Visas
Types of Visas
The university enrolls international students in temporary non-immigrant immigration statuses. The most common status is F-1; some students choose to attend U-M with J-1 student status. For more information about the difference between F-1 and J-1 statuses, visit the International Center's website.
Applying for a Visa
To apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you first must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, and print the receipt to keep permanently for your personal records. To pay the fee, click here.
Note: If you are transferring your current SEVIS record, you do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
You also must make an appointment at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside of the United States. View a list of forms and documentation needed for an F-1 visa application and a J-1 visa application on the Department of State's website.
You also should review embassy-specific instructions about visa application procedures by visiting the embassy or consulate's website where you will apply.
We strongly encourage you to apply for your student visa as soon as possible after you have received your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from the University of Michigan. Visa processing may take significant time. Also, allow sufficient time to plan for your travel to the United States.
You are permitted to enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
Note: You need your passport, visa, original Form I-20/Form DS-2019, and financial documents at your United States port of entry. Make sure they are easily available to you as you enter the United States. Do not leave them in your checked luggage.
Find more information about visa processing times and procedures from U.S. embassies and consulates
International students need a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) issued by the University of Michigan and a valid F-1 visa (issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate) to enter the United States as a student in F-1 status.
The university issues a Form I-20 to all students except those students who request and are eligible for a Form DS-2019 to obtain a J-1 visa. Only students with substantial support from a source other than personal or family funds are eligible to apply for J-1 status. Students requesting a Form DS-2019 must also show proof of funding for the entire length of the academic program.
Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a visa but must receive an I-20 and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before entering the United States. Note: the SEVIS I-901 fee cannot be paid at the port of entry. At your port of entry, you will be asked to present your certificate of eligibility (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 are admitted to the U.S., your I-94 will be updated to reflect your most recent entry. Please make sure that the CBP officer enters you in F-1 or J-1 status. 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.
All international students, including Canadians, should check their electronic I-94 status after every entry into the United States.
In general, spouses or children who accompany the primary visa holder receive a dependent's status, meaning their eligibility to stay legally in the United States is dependent upon the primary visa holder. Review detailed information for F-2 dependent visa status on the International Center’s website here and for J-2 dependents on the International Center’s website here. Same-sex married couples are eligible for dependent status.
For advice on bringing a same-sex partner or a significant other to whom you are not legally married, contact the International Center. If a same-sex partner will accompany you to the United States, the University of Michigan provides a number of resources to help with the transition to campus. The Spectrum Center offers support services for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty through education, advocacy, and community building.
Before leaving your home country, ensure you have the items listed below.
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. Car 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.
MEDICAL RECORDS, INCLUDING PROOF OF IMMUNIZATION
The University Health Services recommends and/or requires certain immunizations. You can find a list of those immunizations here. It may also be helpful to have your medical records available for reference if needed.