Visa for the U.S.

The university will issue an I-20 for you and your dependents to facilitate your visa application. To that end, please upload passport photo pages for you and family members who will accompany you to Ann Arbor immediately after receiving the invitation from the Ross Admissions Office. Please note that issuing the I-20 may take several weeks so your prompt action is required.

University of Michigan International Center

Throughout your time at 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. 

You must participate in a mandatory check-in program in order to comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements. You can complete your check-in by (1) enrolling in and successfully completing the International Center’s Check-in Course, and (2) submitting scanned copies of your immigration documents. The course explains which document copies are required and how to submit them.

The International Center and Global MBA Office will send you detailed information about the mandatory check-in and required documents. Please review this information carefully, since failure to complete your check-in on time will end your lawful immigration status.

We also recommend attending other International Center orientation workshops. 

VISAS

Types of Visas

The university enrolls international students in various temporary (non-immigrant) visa statuses. The most common status is Student (F-1). For more information about F-1 status and the regulations that govern it, visit the International Center’s website.

Form I-20 and F-1 Visa Status

International students need a University of Michigan Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant [F-1] Student Status) and a valid F-1 visa (issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate) to enter the United States as a student.

Upon receipt of your acceptance of the admission offer, we will contact you to begin the process for acquiring your I-20. 

Find more information about visa processing times and procedures from U.S. embassies and consulates.

Other Considerations For International Students

Before leaving your home country, ensure you have the items listed below.

  • Your passport must be valid throughout your entire stay in the United States, and it must be valid for at least six months into the future from the day you return to the U.S. from a trip abroad. Check your passport revalidation procedure at your country’s consulate or at your embassy in Washington, D.C.

  • Medical records, including proof of immunization: You may not have proof of immunization as recommended by University Health Services. This will be the case, for example, if you received all your immunizations as a child through a family doctor who no longer is available. If you can confirm receipt of proper immunizations and corresponding boosters, you may wish to consult another physician to ensure the forms are completed correctly.

  • Letter(s) from your insurance company: A letter from your insurance company describing your client and credit history with them is useful in order to buy insurance for your car and apartment. For those who own cars, vehicle insurance is mandatory in the United States.

  • Cash: Bring enough U.S. dollars or traveler’s checks for your first week in Ann Arbor. You will find a currency exchange counter in the International Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport. Ask any airline employee or security guard to direct you there. The International Center has information about bringing money into the United States.