complete the OIS change of major form
  3. Submit the completed change of major form to the DSO or PDSO
Change of Major Form

 

Concurrent Enrollement

An F-1 student may be enrolled in two different SEVIS-approved schools at one time as long as the combined enrollment amounts to a full-time course of study and more than half of the studies are taking on place at the primary instituion. To request concurrent enrollment, contact International Studies.

 

 

HyFlex Student Agreement

U.S. Immigration Policy mandates that international students meet a minimum of face-to-face credits (9 for UG; 6 for GR). HyFlex courses can suppliment face-to-face course requirements ONLY if there is no in-person course offering available. Moreover, students in HyFlex courses that are satisfying their face-to-face immigration requirement are REQUIRED to physically attend classes.
HyFlex Agreement

 

Reduced Course Load

An international student in F-1 status may be considered to receive a reduced course load, allowing the student to enroll in fewer than the minimum required credits, if the student meets the specified circumstances and is approved by the DSO or PDSO. For more information, contact OIS.

Reduced Course Load Request Form

 

Program Extension

An F-1 student who is currently maintaining status and making normal progress toward completing their education objective, but is unable to complete course of study before their I20 expires, may be eligible for a program extension if the student applies before the program end date on the I-20 immigration document and meets the extension requirements.

Program Extension Request Form

 

Leave of Absence or Withdrawal

The purpose of this form is to notify International Studies of an intent to take a leave of absence or withdraw from MSU Billings. Students an a temporary leave of absence for less than 5 months are permitted to reactive their I-20 immigration status and re-enter the U.S. on the same visa, if unexpired.

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form

 

Transfer to MSU Billings or City College at MSUB

Students currently in F-1 status studying in the U.S. who plan to transfer to Montana State University Billings must complete the transfer procedure through SEVIS. This form must be completed and returned to the international office and DSO at your current institution.

MSUB Transfer Form
City College Transfer Form

 

Transfer Out Form

Students will use this form to request a transfer of their SEVIS immigration record to another SEVP-accredited institution in the U.S. Students must maintain an active and valid status until the time of transfer. Students must submit this form AND an admissions verification from the transfer institution. Students also are required to schedule a transfer appointment with OIS Director Dr. Paul Foster.

Transfer Out Form

 

Reinstatement of Status Guide

Students who have failed to maintain active immigration status may be eligible for reinstatement to lawful F-1 status at the discretion of the USCIS, under limited conditions. The process must be adjudicated by USCIS and can take on average nine months to a year.

Reinstatement Guide