F-1 Student:
Returning to a Program of Study at the University of Minnesota After an Extended Absence

If you are an F-1 student who left the University for an extended period of time and wish to return to pursue a program of study, you will need to take the following actions:

• Contact ISSS to let us know you plan to return and indicate the semester of your return. You will need a new I-20 if you are starting a new program or if you will be continuing in your previous program and have been outside of the United States for more than 5 months.
• If you are a returning student, contact your academic department to make sure your program is still active. If it is not active, you may need to apply for readmission.
• To receive a new updated I-20 you must complete a Financial Certification Form. Once completed, send it by fax to 612-626-7361 or email isss@umn.edu. If you will be holding an assistantship, you must include a copy of your award letter.
• If you are a returning student and your expected graduation date has changed, you must provide documentation from your adviser or the Graduate School, authorizing your newly agreed upon completion date.
• The State Department recommends that you apply for a new entry visa at a US consulate – even if your previous entry visa is still valid. Contact the nearest US Embassy for information.
• F-1 regulations require you to apply for a new entry visa at a US consulate – even if your previous entry visa is still valid. Contact the nearest US Embassy for information on applying for a visa.
• You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before entering the US and present proof of payment to the embassy when you apply for your F-1 visa. See more information on how to pay the SEVIS fee. You will be asked to provide your SEVIS ID#, therefore, you will need to wait until you receive your new I-20 to complete the payment process.
• You may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the “report-by” date indicated in section 5 of your I-20.

Upon re-entry, you MUST check–in with ISSS. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your F-1 status.  Bring your passport, I-94, and I-20, as well as any dependents’ documents to ISSS during walk–in hours.