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International Student Admissions and Services

Admission Process for International Students

The following is information about the admissions process for international students and services for currently enrolled international students.

How to apply to Century College

International Student Admissions

International students applying for an I-20 must submit the documents listed below. International students are only admitted for Fall and Spring semesters. There are three Steps to Getting Started at Century College: Apply, Assess, and Advise.

Apply: To apply to Century College and receive an I-20, students must submit all three parts of the application including the International Student Application, the International Student Agreement and the Financial Guarantee Statement. Prior to being admitted to Century College, an international student must demonstrate economic self-sufficiency to be able to afford the costs of non-resident tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and any other costs necessary for the completion of the academic year. Students who have a non-immigrant visa and will not be changing their visa status only need to submit the International Student Application.

The above checklist is only for students seeking admission in F-1 (full-time) student status. If you are in the US on a J, H, L, K, R, visa, etc. and are not planning to obtain an I-20, your application requirements will be different. Please contact the International Student Admissions Representative with questions. Please note that US Immigration regulations now prevents B and F-2 visa holders from studying in the US until they have received approval from US Immigration to change to F-1 status.

Official High School/Secondary school diploma or school-leaving certificate. Official University or College transcripts.

Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score. Century's TOEFL code is 6388. Scores must be sent directly from the testing site, student copies are not accepted. Students must score at these levels to be accepted: Paper based test (500) Computer based test (173) Internet based test (61). Students who have completed a college level English composition course with a grade of C or higher may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

$20 non-refundable application fee in US dollars.

Application deadlines

International Student Application Deadlines for 2007 - 2008 (pdf)

Students applying from within the United States must also supply the following:

  • Photocopy of current visa.
  • Photocopy of current passport
  • Photocopy of BOTH sides of the I-94 stapled inside their passport
  • Photocopy of the I-20 issued by your current school (if currently a student)
Mail documents to:
Century College International Admissions
Room W2250
3300 Century Avenue North
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

If you have questions about the international application process please call 651-773-1794 or email herbert.king@century.edu. The International Student Application for Admission is used to gain general acceptance to Century College. Some programs have additional applications requirements and deadlines. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Once all pieces have been submitted, the application will be reviewed for acceptance. If the student is admitted, an acceptance packet will be mailed to the student containing an acceptance letter and information related to insurance, placement testing (see “ Assess ” below), and new student orientation. If outside of the country, the acceptance packet will also include an I-20 form. If the student is already on an I-20, the student must request that their current school release their SEVIS I-20 to Century College at the end of the semester. We are listed in SEVIS as Century Community and Technical College. Once we have access to your record, we will print and issue you a new I-20. If the student is outside of the U.S. they will need to make arrangements with their local U.S. embassy to apply for a student visa. The U.S. Department of State website has information on securing visas. If the student is on a non-immigrant visa and wants to change to F-1 status, they will need to submit additional documents to the USCIS to request a change of status. The form I-539 is one of the docuements requried to request a change of status. Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services webiste where you can find the appropriate forms.

Assess

Assessment tests are required of all new students. The assessments are used only to place students in the appropriate courses in math, reading and English. The assessments are a tool to help students be successful in college. They are not used to determine eligibility for admission, but they may affect a student's ability to take certain courses without proper preparation. Assessment tests are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Current Century College Assessment Testing schedule The assessments are given on a walk-in basis; however, students are advised to arrive early, as seating is often limited. A photo ID (e.g. passport) and a Century College student ID number or social security number are required to take the assessment. There is no charge to take the assessment test. Non-native speakers of English must take the ESL assessment instead of the standard English assessment.All students should take the math assessment.

After the assessment tests, you can move on to the third step: Advise Advise:

Coming to Century College

Arrival in the United States and Housing

Please be advised that Century College does not arrange transportation for international students. You are responsible for arranging your airfare to the United States as well as transportation to the College. Public transportation (buses) and taxi services are both readily available from the airport. Both taxis and buses are generally safe to take alone. You should plan on having approximately $100 USD on hand when you arrive to pay for transportation and personal expenses your first day in the country.

Century College does not provide housing for students. There is a housing information bulletin board near the Admissions Office of the college. If you wish to find an apartment, you can get a good sense for locations and costs by visiting the two local newspapers’ web sites:

The St. Paul Pioneer Press site has numerous links to other web sites of interest about Minnesota and the Twin Cities area.

Housing costs vary tremendously. You can expect to spend between $300-$800 per month on rent and utilities (gas, water, electricity, etc.). Before you agree to any housing contract (lease), be sure you understand what is included in that price and what additional money you will have to spend each month on your accommodation. It is common practice to pay a security or damage deposit when renting an apartment. The security deposit is usually equal to one or two months’ rent and is refunded to the tenant at the end of the lease if the apartment is left in good condition. It is a good idea to have at least $2,000 available to get settled in your apartment to pay for the security deposit, first month’s rent, utilities, and set-up charges.

After you have arrived

Reporting. You must report to me within one week of your arrival in the United States. Please call 651-793-1222 to make an appointment. You will need to bring your passport, I-20, visa, and I-94, (the card stapled to your passport when you first arrived in the US), and a completed “Immunization Form” (enclosed) to your appointment.

Attending orientation sessions

The Century College student orientation program is called SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration). SOAR information is normally mailed out with the acceptance packet. You will need to make a reservation to attend SOAR. The SOAR flyer will give you step by step instructions to make a reservation on-line. When making your on line reservation, you should also take the time to set up your student portal. Instructions are included on the website. Make sure to write down all your different usernames and passwords on the card provided in your acceptance packet. SOAR includes large and small group activities and course registration. The entire session will last approximately three hours and is required for all new students. The large group session provides new students helpful information about the college, resources available and student activities. The small group provides an opportunity for students to meet with a counselor or advisor for assistance with course selection and registration. Please Note: Before attending SOAR you will need to complete the college application and assessment testing. Bring your results to your orienation session. In addition to the general SOAR session, all F-1 international students will be required to attend a mandatory international student orientation. This meeting is normally held about a few days before classes start. A separate invitation letter will be mailed to you.

Health insurance for international students

International students must purchase the system-wide (MNSCU) approved student health insurance, except for those students whose sponsoring agency or government certifies that the student is covered under a plan provided by the sponsoring agency or govenement. A letter on official letterhead must be submitted by the embassy or sponsoring agency stating that they are providing health insurance for the student. Having insurance coverage through a spouse, family member, or sponsor does NOT waive the requirement to purchase the MNSCU policy. Students must pay for the health insurance policy before they will be allowed to register. Health Insurance forms are available in the Business Office or Multicultural Student Center.

Immunizations and Tuberculosis tests

All international students must get a Mantoux test to determine exposure to tuberculosis. You will need to contact the Health Services Office located in the East Campus-Room E2232. The telephone number is 651-779-3954. Students determined to have past or present exposure to TB may be required to take the required medication. Related costs may be covered by your health insurance policy. In addition, Minnesota state law requires all college students to provide proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella. Complete the enclosed immunization form and return it to the Century College Admissions Office when you arrive on campus. You can also receive shots at the Ramsey County Clinic at 651-266-1234 or Inver Hills Community College at 651-450-8500 for a minimal charge.

Frequently asked questions about the admissions process for International Students

What do I need to do to apply to Century College?
See the Steps to Getting Started.
Are photocopies of documents acceptable?
In most cases, certified photocopies are acceptable. High school/secondary school and college/university transcripts must be originals however. International students applying from their home countries must provide original transcripts to the Century College International Admissions Representative.
What can I study at Century College?
Century College offers more than 60 programs. Only Associate Degree programs are open to international students. Find more information on the Areas of Study at Century College.
Where can I get information on the TOEFL test? What is the minimum TOEFL score?
The TOEFL bulletin and registration is available outside the US in consulates, embassies US educational commissions and overseas offices of the Institute of International Education (IIE).

If you cannot obtain this information where you are, you can contact:

TOEFL
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA
+1 (609) 771-7100
toefl.org

The TOEFL code for Century College is 6388. Century College requires that students obtain a minimum of 500 on the written TOEFL test, 173 on the computer-based test or 61 on the internet based test. If you are in the Twin Cities and plan on applying to Century College as an international student, you may take the Century College ESL assessment test in place of the TOEFL. The minimum score to be accepted to Century College is ESL 031. Please see the Assess section above for dates and times the ESL assessment is given.

How long does it take to receive an I-20 once my application is complete?
Once all pieces of the international student application have been received, the application is reviewed to determine whether the student can be admitted to Century College. If the student is admitted, an acceptance letter and other important documents are mailed to the student, usually within one week of acceptance. Please note that we can only send acceptance letters via regular US post. If you have trouble receiving mail in your home country, you should apply EARLY to ensure you have sufficient time to receive correspondence from Century College and act upon it.
What are the most common reasons why international students are denied an I-20 from Century College?
Students begin the application process too late. Deadlines are NOT flexible, so make sure your application materials are delivered on time! English proficiency scores are too low for the student to be admitted. Students submit photocopies instead of originals for transcripts and bank documents. Applicants submit old or questionable financial documents. Their change of status application was denied.
Do I have to be a full-time student?
If you are admitted as a full-time (F1) student, you are required to take and complete a minimum of 12 semester credits each term you are enrolled at Century College. Students with F-1 visas who take less than a full course load may become out of status and risk penalties by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), up to and including deportation. Students on L, H, J, visas, etc. have different requirements for enrollment. Please see the International Student Admissions Representative with questions.
Do I have to take the assessment tests?
Assessment tests are required of all new students. The assessments are used only to place students in the appropriate courses in math, reading and English. The assessments are a tool to help students be successful in college. They are not used to determine eligibility for admission, but they may affect a student's ability to take certain courses without proper preparation.

Assessment tests are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Check the current Assessment testing schedule. The assessments are given on a walk-in basis; however, students are advised to arrive early, as seating is often limited. A photo ID (e.g. passport) and a Century College student ID number are required to take the assessment. There is no charge to take the assessment test. Non-native speakers of English must take the ESL assessment instead of the standard English assessment. All students should take the math assessment.
Can I come to Century College to study ESOL only?
No. While Century College does offer a wide variety of ESOL classes, international students with F-1 visas must be admitted to a degree program in order to study here. Many students take a mix of ESOL and other courses.
Can I bring my spouse or children with me to the United States?
Yes, you will need to show additional financial resources for any dependents you plan to bring with you to the U.S. You must show an additional $3,500 for a spouse and $2,500 for each child you plan to bring. When you are issued an I-20, your dependents are also issued I-20's that they will use to apply for F-2 visas. While in the U.S. your spouse on an F-2 is not allowed to engage in college/university study nor are they eligible to work.

The following statement is taken from the web site of the US immigration service: Your spouse and children may come with you to the United States in F-2 status. They should go with you to the US embassy or consulate when you apply for your student (F-1) visa. They should be prepared to prove their relationship to you. If your spouse or children are following to join you at a later date, they should provide the US embassy staff with a copy of your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students) and proof of their relationship to you. The F-2 status of your family will be dependent on your status as the F-1 academic student. This means that if you change your status, your family must change their status. If you lose your status, your family will also lose their status. Each member of your family who will accompany you to the United States must have his or her own F-2 I-20.
Do I have to attend SOAR?
Yes, SOAR is absolutely mandatory for all new students. You will not be allowed to register until you have completed a SOAR session. SOAR sessions are held periodically throughout the semester before you start classes at Century, so you should easily be able to find one that meets your needs. In addition to attending SOAR, you will be required to attend an international student orientation. Failure to attend the international student orientation will prevent you from registering for any future semesters.
How much does it cost to attend Century College?
International students are charged non-resident tuition rates. For the 2006-2007 academic year tuition will be $268 per credit. International students with F-1 visas are required to take a minimum of 12 credits per semester. In addition to tuition, you should factor in approximately $400 per semester in books, plus living and personal expenses.
Is financial aid available?
No. Financial aid is not offered to international students, regardless of the type of visa they hold. Students must have sufficient funds to cover all expenses incurred while at Century College: tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, living expenses, travel and all costs related to visa issuance and maintenance. In addition, F1 international students are assessed a mandatory health insurance fee. International students will not be admitted to Century College if they cannot provide sufficient proof of financial support for their stay in the United States.
I have a disability. Can I attend Century College?
Century College considers all applicants without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. The Century College Access Center provides services to students with disabilities. Services provided range from note takers, sign language interpreters, and quiet testing rooms to extended test times. Services are provided free of charge to students, but documentation of the disability is required. Call (651) 779-3354 or visit the Access Center online.
Is there housing available on campus?
Century College does not provide housing to students. Many private parties advertise rooms for rent on bulletin boards around campus. There are apartments located within walking distance of the college.
Is there an international student advisor who can help me after I arrive in Minnesota?
Yes. There are two international student advisors at Century College. Newly admitted students will be assigned an advisor based on the first letter of their last name. International student advisors conduct the orientation sessions for newly admitted international students and can provide assistance with immigration matters, referrals to other student services and general assistance.
What other kinds of services are available to students?
Many acedemic resourses and services are available to students. These services range from free tutoring, to career counseling, to academic advising. For information on academic resources for Century College students.
Are there student clubs and groups on campus?
Yes, there are more than 30 registered student groups on campus, ranging from student government, honor society to intramural sports, a creative arts alliance and law enforcement clubs. If you are interested in participating in a club that doesn't currently exist at Century, you may be able to start one! Student Life has more information on student activities.

The SEVIS system

In 2003, the US immigration service implemented several very important changes to existing laws. A great number of them affect international students in particular. Below are just a few of the most important points to remember The INS no longer exists. Instead, the US Congress created three new agencies: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). USCIS is the agency which most closely resembles the former INS. When you submit an application to change status, apply for employment authorization of any type, or file for a reinstatement, you will submit your petition to the USCIS. ICE has control over the new international student tracking system called SEVIS.

To better track the activities of international students, the former INS created a system called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Before SEVIS was in place, most of the record-keeping related to international students was done on paper. SEVIS allows schools and students to maintain student records electronically (on the internet and in school databases). The idea is to provide faster and more accurate information sharing among the various agencies that have authority over immigration and visa issues and the schools that receive international students. All new and continuing international students are required to have a SEVIS version I-20 form.

The USCIS now keeps a record of the number of times a student is issued an I-20. You must now take extra care to keep your I-20 safe and clean. Keep your old I-20 with your SEVIS version I-20. Both should be kept with your passport and I-94 in a safe place.

SEVIS has changed some of the rules related to academic progress. For example, international students no longer have a one-year grace period to finish their studies. In addition, the number of reasons why students can have an exemption from the 12-credit per semester rule has decreased significantly. The penalties for failing to comply with the new SEVIS rules are more severe than in the past. International students will more often fall out of status if they fail to meet the requirements of SEVIS. Reinstatements are going to be harder to obtain. Deportation and/or denial of visas will become more common for students who do not comply.

Staying in compliance with the USCIS

There are many simple things international students can do to ensure they stay in compliance with immigration rules. See the tip sheets related to academic standards, applying for work authorization, and campus resources to help you deal with problems for more information.

Always take 12 credits or more each semester. If you have trouble finding courses or need help arranging class times, see an academic advisor in the Counseling Center.

Never drop below 12 credits without written permission. An easy way to stay above 12 credits is to register for 15 or 16 credits each term. You then have room to drop a class to get to 12 credits.

NEVER work off-campus (outside of Century College ) without an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS. The consequences of doing so are very severe.

Plan ahead; if you need to submit an application of any kind to USCIS (employment, practical training, change of status, etc.) you need to submit that application at least three months before you wish the application to be approved.

Budget your money appropriately. There is no financial aid available to international students from the Federal or state governments. Be careful with your money. Again, think ahead to make sure you can pay for your schooling this year and next! If you are having trouble of any kind, talk to an international student advisor and/or a Counselor!

Keep your address updated. The USCIS requires you to inform them AND Century College within 10 days of changing your address. Even if you move from one apartment to another in the same building, you must file a change of address.

Meet with an International Student Advisor before you travel outside the United States. If your I-20 is not endorsed, the immigration and customs service may refuse to let you return to the US. You may also need to apply for a new F-1 visa before you come back to the States. An International Student Advisor can help you make sure you have all papers in order before you leave.

Staying in Good Academic Standing

The US immigration service considers your primary purpose in the United States to be your studies. The single most important thing you can do to ensure you do not fall out of status with Immigration is to remain in good academic standing. International students are held to the same academic standards and are subject to the same policies as other Century College students. It is in your best interest to read through the policies in the College catalog and understand them. If you have questions about a policy, please ask! Ten simple ways to stay in good academic standing: Take courses that are recommended by faculty and academic advisors. This includes following the course recommendations from assessment tests, such as ESL. Assessment tests are designed to help you succeed by placing you in courses that are at your academic level. Taking them will help you start out on the right foot. Ask for help if you are having trouble with a class. Many tutoring and academic services are available to students. Century College has a Math Lab, a Study Skills Center, Peer Tutoring, a Writing Lab and a Language Lab to help you succeed in your classes. These services are free to students!

Do your homework. Your homework is, in most cases, part of the grade you receive. Completing assignments on time gives you a better understanding of the material covered in class, and can also improve your grade. Allow yourself enough time to do all your work. Waiting until the last minute to do an assignment may prevent you from having access to tutors or labs that can help you get the job done. Start early, to allow yourself enough time to complete all parts of an assignment.

Talk to your instructors. Faculty at Century College are required to have office hours each week. These hours are designed to give students the chance to meet with their instructors and ask questions, get clarifications on material covered in class, or get other academic help. If you are having trouble in a class, the instructor is the first person to approach to talk about your difficulty. Do not hesitate to ask for your instructors' help.

Make sure you are taking enough credits each semester. As you know, the USCIS requires international students to take at least 12 credits each semester. If you plan to finish an Associate's Degree at Century College in two years, you will need to take on average 16 credits each semester. Plan your courses carefully. One way you can make sure you are taking enough credits is to register for classes early! Do not wait until the semester starts to register.

Returning students should register as soon as they are able. If you wait until the first week of the semester, you will have trouble getting the classes you need. Meet with a Counselor each semester. Counselors can help you pick the most appropriate classes each semester. They can also help you make sure you stay on track for graduation, talk about transfer credit you may have from another school, and can offer advice on a variety of topics. If you are at all unsure about which courses you should be taking, meet with a counselor before you register. Consider changing majors if necessary. If you find yourself having repeated difficulty in classes in your major, you may want to talk to your instructors and a Counselor about changing majors. Repeatedly failing or doing poorly in classes will result in your being put on probation or suspended.

Don't be put on probation or suspension! Being put on academic probation or suspension can have serious consequences for your F-1 student status. If you are suspended for any reason, your I-20 will be canceled and you may be asked to leave the country.

Get involved on campus. Students who are involved on their campus tend to do better academically than those who are not. Join a student organization, participate in intramural sports, and get to know people in your classes.

Applying for Employment Authorization: Procedures and Timelines

Meet with an International Student Adivsor (three months before you wish to start working). This will allow you to find out which of the employment options for international students you have available to you and begin the paperwork. In addition, you may need a new I-20 which shows you are authorized by Century College to work off campus.

Apply for a Social Security Number ( if you do not already have one). You must have a Social Security Number to work on or off campus. It will take approximately two weeks to obtain a Social Security card after you submit the application to the US Social Security Administration.

Check the job board outside of the Financial Aid office on West Campus. You do not need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document to work at Century College. The downside is, few jobs are available on campus. Check with the Language Lab and ESL Lab, the cafeterias, libraries, and computer labs. They are the most frequent employers of international students.

Prepare the necessary paperwork for your Employment Authorization Document (or EAD). You will need to prepare one or more applications to the BCIS in order to receive authorization to work outside of Century College . There are three kinds of off-campus employment available to international students: Economic Hardship, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Each of them has very specific eligibility requirements you must meet before you can apply. In addition to the application forms, you will need to obtain photographs, make several photocopies of your immigration documents, and pay a fee (up to $180). If you are applying for OPT or CPT you must also obtain a letter from a Counselor stating why the training is related to your program of study at Century College.

Submit the application for an EAD to the BCIS. Before you submit the application to BCIS, you must make two copies of everything you submit: one will go to an International Student Advisor at Century College, the other you will keep. You should do this three months before you wish to start working.

DO NOT WORK WITHOUT HAVING YOUR EAD IN HAND! We understand that international students are eager to work, and that the application process is long and often frustrating. However, if you work off campus without an EAD, you are braking the law. You can be deported and prevented from returning to the US for up to 15 years! It is NEVER a good idea to work without authorization. Renew your EAD early. The Employment Authorization Document card is only valid for 12 months. If you are eligible to renew your EAD, you should do so three months before the end date listed on the card. To do this, start at number 1 above and follow all the steps again.

Application for Occupational Practical Training
Form: I-765
Fee: $180
Curricular Practical Training
Fee: No Filling Fee
Application for change of status and Reinstatement
Form: I-539
Fee: $200
Application for replacement of lost/stolen I-94 Card
Form: I-102
Fee: $160

Leaving Century College

If you are transferring to another school in the United States, you need to do the following:

Meet with an International Student Advisor. If you are leaving Century College, the international student advisor will electronically transfer your I-20 information to your new school. You must submit a copy of your acceptance letter to your advisor before they will transfer your record. As part of the application process for the new school, you will need to have an international student advisor at Century complete a transfer form. Make sure you apply early and meet all application deadlines at your new school.

Update your address. Before you leave Century College, you should update your address in the United States with the Century College Records Office. Bring your new address and telephone number to the Records Office. This lets us know how to contact you after you leave Century.

Make sure you have all your papers prepared for your new school. You will work directly with the International Offices at your new college as you transfer. Make sure to ask about housing, orientation programs, course enrollment and international student services. If you want to transfer credits from Century College to your new school, ask your new school what you need to give them (for example, an official transcript) to get the credits transferred.

Stop at the Century College Business Office. It is a good idea to stop at the Business Office to make sure all your bills are paid. If you owe any money to Century College, you may not be able to get a transcript.

Graduation

Meet with an International Student Advisor. If you are leaving Century College to return to your home country, you need to meet with an International Student Advisor to make sure you are following USCIS procedures at the end of an academic program. You should do this 30 days before the end of your program. For students graduating in May, make an appointment to meet with an advisor in March or April. Update your address. Before you leave Century College, you should update your address in the United States with the Century College Records Office. Bring your new address and telephone number to the Records Office. This lets us know how to contact you after you leave Century.

Stop at the Century College Business Office. It is a good idea to stop at the Business Office to make sure all your bills are paid. If you owe any money to Century College, you may not be able to get a transcript.

Leave the United States within the time authorized by the USCIS. If you do not plan on transferring to another school, you are required by US immigration regulations to leave the country within 60 days of the end of the semester. This means you must leave the US within 60 days of the date of Century College 's graduation ceremony.

For students graduating in May, you must leave the United States no later than mid July 14. Failure to leave the US in that 60 day window will result in deportation and potentially prevent you from being allowed back in the United States for several years.

Income tax information for international students Questions & Answers

As an international student you may be required to file income tax returns if you were in the U.S. during any part of a prior tax year. To determine if you need to file income tax forms, visit the Internal Revenue Service.

The deadline for filling both federal and state taxes is generally mid April.

What forms you will need:

  • Form 8843 - This is required for All international students and scholars, even those who earned no income in the U.S. NOTE: If it is determined that you do not have file income tax forms you will only need to complete form 8843.
  • 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ - You will also need to file form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ (NR stands for Non-Resident) - The 1040NR-EZ is the shorter version of the 1040NR. Read the first page of the instructions form from 1040NR-EZ to determine if you must file the 1040NR.
  • Form 843 - If Social Security money was withheld by your employer (Check your W-2 or pay stub to find out).
  • Minnesota State Tax Form M1
  • Minnesota State Tax Form M1PR - (This is for the property tax refund).

Depending on your individual tax situation in most cases international students will need to complete the following forms:

  1. Federal Form 8843
  2. Federal Form 1040NR-EZ (however, 1040NR always works)
  3. Minnesota State Tax form M1
  4. Minnesota State Tax form M1PR (for Property Tax Refund)
Where can I get these forms?
Download them from the Internal Revenue Service website.
Call the IRS and request forms to be mailed to you 1-800-829-1040. For State of Minnesota Tax Forms, you can get them online at the Minnesota Department of Revenue, or at any area post office. Instructions for Minnesota Tax form M1 can be found at the Minnesota Department of Revenue. You can also stop by the Multi-cultural Student Center if you need help locating tax forms.
What if you don’t have a social security/taxpayer number?
You will need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to complete a federal W-7 form to apply for an ITIN number. Be sure to mail the completed W-7 form along with your other completed tax forms. NOTE: Students who meet the exemption requirements need to complete and mail form 8843 and do not have to file for an ITIN number.
Are you eligible for a property tax refund?
Remember that federal forms are filed separately from state forms, which are available at post offices or online. You must also file a Minnesota State Tax form M1PR if you have income subject to federal withholding, or you want a property tax refund. Everyone uses the same form for state taxes; there is no specialized form for international students. The form, and the website, can define eligibility for property tax refunds.
The international student advisors at Century College are not trained to answer tax questions. You should consider contacting the local IRS office and ask for the Taxpayer Education Coordinator to find out about free taxpayer assistance. You can also contact a professional tax preparer if you need help. In addition, you can call the State of Minnesota Department of Revenue at 651-297-3724, to find a local free tax preparation site. If you have questions about your State of Minnesota tax form M1PR, you can call the Minnesota Department of Revenue helpline at 651-296-3781.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions by foreign nationals to tax questions. Please contact your assigned international student advisor at 651-773-1794 or 651-779-3218.

Links to immigration services and other important web sites

Student Health Insurance – PDF application forms, insurance booklet:

USCIS Forms

NOTE: You must meet with your assigned international student advisor to discuss when you may be eligible to apply for off-campus employment.

  • Change of Visa Status Form I-539
  • Application for Reinstatement I-539
  • Application for Employment Authorization I-765 – Economic Hardship
  • Occupational Practical Training

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