Visa Rules and Regulations
It is your responsibility to understand and maintain your visa status during your stay in the United States. The Kearney International Center has immigration advisors ready to assist while you study at Minnesota State Mankato. A violation of your status can jeopardize your ability to stay in the United States and accomplish the academic goals you've worked so hard for. Please review the information on our website and contact your immigration advisor if you have any questions.
F-1 Regulations
To be in F-1 “status” means you are legally in the U.S. and have benefits and restrictions specified in the immigration regulations for the F-1 visa category. You gain status either by entering the U.S. with F-1 documents or by applying to USCIS for a change of status.
J-1 Regulations
The overall purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. J-1 students must be admitted to a degree program for a full course of study or be engaged full-time in a non-degree course of study.
Sevis
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is an electronic system by which F-1 and J-1 student data are transmitted directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security throughout the student’s U.S. academic career.
