F-1 Overview

What is an F-1 visa? The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an SEVP-certified college or university. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that awards an undergraduate or graduate diploma and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.

As an international student with a Form I-20 issues by Montana State University, you must:

  • Be enrolled in degree program (Associate, Bachelor's, Masters, or PhD)
  • Enroll in a full course load during the Fall & Spring semesters
    • Full time enrollment for an undergaduate student is 12 or more credits per semester
    • Full time enrollment for a graduate student is 9 credits WITHOUT a GTA/GRA position; 6 credits WITH a GTA/GRA position
  • And carry health insurance while enrolled at Montana State University.

For more information about the F-1 Visa, you can visit the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services webiste 

Forms For F-1 Students

Request for Exception to the Full Course of Study

An international student in F-1 status is considered to be pursuing a full course of study even though enrolled for less than the full-time credit load under specified circumstances certified by a school official, designated by the USCIS and International Student and Scholar Advisor.

 

Transfer In
Students currently in F-1 status studying in the U.S. who plan to transfer to Montana State University must complete the transfer procedure through SEVIS. This form must be completed with assistance from your current US instituiton and returned to an advisor in International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). 
Transfer Out

Students will use this form to request a transfer of their SEVIS record to another U.S. institution. Students must maintain an active and valid status until the time of transfer.