Faculty and Staff Immigrations Services (FSIS) is the University's official and authoritative source of immigration advice for all international employees requiring UM employment-based immigration sponsorship. FSIS serves the international faculty, staff, their families as well as hiring units on the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses. We facilitate intercultural and international education and aim to foster a global campus community through comprehensive, high-quality immigration advisement; case preparation and case management; compliance and risk management guidance; programming; and advocacy at all levels.
FSIS is charged with the responsibility of representing all University campuses on employment-based immigration matters and managing the country's largest, academic H-1B program. As such, FSIS prepares and files all employment-based immigration petitions with the appropriate government agencies. However, note that our office does not provide legal advice. If legal advice on UM immigration-related matters is required, we will, in consultation with OGC, refer the matter to an immigration attorney outside of the University. Alternatively, FSIS may, after review and at its discretion, assign an immigration petition to outside Retained Immigration Counsel.
In addition, FSIS conducts large and small group workshops on a variety of topics for interested international faculty and staff as well as all university units; we are always happy to come to units to conduct a presentation. FSIS also serves as a resource to improve international and intercultural awareness for faculty and staff and provides consultations on a broad array of topics, including policy development and implementation pertaining to serving the international population.
When you have any question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Resources & Government Links
- Obtaining I-94
- Report Address Change
- Translating Foreign Documents
- Visa Bulletin – Green Card Backlog
- Reciprocity and Civil Documents Table
- Bringing Pets into the U.S.
- Waiver of J-1 Home Residency Requirement
- UM Tax and Payroll Information for International Students, Faculty & Staff
- Michigan License and ID information
- Request SSN for the First Time
- DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)
Important News
- Immigrant visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are being cancelled due to a temporary pause imposed by the State Department. The pause applies only to immigrant visa interviews. Non-immigrant visa applicants (F, J, H-1B for example) are not affected.
- Green card applicants who are already in the U.S. in a non-immigrant status typically do not apply for an immigrant visa sticker as part of the application process.
On August 24, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions, scheduled for publication on August 25. The proposed rule would impose a $103,265 fee on all initial cap-subject H-1B petitions, including those eligible for the advanced-degree exemption.
On Friday, August 21, a federal judge struck down the immigrant visa processing pause that was originally announced on January 14, 2026. The stated purpose of the pause was to allow the agency to reassess procedures for determining whether applicants are likely to become financially dependent on the U.S. government.