Due to a recent U.S. presidential proclamation restricting visa issuance to nationals from 39 countries, including some key countries for MSU international students (such as Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe), F and J student visas are currently suspended for these countries. For more details, please visit the US Department of State webpage. MSU’s Global Education staff is closely monitoring these changes and will keep students and admissions coordinators informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ will help you understand what the changes mean, what steps you can take now, and how the university will support you throughout the process.
MSU welcomes international students and values its diverse community. Due to recent US visa restrictions for some countries, you might face challenges getting a student visa (F or J). You can still apply to our Intensive English, Undergraduate, and Graduate programs and be admitted. If you can’t get a visa right away, you may be able to defer your admission and start later when visa policies change. Depending on how long you defer, you might need to reapply.
Deferred admission means you’ve been accepted to the university or a specific program, but your start date is postponed to a later term. If the deferral is for one or two semesters, you usually don’t need to reapply. For longer deferrals, reapplication may be required. Contact your admissions counselor for guidance on your specific situation.
Call us at +1-507-389-5200 or email us at international@mnsu.edu.
We will make every effort to waive admissions fees for individuals with deferred application due to visa issuance challenges. In some instances, if you have to defer for a year or more, you may need to reapply to the program. Please connect with your admissions counselor in the Kearney International Center for more information about waived application fees if you have been deferred.
Call us at +1-507-389-5200 or email us at international@mnsu.edu.
Some countries are on the US travel ban list due to security requirements related to passports and visas. There is no set timeline for when a country might be removed from the list. Prospective students should regularly check US Visa News to stay updated on their country’s status.
Yes, this may be possible for students who have delayed visa processes, depending on the program and structure. Please call us at +1-507-389-5200 or email us at international@mnsu.edu to understand your options. Due to US export controls, individuals in certain regions—Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela—cannot pursue online degrees. This restriction is based on location, not citizenship. So, if you live outside these areas, you can apply even if you’re a national of one of these countries.
Please note: MSU cannot guarantee recognition of its degrees outside the US. Make sure you understand how a US degree is valued in your country.