International Student Services

While studying in the United States, it is your responsibility to maintain your F-1 status. Maintaining status is REQUIRED. Learn more here.

• F-1 Visa Status Quick Guide
• Semester To-Do List Quick Guide

Forms

• Reduced Course Load Request Form
• Concurrent Enrollment Request Form
• I-20 Travel Signature Request Form (for travel outside of the U.S. only)
• I-20 Program Extension Request Form
• Transfer Out Request Form
• SEVIS Termination Request Form
• Change of Level Request Form

Health insurance is required for all F-1 international students at Century College. This requirement provides a healthcare plan and protects against financial hardship resulting from the need for medical care.

The United States does not have a national health care system available to non-immigrant students; therefore, the cost of medical care is the responsibility of each individual student. Healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive. Without insurance, one doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars. One emergency room visit can cost thousands.

International students must purchase the system-approved health insurance, per the Minnesota State policy: Undergraduate Admissions Policy Part 5, Subpart B, #2. Students may also have supplemental insurance such as spousal insurance, or state insurance (if applicable), but they must still maintain the system-approved policy while attending Century College in F-1 status.

New students must pay the required insurance premium before registering for first semester classes.

Continuing students must pay the full annual insurance premium each year in July. Students who do not pay in full by the deadline will have their fall classes dropped.

Students should budget in preparation to pay approximately $2100 for the annual insurance premium each year in July. International Student Services will notify students of the annual premium amounts and due date as soon as it is available.

Students who later transfer out, graduate, or withdraw and depart the US may petition for a refund on a prorated basis through the insurance company. International Student Services can assist students with this petition.

2022-2023 International Student Health Insurance Plan

The 2022-2023 coverage runs August 10, 2022 - August 9, 2023. The annual premium is $2119.00. Payment is due by August 5, 2022 for current students and must be paid in full. Payment can be made in e-services or in the Business Office, W2340.

For more information on your United HealthCare StudentResources (UHCSR) health insurance plan including benefits and rates please click here. Be sure to login to your MyAccount for more personalized information after you enroll.

Optional Items: Once you are enrolled in the insurance plan you can add dental coverage for a limited time each year in August through MyAccount. You may also purchase health and dental coverage for dependents (spouse/children) through your MyAccount.

Any questions about your insurance plan and benefits can be directed to the Student Insurance Advocate at studentinsurance@stcloudstate.edu or 320-308-4855.

Forms

• Petition for Refund Form

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization for international students. OPT is training designed to give students real world experience. OPT is for 12 months of employment, to be completed up to 14 months after program end date. Students need to meet with an International Student Advisor before applying for OPT.

• OPT Application and Approval Process
• Filing Form I-765 Online with USCIS

Forms

• OPT Request Form

Reminder: While on OPT you must report your employer information in the SEVP Portal or to a DSO. Failure to report will be recorded as unemployment time. After 90 days of unemployment, your record will be auto-terminated, and you will start accruing unlawful presence in the United States.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of alternate work/study, internship, co-operative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. The experience may be paid or unpaid. CPT must be an integral part of an established curriculum. Students must meet with an International Student Advisor to apply for CPT.

• CPT Application Process

Forms

• CPT Faculty & Advisor Verification Form
• CPT Site Approval Form

International students are eligible to work on-campus as student workers. However, not all student worker positions at Century College are open to international students. Use this Quick Guide to learn how to search for on-campus jobs. Visit the Career Services page for more information about on-campus jobs, preparing your resume, and more.

• Search for On-Campus Jobs Quick Guide
• Social Security Card Application Process

Forms

• SSN Verification Letter

Severe Economic Hardship is new, unexpected circumstances beyond the student’s control creating severe economic hardship. The employment authorization is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time. The authorization allows the student to work for any employer up to 20 hours per week while they are registered full-time. Students must meet with an International Student Advisor to apply for Economic Hardship Employment Authorization.

• Economic Hardship Employment Authorization Application Process

Forms

• USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Scholarships

Some Century College Foundation scholarships are open to International Students. All students are encouraged to apply! Applications are accepted at different times of the year for a variety of scholarships. Visit the Scholarship page for a complete listing of scholarships, application deadlines, as well as videos and workshops to help you through the application process.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators provides information on financial aid for undergraduate international students. Visit their website for more scholarship opportunities.

Other Financial Help

All students can face unexpected financial hardships. There are resources on campus and in the community that can help! Because F-1 international students are not eligible for all existing resources (such as FAFSA based federal and state aid) we have created this helpful document to help connect you with resources available to F-1 students. Contact international@century.edu if you have any questions!

• Resources for F-1 Students Facing Financial Challenges

If an F-1 student has overstayed the authorized period on the I-20 plus 60 days or otherwise failed to maintain student status they may be reinstated to student status by applying to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Students should be aware that applications can be denied and usually cannot be appealed.

• Reinstatement Application Process

Forms

• USCIS Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Filing federal income tax forms is the personal responsibility of each international student. All F-1 students and their dependents, regardless of whether or not they have earned money, are required to file an annual tax form. Tax forms must be postmarked no later than April 15 of each year.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the part of the U.S. government responsible for collecting taxes and has resources to help you learn more about filing taxes. For more information about taxes in the United States, visit the Foreign Students and Scholars page on the IRS website. You can also review the handout below for additional information.

• Tax information for International Students Handout

Resource and Support Center

The Century College Resource and Support Center, in partnership with Counseling Services, helps students connect with a variety of campus and community resources to help them succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Students who are struggling with a financial emergency can meet with their assigned counselor to see if they may be eligible for emergency assistance funds.

Housing Options

Century does not offer housing on campus, but there are plenty of nearby options. HOMELine is a non-profit organization in Minnesota that provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.

More Resources

• MN State ID and Driver’s License Information
• Opening a Bank Account and Writing a Check
• United States Addresses and Sending Mail

Explore Minnesota!

The State of Minnesota offers exciting adventures in big cities, small towns, forests, lakes, and prairies! Visit these websites for information on events, restaurants, museums, shopping, theater, outdoor recreation and more!

• Explore MN
• Explore White Bear Lake
• Visit Saint Paul
• Minneapolis Visitor Guide
• Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas

Join the International Student Association at Century College to meet new friends and participate in fun activities at Century and in the community. For more information contact the faculty advisor, David Mekala at 651-773-1702 or E2699.