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Passports and Visas: Starting the Process

The university enrolls many students in various temporary (nonimmigrant) visa statuses. The most common categories are Student (F-1) and Exchange Visitor (J-1, student category).

Generally, international students must take the following actions to be eligible to enter the United States: Obtain a passport from their government and obtain a visa from a United States Consulate or Embassy. F-1 and J-1 students must also obtain the Form I-20 or DS-2019, which is necessary for both scheduling the visa appointment and for entry into the United States.

If you request the F-1 Student status, we will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). If you require the J-1 Exchange Visitor status, you should expect to receive the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) either from the university or from another appropriate program sponsor.

Certificate of Eligibility for Student Visa

If you plan to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must complete the Financial Resources Statement (FRS) form and return the form along with the required financial supporting documentation and a copy of the name page of your passport. Degree students may upload the FRS through Enrollment Connect once these documents have been requested via an email communication from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions closer to the enrollment deposit deadline. Those who wish to send these before receiving a specific request to do so may send these as scanned attachments to [email protected] or fax to 734-936-0740. Non-degree students must send these items to [email protected] or fax to 734-936-0740. These should be sent soon after you’ve confirmed your intent to enroll. Include your U-M ID on all materials. After the information has been received, the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 for the F-1 visa status or DS-2019 for the J-1 visa status) will be issued. Please note it may take approximately six weeks from the time you submit your documents for your I-20 or DS-2019 to be issued. I-20s or DS-2019 forms will only be issued to those who have confirmed enrollment.

Getting Your Visa

To apply for either visa, you must first pay a SEVIS fee once the I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued and get a receipt. If your form says “Transfer Pending,” you are not subject to a SEVIS fee. Next, make an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. For more information visit the U.S. Department of State website. At your appointment, take your passport, your Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019), your SEVIS fee receipt, and supporting documentation (such as your letter of admission and proof of financial resources) with you. Canadian citizens, please see the “Canadian Students” section below.

Entering the U.S.

At the U.S. port of entry, you will need your passport, Form I-20 or DS-2019, and financial documents. Make sure they are easily accessible; don’t leave them in your luggage. 

If you enter the U.S. at an airport, you may receive an admission stamp in your passport and instructions for printing your record of arrival. If you enter the U.S. at a land border, you will receive instructions for printing your record of arrival.

If you bring more than $10,000 into the U.S. (this includes traveler’s checks), you must report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to avoid severe penalties. It is also good practice to carry limited funds in your purse/wallet in case it is lost or stolen. For more information visit the U.S Customs and Border Protection website.

Canadian Students

Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a visa, but must pay the SEVIS fee in advance, since it can’t be paid at the port of entry. There, you will be asked to present your Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019), your SEVIS fee receipt, evidence of Canadian citizenship, and evidence of adequate funding for your proposed program of study. When you enter the U.S., you may receive an admission stamp in your passport and instructions for printing your record of arrival, or if you enter at a land border, you will receive instructions for printing your record of arrival. Please remember that Canadian citizens are subject to all F-1 or J-1 regulations. Also, like other international students, Canadian citizens must comply with university health insurance requirements.

Don't Delay - Apply Now

Although you are not permitted to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date on your Form I-20 (in the program of study box) or Form DS-2019 (Item 3), visa processing may take significant time. Apply for your U.S. student visa as soon as possible after you have received your Certificate of Eligibility document from the University of Michigan.

If you’re in B-1 or B-2 immigration status, it is a violation to enroll in an academic program at the university level. If you are in F-2 immigration status, you may not enroll in a full course of study at the university level; only part-time study is permitted. If you’re planning to change status while in the U.S., please note: It’s a lengthy process that could take six to eight months or more.

• Change of Status to F-1
• Change of Status to J-1

Your other option is to leave the U.S. and reenter in your new status. If you’re in a temporary visa category, such as A-2, E-2, G-3, H-4, L-2, etc., you’re bound by the regulations of that status and will not be sent a visa eligibility form unless you request one as preliminary to a change of status. Once you enroll, report any change in visa type by securely uploading your documents in Wolverine Access via the Student Center - Document Upload (Wolverine Services) section.

F-1 Status Things to Remember

If you have been issued Certificates of Eligibility (Form I-20) by more than one school, be sure to use the I-20 issued by the school you plan to attend to obtain your student visa. Present that same I-20 to the U.S. border official.

You must pursue a full course of study during the academic year (fall and winter terms) — 12 credit hours for a full term and six credit hours for a half term. Students beginning F-1 status during the spring/summer term must also be full-time enrolled.

An enrolled F-1 student may accept on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during vacation periods.

Immediate family members (spouse, children under 21 years old) may obtain F-2 dependent visas, but may not be employed. Dependents may not enroll in a full course of study at the university level. They may engage in part-time study at an SEVP-certified college or a university, or in either part- or full-time recreational or avocational study.

If you’ve attended another U.S. educational institution before attending U-M (and you have maintained your F-1 status), you must complete an F-1 immigration transfer. Please notify an international student advisor at your current school and ask them to complete the Transfer-in Form and email it to [email protected].

Remember, your immigration transfer is not complete until you have completed your mandatory SEVIS Check-in process required by the U.S. government and the International Center as soon as possible upon arrival in the U.S.

For complete information, visit the F-1 Students webpage.

J-1 Status Things to Remember

If you are in the sub-category of “student,” you must pursue a full course of study during the academic year (fall and winter terms) — 12 credit hours for a full term and six credit hours for a half term. Students beginning J-1 status during the spring/summer term must also be full-time enrolled.

You are not eligible for a J-1 student visa if you have private, personal, or family funding. You must have substantial public funding to be eligible for a J-1 visa.

A J-1 student may accept on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during vacation periods with the approval of the J-1 sponsor. If your J-1 program sponsor is the University of Michigan, use the On-campus Employment Authorization Form to request written approval from the International Center. Otherwise, contact your J-1 program sponsor.

Immediate family members (spouse and/or children) of a J-1 exchange visitor may obtain J-2 dependent visas. A spouse may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to work, as long as the income from this employment won’t be used to support the exchange visitor.

As a J-1 student, you may be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement. More information is available on the Department of State website.

Permission to transfer your SEVIS DS-2019 between academic institutions must be sought through your current program sponsor.

For complete information, visit the J-1 Students webpage.

• Students who have been admitted and intend to enroll in the university are required to have a final official secondary school transcript showing graduation date submitted directly to [email protected] as soon as it becomes available. If your school does not list a graduation date on the final transcript, a letter or certificate from the school certifying graduation and the date should also be submitted.
• Students who have taken British Advanced Level or Singapore H Level exams should submit officially certified copies of exam results or certificates to [email protected].
• Any Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exam results should be submitted by the testing agency. Read more about AP and IB credits.
• Transfers from universities in China must arrange for an official CSSD “verification report” to be sent directly to U-M by the CSSD China Credentials Verification if not already submitted on their website or via their email ([email protected] or [email protected]).
• For specific other requirements by country, visit the Admissions website.
• All transcripts and exam certificates not issued in English must be accompanied by an official English translation and sent to [email protected].
• Any changes to your enrollment as listed on your application must be reported in writing in a timely manner to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and your admissions counselor for further admissions review.

Sponsored Students

Please email [email protected], mail, or bring your sponsor’s letter of authorization for billing to Student Financial Services and Teller Services, 2226 Student Activities Building, 515 E. Jefferson St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316, U.S.A. Please reference your term of entry and your student identification number (U-M ID).

Paying Tuition and On-campus Housing

Billing due dates for tuition and on-campus housing costs can be found on the Finance website. A late fee is assessed if payment is not made by the due date.

Penalties for Nonpayment of Bills

Unpaid university bills can result in the loss of the ability to register and a hold on the release of an individual’s transcript and diploma certificate.

Health care costs in the U.S. are very high, so it is important to have health insurance.

Students With U-M Issued I-20 or DS-2019 Forms

The university requires you to have adequate health insurance; you and any F-2 or J-2 dependents will be automatically enrolled in the International Health Insurance Plan. Your health insurance coverage will begin on the program start date on your Form I-20 (in the program of study box) or Form DS-2019 (Item 3). If you already have health insurance that meets the university’s minimum requirements, you may apply for a waiver of the insurance requirement after you complete your orientation and check-in. If your waiver request is denied, you will have to remain enrolled in the International Health Insurance Plan.

• Minimum Insurance Requirements
• International Insurance Plan Coverage and Rates

Housing

Most first-year students live in campus housing, including new incoming international students. For the most up to date information about your Housing application, visit the Housing website.

Orientation

You are required to attend an orientation program before beginning classes. For the most current information, visit the Office of New Student Programs website and look for a message in your U-M email.

The English Language Institute (ELI)

The English Language Institute (ELI) offers academic English courses and language resources that support the success of international students at U-M. ELI classes are small and interactive, and they provide students with extensive one-on-one feedback. The ELI’s Speaking and Writing Studio provides one-on-one language support. Going Blue is an online pre-arrival course that prepares students for academic success and campus life before they arrive on campus. ELI courses and resources are open to students in all U-M schools and colleges. For more information, visit their website.