Arrival

International Center

Throughout your time with the university, you can rely on the university’s International Center for support services, general information, orientation, and advice about visa and immigration issues, employment, cross-cultural issues, taxation, health insurance, and other practical concerns. 

Upon arrival to the United States and the University of Michigan, you must complete a mandatory immigration check-in program in order to comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements. The mandatory check-in for new F/J students with the International Center will be conducted entirely online, and completion of this process is required.  Details can be found attached to your I-20 or DS-2019 and you will receive emails from the International Center regarding directions on how to complete the online check-in prior to your program start date. Please review this information carefully, since failure to complete your check-in on time will end your lawful immigration status.

Entry into the United States

You may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.  To enter the United States, you must present your original I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the University of Michigan, a valid passport, and a valid F-1 or J-1 visa.  You may also wish to have your SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt, proof of financial support, and evidence of Ross admission or course registration in your possession.   

Canadian citizens must present all documents listed above except for the F-1/J-1 visa.


International Center Workshops

Michigan Ross will host a mandatory International Student Orientation in August, designed to help international students acculturate to the Ross experience. At this orientation, students will learn about the Ross classroom experience, get started on their career search, and network with other international students. 

More information on the exact August dates will be provided in Spring 2023.

In addition, every Fall, the International Center sponsors a series of orientation workshops for all international students. You are encouraged, but not required, to attend these orientation workshops.

INTERNATIONAL CENTER WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Adjusting to American and U-M culture inside and outside the classroom
  • Banking
  • Driving in the U.S.
  • Buying a used car and car maintenance
  • Driver’s license written test*
  • Getting to know Americans and U.S. social customs
  • Health insurance and healthcare
  • Information for spouses and partners
  • Introduction to U-M and the Ann Arbor area
  • Legal issues in the United States
  • Local transportation options
  • Personal safety
  • Shopping on a student budget
  • Suggestions for U.S. travel

A complete schedule for all workshops is available on the Orientation portion of the International Center's website. 

* You must complete your mandatory Immigration Check-In to be eligible for the Michigan driver's license written test.


Health Insurance

All F-1 and J-1 international students and their F-2/J-2 dependents are required to have health insurance throughout the entire length of the program at the University of Michigan.  The university automatically enrolls all F and J visa holders in the university’s International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan hosted through Aetna.  If you already have health insurance and wish to apply for a waiver, you must submit a waiver request after arriving in the United States, and within 30 days of your Immigration Check-In.  Please note: your insurance must meet specific coverage requirements in order for a waiver to be approved.  Commonly, individual health insurance plans purchased by students do not meet these requirements.  Complete details on the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance plan, coverage, and the waiver process are available on the Health Insurance portion of the International Center's website.  Health care and health insurance will be addressed in detail during International Student Orientation. 


Customs

U.S. Customs has guidelines on moving household items to the United States as a student. This site provides detailed instructions for packaging, what can be imported (including motor vehicles), and paperwork needed for entry.


Banking

You will usually be required to have a local bank account to pay rent, utilities, insurance, and other bills; therefore it is recommended that you open a bank account very soon after your arrival. Minimum balance requirements, interest rates, and commissions differ among banks, so compare rates and services before you open an account. The banking section of the International Center’s website has links to detailed information about many Ann Arbor-area banks. You can usually open an account with one piece of identification and any document with your local address, such as a lease or rental agreement.

Banking in the United States is highly automated. You will receive a bank card (commonly known as an ATM card) to withdraw cash, check account balances, transfer money between accounts, etc. Cash transfers from your home country can take between five days and three weeks to clear. Ask the bank sending the transfer whether it has agreements with any Ann Arbor-area banks. If so, open an account with one of them.


Credit Cards

If possible, bring a credit card from your home country, and be sure to have an international card (American Express, Visa, or MasterCard). F-1 international students’ ability to get a United States social security number is very restricted, which may make it difficult to obtain a credit card from a United States bank. Another option is a charge card. (You must pay off the balance in full each month.) If you have a credit card in your home country, see if you can convert it into a United States dollar-based one.


Work Permission for Spouses

Legally married spouses who hold a J-2 visa and wish to work part time or full time first must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to work.  The application process takes several months and cannot be started until completion of Immigration Check-In. Please be aware that F-2 dependents are not allowed to work.  Find detailed information about applying for J-2 employment authorization on the International Center’s website.


International Neighbors

International Neighbors is a community volunteer organization created to offer friendship and understanding to women who have come to the Ann Arbor area from other countries.

Membership has grown to more than 700 women who represent more than 50 countries. International Neighbors offers a variety of activities that make it possible for women to share their cultures and learn from each other. Events include large group gatherings, such as the Fall Reception and International Days, as well as smaller, more personal groups. All women are welcome to participate. Knowledge of English is not necessary, and participation is free.