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Consistent & Updated Information

Keeping Your Information Up to Date

An important part of maintaining your immigration status is making sure your information is accurate and up to date across all university and immigration records.

Make sure your information is consistent across all forms and records, including immigration documents and school registration.

If you have any changes to your academic program or profile, visit the DSO/ARO in the Office of International Studies first to update your immigration documents.

Contact Information Changes

Notify both the DSO/ARO and Registrar鈥檚 Office of any changes to your:

  • U.S. address
  • Foreign address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

Complete the International Immigration Registration Form at the beginning of every Fall
and Spring semester!

Academics

Undergraduate Students

  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours at all times.
  • At least 9 credits must be face-to-face or qualifying HyFlex/hybrid/mixed courses.
  • If a HyFlex course is being counted toward the 9-credit in-person requirement, international students MUST attend in person.

Graduate Students

  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours at all times.
  • At least 6 credits must be face-to-face or qualifying HyFlex/hybrid/mixed courses.
  • If a HyFlex course is being counted toward the 6-credit in-person requirement, international students MUST attend in person.

HyFlex & Hybrid Courses

Not all HyFlex or hybrid courses meet immigration requirements.

Rule of thumb: Courses should meet in person more than 51% of the time.

  • Eligible: 3-credit course meeting 2 hours/week
  • Not eligible: 3-credit course meeting 1.5 hours/week

When in doubt, check with OIS before registering for or dropping a course.

Falling Out of Status

Failing to maintain your required course load or attend required in-person classes may result in loss of F-1 status and termination of your SEVIS record.

  • A Reduced Course Load (RCL) exception may be available in certain circumstances. Contact OIS before dropping below the required credits.
  • Students may be dropped from classes if tuition and fees are not paid on time. This can result in falling out of status and termination.

Maintain Academic Progress

Students must make satisfactory academic progress toward completing their course of study.

  • Students must maintain a GPA above 2.0 to remain in good academic standing at MSU Billings.
  • Academic probation or suspension may affect your ability to maintain your immigration status.

Changing Your Major

International students must receive approval from OIS before a Change of Major can be processed.

  • F-1 undergraduate students (Associate & Bachelor): Cannot change their major during their first year in F-1 status.
  • F-1 graduate students: Cannot change their major during their studies.
  • Change of major requests made during a student's final year that require an extension of the program may be subject to denial.

Filing for an Extension of Stay (EOS)

F-1 students must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS if they wish to remain in the U.S. beyond the Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on their Form I-94.

Students must work with a Designated School Official (DSO) to prepare and file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, through USC

Examples of circumstances that may warrant an EOS include:

  • Post-Completion OPT
  • Reduced Course Load (RCL)
  • Academic difficulties
  • Change of major
  • Change of educational level
  • Other circumstances requiring additional time in the U.S.

Students may submit an EOS application up to 180 days before their authorized period of admission expires, and no later than 30 days after their AUD.

Students may continue on-campus employment while their EOS application is pending if they submitted their EOS before their AUD.

They may also travel outside the U.S. as long as they have a valid U.S. visa and meet all other applicable travel requirements.

Students can also apply for an EOS through CBP at a Port of Entry.

Follow Laws & Campus Regulations

You must follow all local, state, and federal laws, as well as MSU Billings campus policies and regulations.

Violations may have serious consequences, including loss of immigration status and possible removal from the United States.

It is your responsibility to understand and follow these laws and regulations.

MSU Billings policies and regulations can be found in the 九一麻豆制片厂 Student Handbook and the Montana State University Billings General Bulletin.