Campus Services
International Student Services
Navigating Life at Bethany and in the U.S.
At Bethany Lutheran College, our international students are a valued part of our community. This page has resources to help our international students get to the United States and make the most of their time on our beautiful campus.
Legal
Staying In Status
As an international student at Bethany Lutheran College, it is your responsibility to comply with U.S. regulations. Below are some key requirements you must follow to maintain your F-1 visa status. These are all very important and your responsibility!
Learn About Staying in Status
Full-Time Enrollment – Every fall and spring semester, you must enroll in a full-time class schedule (at least 12 credits) in the fall and spring semesters.
- Note: If you are in the final term of your program, it is possible to drop below full-time. Contact the international office for more information.
Academic Standing – You must maintain good academic standing and make normal progress toward completing your degree program.
Program End Date – If you are unable to finish your academic program by the original program end date, you must request an I-20 extension before your program end date occurs.
Major/Program – If you have changed your major program, inform Bethany’s international office so that the new major will be reflected on your I-20.
On-Campus Employment Maximum Hours – For on-campus employment, you may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year.
- Note: During official school breaks, such as summer break or Christmas break, you may work on campus full-time.
CPT/OPT Employment – For off-campus employment, you must have approved work authorization on your I-20 (such as CPT or OPT) before beginning work.
Valid Passport – Keep your passport valid at all times. It must be valid for at least 6 months into the future when you re-enter the U.S.
Health Insurance – Maintain adequate health insurance coverage throughout your stay in the U.S., as required by Bethany Lutheran College.
Visa and Travel
You will need an F-1 visa to enter the U.S. and a valid passport that is not expired or about to expire. You will also need an updated Form I-20 to certify your F-1 status eligibility and Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
Learn About Visa and Travel
Duration of Status – When entering the U.S. on an F-1 visa, your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record will indicate “D/S,” meaning “Duration of Status.” This allows you to remain in the U.S. as long as you:
- Maintain full-time enrollment.
- Possess a valid Form I-20.
- Comply with all F-1 visa regulations.
After completing your program or any authorized practical training, you have a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure, transfer to another institution, or change your visa status.
Passport Requirements – Your passport must remain valid at all times while in the U.S., typically for at least six months into the future. If your passport is nearing expiration, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. to renew it.
F-1 Student Visa – The F-1 visa is your entry document to the U.S. Once inside the country, your legal status is determined by your I-20 and I-94 records. Even if your F-1 visa expires while you’re in the U.S., you can remain legally as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you travel abroad, you’ll need a valid F-1 visa to re-enter the U.S.
Renewing Your Visa After Travel – If your F-1 visa is expired and you leave the U.S., you must apply for a new visa before returning. This applies even if your I-20 and student status are still valid.
You can only renew your visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States—you cannot renew your visa from within the U.S.
Before leaving the U.S., be sure:
- Your I-20 is up to date and has a valid travel signature.
- Your passport is valid at least six months into the future.
- You are currently maintaining F-1 status.
When applying for a new visa, you will typically need to provide:
- Your valid Form I-20
- Proof of continued enrollment at Bethany Lutheran College
- Your financial documents
- A recent I-901 SEVIS fee receipt (if requested)
- Other documents required by the embassy or consulate where you apply
Important: Visa processing times and interview availability vary by country. Plan ahead and check with the U.S. embassy or consulate where you intend to apply.
Form I-20 – The Form I-20, issued by your Designated School Official (DSO), certifies your eligibility for F-1 status. It includes details about your academic program, financial support, and program dates. Ensure your I-20 is up-to-date, especially if there are changes to your program major, your expected graduation date, or personal information.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record – The I-94 record documents your entry into the U.S., including your visa status and authorized stay duration. After arriving, retrieve your electronic I-94 from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and verify that it lists “F-1” and “D/S.” Carry a copy with your immigration documents.
Loss of F-1 Status – Violations such as unauthorized employment, failure to maintain full-time enrollment, or not updating your I-20 can lead to loss of F-1 status. If this occurs, you have two primary options:
- Reinstatement: Apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with a Form I-539. This process can take 6–12 months, during which you’re ineligible for F-1 benefits.
- Travel and Re-entry: Obtain a new I-20, pay the SEVIS fee, and re-enter the U.S. This resets your F-1 status but may affect your eligibility for certain benefits like Optional Practical Training (OPT) for a period
Traveling Outside of the United States – If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. during your studies (e.g., for vacation, family visits, or emergencies), you must have a valid travel signature on page 2 of your Form I-20 to re-enter the country.
Before You Travel:
- Ensure your travel signature is valid. Travel signatures are valid for 12 months (or 6 months if you are on OPT).
- Request a travel signature from your international student advisor at the international office at least 2 weeks before your departure.
- Make sure the following documents are valid and ready:
1. A valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months into the future).
2. A valid F-1 visa (if expired, you’ll need to apply for a new visa before returning).
3. An up-to-date Form I-20 with a valid travel signature.
4. Proof of enrollment or continued studies at Bethany Lutheran College (optional but recommended).
Note: Without a valid travel signature, you may be denied re-entry to the U.S.
If you’re unsure whether your travel plans affect your F-1 status, consult the international office before making arrangements.
Options After Graduation – Upon completing your program, you have a 60-day grace period to:
- Apply for OPT: Engage in up to 12 months of work related to your field of study.
- Transfer to Another Institution: Begin a new academic program, usually at a higher degree level.
- Depart the United States: Leave the country before the grace period ends.
For more detailed information, visit the Study in the States: Maintaining Your Status page.
Updating Your SEVIS Record
As an international student at Bethany Lutheran College, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record remains accurate and up-to-date. Timely updates are crucial for maintaining your F-1 visa status and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
Learn About Updating Your SEVIS Record
Required Updates: Notify the Bethany International Office Immediately
If any of the following changes occur, you must inform the Bethany International Office as soon as possible so we can update your SEVIS record and Form I-20 accordingly:
- Change of Major or Minor – Your I-20 must reflect your current academic program. Let us know if you officially add, drop, or change a major or minor.
- Replacement of I-20 – If your I-20 is lost, damaged, or outdated due to updates (like work authorization or program extensions), request a replacement.
- Transfer to Another School – If you plan to transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, we will need a copy of your admission letter and a transfer form from your new institution.
- Change of Address – You must report any U.S. address change within 10 days of moving. This is a federal requirement.
- Reduced Course Load – You must get prior approval before dropping below full-time enrollment (12 credits) for academic or medical reasons.
- Program Extension or Shortening – If you need more time to complete your degree—or if you’ll finish earlier than expected—you must request an I-20 update before your current program end date.
Less Common, But Still Important SEVIS Updates
Please contact the Bethany International Office if you experience any of the following:
- Major Change in Financial Support – Any significant change in your funding must be updated in SEVIS.
- Change of Immigration Status – If you change to a different visa or immigration category, notify us immediately so we can close your SEVIS record properly.
- Leave of Absence or Withdrawal – Taking time off from school for personal, medical, or family reasons? Talk with us first to understand how it affects your visa status.
- Legal Name Change – If your legal name changes (due to marriage, court order, etc.), provide official documentation so we can update your SEVIS record and college records.
- Dependents – Planning to bring an F-2 dependent (spouse or child)? We can issue dependent I-20s. Let us know of any changes to their status as well.
- Reinstatement – If you fall out of status due to a violation, we can help you explore your options, including applying for reinstatement or traveling and reentering with a new I-20.
Health
Health Insurance
As an international student at Bethany, you are required to have health insurance during your time in the United States. The healthcare system in the U.S. is likely different from what you are used to in your home country. Health insurance helps protect you from high medical costs if you become sick or injured.
Learn About Health Insurance
Bethany allows you to choose the health insurance plan that works best for you, but we also offer some recommendations to help you decide. At the beginning of each semester, you must submit proof of your insurance to the International Student Services office.
Please read the information below based on whether or not you are a student athlete.
Students Not Participating in Athletics
If you are not participating on a Bethany sports team, you are free to choose any health insurance plan that meets your personal needs. We have listed a few recommendations below, but you may choose a different plan if you prefer.
- Option 1: Global Care (Scroll to “non-sports plans”) – PDF for Global Care Plans
- Option 2: International Student Insurance
Student Athletes
If you are a student athlete, your insurance must include at least $10,000 of coverage for sports-related injuries. This is because injuries can happen during practices or games. If your medical costs go above $10,000, additional coverage is provided through plans carried by Bethany Lutheran College or the NCAA.
We have provided a few recommended plans below, but you may choose another plan as long as it meets the sports injury coverage requirement.
- Recommended: Global Care Elite – PDF for Global Care Elite Plans
Vocabulary for Health Insurance
Insurance plan coverage can sometimes be difficult to understand, and there are some key words to understand as you consider which plan you should purchase.
- Premium: The amount you pay every month to keep your health insurance plan active. Think of it like a subscription fee for your insurance.
- Deductible: The amount you must pay first for your medical care before the insurance starts helping. For example, if your deductible is $500, you pay the first $500 of your medical bills yourself.
- Copay (or copayment): A small, fixed amount you pay when you see a doctor or get a prescription. For example, You might pay $20 each time you visit the doctor.
- Coinsurance: After you pay your deductible, you and your insurance share the cost of medical care. For example, your insurance may state that after the deductible amount has been met, you will pay 20% of the cost of medical care, and your insurance pays 80%.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: This is the most you could have to pay in a year for covered medical care. After that, your insurance pays 100%. This protects you from very high medical bills.
- In-Network Provider: A doctor or hospital that has a deal with your insurance company to provide services at lower costs. Using in-network providers saves you money.
- Out-of-Network Provider: A doctor or hospital not connected to your insurance company. As a warning, you may have to pay much more if you use them.
- Pre-Existing Condition: A health problem you had before your insurance started. Some plans may not cover treatments for these conditions.
- Claim: A request for payment that your doctor or you send to the insurance company after you get medical care. Think of it like asking the insurance company to help pay your bill.
- Coverage: The services and treatments your insurance will pay for. Always check what is and isn’t covered in your plan.
Health Providers
There are several local options for accessing medical care, both on campus and nearby. Emergency services are located less than 0.5 km away from Bethany.
Learn About Health Providers
Emergency – Call 911. The Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato is located a few blocks east of the college on Marsh Street.
On Bethany’s Campus: Express Care – Express Care, provided by the Mayo Clinic Health System, is an on-campus walk-in clinic that provides treatment for minor medical conditions.
- Location: Luther Hall 104 (on Bethany’s campus)
- Hours: 7:45 am-9:45 am
- Appointments: Schedule your appointment on the sign-in sheet.
- Appointments are available every 15 minutes, with the last appointment at 9:45 a.m.
- Free to Bethany students (prescriptions, medications, and other ancillary materials not included)
Mayo Clinic Health System – Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato offers a full range of medical services, including urgent and emergency care. It is adjacent to Bethany’s campus and within walking distance.
- Location: 1025 Marsh St, Mankato, MN 56001. Less than 1 km (about a 5-minute walk) from Bethany’s campus
- Hours: Open 24/7 for emergency care; other departments have varying hours
- Appointments: Call 507-625-4031
- Insurance: Mayo Clinic Health System works with most major health insurance providers. Students are advised to check with their insurance provider to confirm network coverage and benefits.
Open Door Health Center – The Open Door Health Center is an off-campus health care center that provides medical, dental, and behavioral health care.
- Location: 309 Holly Ln, Mankato, MN 56001
- 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from Bethany’s campus
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
- Appointments: Call 507-388-2120
- Insurance: Open Door Health Center works with most major health insurance providers. Students are advised to check with their insurance provider to confirm network coverage and benefits.
Mental Health On Campus: Christian Family Solutions – Christian Family Solutions offers Bethany students on-campus counseling services. They provide a wide range of counseling, assessment, and psychological testing services.
- Location: Honsey Hall 115 (on Bethany’s campus)
- Hours: By appointment
- Appointments: Fill out the online intake form, or call 800-438-1772.
- Insurance: The cost for an initial set of 3 hours is covered by Bethany Lutheran College, at no charge to the student (through the BLC Membership Assistance Program). If additional counseling services are needed after the 3rd session, there are several options to pay for continued services.
Other Options – In addition to this list, Mankato has more health care facilities open. Visit Bethany’s Health Services page for more recommendations.
Fun
World Club and Events
Bringing Nations Together at Bethany Lutheran College
The World Club is a welcoming community for international and domestic students who want to build friendships across the globe. Our mission is to create a space where students from all nations can share their traditions, learn from one another, and feel at home on campus.
Learn About World Club and Events
What We Do
- Cultural Celebrations: Enjoy festivals and holidays from different countries.
- Social Events: Meet new friends through fun activities and outings.
- Educational Workshops: Learn about global issues, traditions, and customs.
- Community Service: Participate in service projects that connect Bethany with the wider community.
Signature Event: International Food Sampling
Each spring, the World Club hosts the much-anticipated International Food Sampling event in April. This celebration brings together students, faculty, and staff to enjoy a delicious variety of traditional dishes from around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to:
- Taste authentic foods prepared by students from many countries
- Share stories and cultural traditions behind the dishes
- Connect with others who love to explore global cuisine
Whether you want to try new flavors or share your own family recipes, the International Food Sampling event is the perfect way to celebrate Bethany’s global community.
Join the World Club
Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re an international student looking for a home away from home, or a domestic student eager to explore new cultures, the World Club invites you to be part of our vibrant community.
Come celebrate the world with us! For more information, contact Michael Janes, International Student Support Specialist.
Employment and Training
Employment, Social Security, and Bank Accounts
As an F-1 international student, you are allowed to work in the U.S. under certain conditions. This section provides important information about employment, practical training (OPT and CPT), and other essentials like how to get a Social Security card and open a bank account.
Learn About Employment, Social Security, and Bank Accounts
Please read each section carefully to make sure you follow the correct steps and remain in compliance with your visa status.
Working Off Campus is NOT Allowed
F-1 international students are not permitted to work off campus without special authorization. Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of your visa status and is grounds for termination of your student status.
If you are interested in working off campus through approved programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), please visit the OPT and CPT section below to learn more about eligibility, application steps, and important guidelines.
Working On Campus
F-1 students can work on campus part-time (maximum of 20 hours per week) during the school year, and full-time during official school breaks.
- Visit the student jobs page to see available positions.
- If you are offered a job by a campus supervisor, you must visit Darci Theiste in Old Main 213 to pick up your job contract.
- You may begin working after the contract is completed, but Bethany cannot pay you until you have received your Social Security card.
How to Get a Social Security Card
You need a Social Security card to be paid for any work in the U.S.
Steps:
1. Contact the International Student Support Specialist to make an appointment or arrange a ride to the Social Security office.
2. Bring the following documents: Your passport; I-94 (available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov); I-20; Job contract (signed)
3. When you arrive at the Social Security office: Get a ticket from the monitor in the lobby. You will have an interview with an officer. You will receive a confirmation paper showing you completed the visit.
Your Social Security card will be mailed to your address, usually within 2 weeks.
Bank Accounts
We recommend that all international students open a bank account soon after arriving in the U.S. Having a local account helps you manage your money, receive paychecks, and avoid international card or ATM fees.
Recommended Banks Near Campus:
U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo
To open an account, visit the bank in person and bring: Your passport; Your I-94 record (i94.cbp.dhs.gov); Your Social Security card; A $25 deposit (this is not a fee—this amount stays in your account)
Important Tip: Choose paperless statements when setting up your account. Some banks charge a monthly fee if you receive paper statements by mail. Paperless is free and more convenient.
Need help getting to the bank? Contact the International Student Support Specialist for assistance.
OPT and CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are opportunities for F-1 international students to gain practical experience in their field of study while in the United States. These work authorizations allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings: CPT during their academic program and OPT usually after graduation. This section will guide you through the eligibility requirements, application steps, and important rules to follow to maintain your F-1 status while working legally in the U.S.
Learn About OPT and CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT allows F-1 students to work off campus in an internship that is an integral part of your academic program.
Key Points:
- The work must be related to your major and part of a course (an internship course for credit).
- You must have at least 60 earned credits before beginning any CPT.
- You must receive authorization before starting any CPT job. This means that you must have received your new I-20 with the CPT marked as approved on page 2.
- CPT must be approved by your academic department and the international office.
- CPT is only available during your program and can be part-time or full-time.
- A year’s worth of full-time CPT will disqualify you from OPT consideration.
Contact the International Student Support Specialist for help starting the CPT approval process.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a temporary employment authorization for F-1 students after completing their academic program. It allows you to work in a job related to your major.
Key Points:
- You can apply for up to 12 months of post-completion OPT.
- You do not need a job offer to apply.
- You may apply as early as 90 days before your graduation (program end date)
- The application window officially ends January 31 (for December graduates) and June 30 (for May graduates).
- It is common for it to take 2-3 months for USCIS to process your application, so apply early.
- While on OPT, you must report your employment and keep your SEVIS record updated.
To apply for OPT, contact the International Student Support Specialist to start the process. You must schedule an appointment for this.
OPT – STEM Extension
F-1 students who have earned a degree in a qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Bethany offers 8 STEM-designated majors that qualify for this extension:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Engineering Science
- Exercise Science
- Mathematic
- Media Arts
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have a degree in one of the approved STEM fields.
- You must currently be in a period of approved post-completion OPT.
- Your job must be directly related to your STEM degree.
- Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
- You must submit a completed Form I-983 (Training Plan) with your employer.
Step 1: Application – Once you confirm that you are eligible to apply for the STEM OPT Extension, begin collecting the documents you will need to upload in your online Form I-765 application under the “Evidence” section. You will need:
- One passport-style color photo
- A copy of your valid passport (photo page)
- A copy of your F-1 visa
- A copy of your I-94 record
- A copy of your current EAD card (front and back)
- A copy of your Bethany diploma
- A copy of your Bethany transcript showing your graduation date and degree
Important: You will receive a new I-20 showing that your STEM OPT request has been entered into SEVIS after you submit your completed Form I-983 and your I-765 application has been reviewed by the International Student Support Specialist.
Step 2: Complete the Form I-983 Training Plan – Work with your employer to fill out the Form I-983: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. This form outlines how your job relates to your STEM degree and how your employer will support your learning and development. Form I-983; Instructions
Note: You do not upload this form to your online I-765 application. However, it must be submitted to the International Student Support Specialist before we can issue your new I-20 recommending the STEM OPT Extension.
Step 3: Create a USCIS Account and Start Your I-765 Application – Go to uscis.gov to create a new USCIS online account and begin filling out your Form I-765 for the STEM OPT Extension. Do not pay or submit your application until you have reviewed your full application with the International Student Support Specialist and have received your updated I-20 with the STEM OPT Extension recommendation.
Step 4: Meet with the International Student Support Specialist – Before submitting your I-765, you must meet with the International Student Support Specialist to review your full application.
During this meeting, you’ll share your screen so we can carefully check that everything has been completed correctly. This step helps prevent delays or rejections.
To schedule a meeting, contact the International Student Support Specialist directly by email or stop by the International Office.
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Pay the Fee –Once your application has been reviewed and you’ve received your updated I-20, you are ready to:
- Digitally sign and submit your Form I-765 online.
- Pay the filing fee through the USCIS portal.