Next steps for admitted international students

Accessing and submitting your I‑20 request

• Use the link in your admission letter
  Your admission letter includes a link to the I‑20 Request site, where you will complete your request and upload your required financial documentation and passport copy.
• Submit your request only after admission
  You must wait until you have been officially admitted to Metro State before submitting your I‑20 Request. Submissions made prior to admission will not be reviewed or processed.
• Log in with your StarID credentials
  To access the I‑20 Request site, log in using your StarID and password. If you have not yet activated your StarID, be sure to do so before attempting to access the system.
• Ensure all information is accurate and complete
• Carefully review all entries and uploaded documents before submitting. Incomplete or incorrect submissions may delay processing.

Contact us if you need assistance

If your admission letter did not include the I‑20 Request link or instructions, or if you did not receive an admission letter, please contact our office so we can assist you.

• Request your transfer early
  • Students should initiate the transfer of their SEVIS record to Metro State before the end of their current semester to ensure timely processing.
• Meet required deadlines
  • Students completing a program must transfer their SEVIS record before the end of the 60-day grace period
  • Students ending OPT or STEM OPT must also complete the transfer within the 60-day grace period
  • Missing these deadlines may affect your immigration status.
• Coordinate with your current institution
  • Work directly with your current school’s international office to:
  • Request the SEVIS transfer
  • Complete any required paperwork or internal processes
  • Each institution may have different procedures and deadlines.
• No transfer-in form required by Metro State
  • Metro State does not require a transfer-in form from your current institution. However, you must follow your current school’s transfer procedures.
• Provide Metro State SEVIS School Code
  • When requesting your transfer, give your current institution the correct code: SPM214F01116000
• Monitor your email for updates
  • Stay in contact with both institutions and respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays.
• More information about Transfer to Metro State

• International students are responsible for all educational and personal expenses for the duration of their F-1 status at Metro State. To issue an I-20, which is needed to obtain an F-1 student visa, Metro State is required by the U.S. government to maintain records that you have the funds necessary to cover your tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least your first year of study. If you bring your spouse or other dependents with you to the U.S. you must also demonstrate that you have the funds necessary to cover those costs.
• Proof of Financial Responsibility
• Source of Funds
  • Bank statements must be originals, photocopies, scanned copies or faxed documents printed on bank letterhead and certified with the bank’s stamp or seal. We reserve the right to verify authenticity.
  • Bank statements must be dated within 6 months from the application date.
  • If English is not the language in which the bank documents are issued, the bank documents must be accompanied by a certified, literal English translation.
• Financial Letter of Support
  • Use this template for non-U.S. citizen/permanent resident, written in English, indicating their willingness to support your financial obligations.
• Affidavit of Support
  • Complete this form if your financial sponsor is a U.S. citizen/permanent resident.

Uploading Your Passport Identification Page

• Take a clear photo of your passport ID page
  • Open your passport to the biographical (ID) page and take a photo that clearly shows all information.
  • Make sure the entire ID page is captured within the frame (all edges visible) and that no information is cut off.
• Save the file in the correct format
  • Save your image as a .jpg (JPEG) file. Ensure the file is not too large or too small and meets any file size requirements provided.
• Upload your passport image
  • Upload the .jpg file to the designated section of the I‑20 Request system. Confirm that the correct file has been uploaded successfully before submitting your request.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Once you receive your I-20, please review the spelling and order of your name and confirm that is matches exactly how your name is written at the bottom of the identity page in your passport.
• If everything is correct, sign and date your name on the bottom of your I-20.
• New students are required to pay the I-901 Fee that is charged by the Department of Homeland Security before you can apply for your F-1 visa or enter the U.S.
  • Please print out a copy of your receipt and keep with your I-20.
• In-country transfer students are not required to pay the SEVIS fee again.

• In order to schedule a visa appointment, you will need to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)
• When completing your visa application, write your legal name exactly as it is printed in your passport and provide complete and truthful information throughout your application. If you do not have housing yet in the U.S. you can use ISS’s address (700 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106).
• List every social media platform you have used in the past 5 years and give your username/handle. Also, be certain to adjust the privacy settings on all of your social media profiles to "public" or "open".
• You should plan to apply for a visa at the U.S. embassy/consulate that is closest to where you live. This website also includes specific instructions for scheduling an appointment.
• We recommend scheduling your appointment as soon as possible after you receive your I-20. You will need to determine the estimated wait time for obtaining a visa at your local embassy or consulate.
  • If you are not able to schedule a visa appointment before the beginning of the semester, you will need to speak to ISS about the possibility of deferring your admission to the next semester
• For your visa interview, you will need to prepare the following:
  • Valid passport
  • I-20
  • Admission Letter
  • Proof of Financial Support (same as you used to obtain your I-20)
  • Receipt of SEVIS I-901 Fee payment
  • Visa application form (available from the U.S. embassy/consulate
  • Any documents requested by the embassy/consulate
• The visa interview will be a very brief meeting with a consular officer. Be prepared to explain why you want to study at Metro State, how you are planning to pay for your stay, and what your plans might be after you graduate. Always answer truthfully!
• If you have questions or concerns before the visa interview, we recommend that you contact the EducationUSA office closest to you.
• Once you receive your F-1 visa, check the accuracy of the information on it. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate if you find a mistake.
• Some visa applicants are subject to additional screening that will delay the issuance of the visa. The is NOT always a final denial. Most applicants who are subject to administrative processing or a security clearance check will receive their visa within a few months. There is nothing you nor ISS can do to prevent nor speed up the process.

• You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the first page of your I-20.
• The closest airport to our campus is the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.
• Plan and pack your luggage early. Check your airline's luggage restrictions to make sure your bags are not overweight and that you have the correct amount of luggage pieces.
• For your carry-on bag we recommend you pack your I-20, passport with visa, boarding pass(es), a change of clothing, something to read, snacks, headphones, toothbrush/toothpaste, and important medications.
• Keep with you at all times:
  • Passport (keep a photo copy in your carry-on luggage)
  • I-20 (keep an additional photo copy in your carry-on luggage)
  • Acceptance Letter
  • Airline boarding pass(es)
  • Emergency contact information (your family, Metro State emergency phone numbers, etc.)
  • Prescriptions
  • U.S. Currency to pay for initial expenses; bank draft account information and/or credit card for tuition, fees, housing payments, etc.
    • If you choose to bring large amounts of money with you, we recommend that you carry traveler's checks rather than cash. Do not carry money in your luggage; keep it on your person at all times. 
• Check in with your airline 72 hours prior to departure, 24 hours prior to departure, and just before leaving for your airport.
• There are a variety of transportation options from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to campus.
• Buses: City bus service is provided by Metro Transit. For bus fare and route information, call the 24-hour automated system at 612.341.4287.
• Taxis: Taxi service is available for approximately $40-$50. A $6.25 fare will be displayed on the Taxicab meter when you start your trip. This fee includes a $2.50 "flag drop" fee and a $3.75 airport access fee. Use taxis and shuttle services that have the name of the company clearly marked.
• App-based Ride Services: Uber, Lyft, or other app-based ride services pick up on Level 2 of the Green Parking Ramp, above the Ground Transportation Center.
  • Lyft and Uber cost around $20 on average from MSP to campus, but fares increase when there is high demand. Get an estimate for your trip from Uber or Lyft.

• Learn more about Minnesota!
• Meet Minneapolis
• Visit St. Paul
• Although Metro State does not offer traditional on-campus housing, our Resource Center can get students connected to community agencies that can help with locating affordable housing options.
• Housing Link: offers information regarding affordable and public housing options. Also provides free resources, tips, and handouts to help renters when searching for affordable housing. 

Our online New Student Orientation is required for all incoming students and must be completed before you are able to register for your courses. This ensures you have the essential information and resources needed to successfully begin your academic journey at Metro State.

• ​​​​​​​Log in and access Orientation
  • Log in using your StarID@go.minnstate.edu and password.
• Complete the required Orientation steps
  In the “New Student Orientation” learning path, complete all required steps and earn your completion certificate. You may work at your own pace and return at any time.
• Follow each module carefully
  • Select the “View” button to begin each step, complete all sections, and look for green check marks to confirm completion. After each step, select “Continue to Next Section” and submit the feedback form (comments are optional, but submission is required to move forward).
• ​​​​​​​International Student Learning path
  • International students are required to complete an additional learning path designed specifically to provide important resources and information for their success at Metro State.
• Watch for your hold to be removed
  Once you complete the orientation, Student Life staff will verify your completion and remove your hold within 2–3 business days. You will receive a confirmation email when this is done.
• Explore additional (optional) resources
  You will also see Student Success Workshops. These are optional but highly recommended and available to revisit anytime. Workshops can also enter you into a monthly $500 scholarship drawing.
• Get help if needed
  If you have questions at any point, contact the Student Life and Leadership Development office for assistance.

Attend International Student Orientation.

Our in-person International Student Orientation is required for all incoming international students, including those arriving from outside the U.S., transferring from another U.S. institution, or changing their level of study. Attendance is mandatory to ensure you understand important F‑1 requirements and successfully transition to Metro State.