4/19/2021: U-M has announced additional opportunities for students, scholars, faculty, staff, spouses and dependents age 16 and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Maize and Blueprint website explains how to register for an appointment. Please also read the Important Reminders below.
U-M follows CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines. These guidelines for travelers arriving from international locations now include these requirements:
The following guidance is for students who are planning or considering travel after the Winter Term ends. Since you may also be deciding whether to obtain COVID-19 vaccination before you leave, or in your home country, please also review Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine for information about special vaccination opportunities for students and for some important reminders.
Consular officers can now waive the in-person interview requirement for people renewing a visa that has expired within the last 48 months. Previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 24 months were eligible for an interview waiver. This new policy will be in effect through December 31, 2021. VIsa applicants must still meet certain criteria to be eligible for the interview waiver, and waivers are only granted at the discretion of the consular officer.
During on-site hours, the International Center is open to the public. These hours are primarily for document drop-off and pick-up and for pre-scheduled visits. At other times during the work week, staff will work remotely from their homes.
International Center hours
Since these hours are subject to change, please refer to Today’s Hours on the International Center website for updates.
4/1/2021 Update: Presidential Proclamation 10052 expired on March 31, 2021 and is no longer in effect.
The U.S. government is sending out a third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP). However, since many international students and scholars are nonresidents for U.S. tax purposes, they are not eligible for the payment. As was the case with the first and second rounds of payments, if you were not a U.S. tax resident for 2020, you probably are not eligible for the payment. You must also have a social security number.
If you believe you are eligible for the economic impact payments
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced some temporary changes in response to recent delays which have affected many F-1 international students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This will only apply to OPT applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021.
Do U-M health insurance plans cover testing and treatment for COVID-19?
Yes, all U-M health insurance plans cover COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Effective Friday, January 29th, the International Center will pause its daily open-to-the-public office hours, in light of the Washtenaw County Health Department’s Stay In Place Recommendation, which impacts all U-M students.
The International Center would like to remind you to continue to follow COVID-19 precautions, particularly since the new COVID-10 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in Ann Arbor. This variant may spread more easily and quickly.
On Monday, January 25, the U.S. government announced new travel restrictions for foreign nationals who have been in South Africa in the past 14 days. There are no changes to the other COVID-19 travel restrictions.
On January 20, President Biden signed an executive order that repeals the “travel bans” imposed by the previous White House administration, which targeted Muslim majority countries.
As we approach the transition to a new presidential administration, protests, demonstrations or counter-demonstrations could occur on the University of Michigan campus or in the city of Ann Arbor. Both the University and the city have a rich tradition of political speech and voicing opinions.
On January 12, 2021, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) issued an order requiring all air passengers arriving in the US from a foreign country to be tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.
We watched appalled and dismayed at the violent riot led by fringe groups at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 6th. President Schlissel has issued a message that speaks to our collective belief in the democratic process in the U.S.
12/28/2020:The U.S. government has imposed a new COVID-19 testing requirement for people traveling to the U.S. from the United Kingdom, including US citizens and legal permanent residents. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has posted an FAQ page which explains this new requirement.
The International Center will be closed from Wednesday, December 23, 2020, through Friday, January 1, 2021, for the Term Break, and will re-open on Monday, January 4. In an emergency (for example, you have been in an accident or are being detained at the border), contact the University of Michigan Police Department at 734-763-1131 for assistance.
For Winter Term 2021, the Department of Homeland Security's enrollment guidance for international students will remain the same as it was for Fall Term 2020. This means that:
Recently, there has been an increase in leasing scams that have impacted international students looking for housing. This includes housing found on Facebook and Craigslist, and elsewhere, offered by illegitimate landlords who request up-front payment, sometimes in unusual form (Zelle, etc).
The State Department is continuing their "phased resumption of routine visa services." Visa services available at individual embassies and consulates will vary depending on local conditions.
We are pleased to have initial results of the U.S. 2020 Presidential Election, and look forward to a peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of our democracy, on Inauguration Day - January 20, 2021. The U.S.
Are you a U-M International Student? Interested in taking part in the U.S. elections this year? Then read on!
2020 is a presidential election year. On November 3rd, U.S. voters will determine who will be president for the next four years. On the same day, hundreds of other elections will select candidates at the state and local level.
The International Center, on behalf of the University of Michigan, recently submitted a formal comment letter to the Department of Homeland Security expressing strong opposition to a proposed regulation which would eliminate “duration of status” for F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars, and establish fixed
Election Day (Tuesday, November 3) is almost here, although we may not know the results of the election until one or more days later due to the very active early/mail-in voting this year. Please also remember that there are polling locations across U-M’s campus, so the campus will be much more crowded than usual on Election Day.
The stay-in-place order: On Tuesday, October 20, the Washtenaw County Health Department issued a “stay-in-place” order for U-M undergraduate students. The order will expire at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, but could be extended.
Last week, two new U.S. government regulations were released that may affect students on OPT or AT whose employers plan to sponsor them for H-1B status.
The International Center is aware of the proposed changes to the period of admission and extension of stay procedures for our F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, and we are very disappointed in these proposed changes. We feel very strongly that these proposed changes would significantly and detrimentally impact international students and scholars and do not align with the unique educational needs of students and scholars in academic institutions.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 marks the 60th anniversary of when then Senator John F. Kennedy gave a speech on the steps of the Michigan Union that first introduced the concept of the Peace Corps. Learn more about the University of Michigan’s rich history with the Peace Corps here.
9/29/2020 Update: On September 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a nationwide preliminary injunction and stay on implementation of the 2020 final USCIS fee rule. New fees and form versions associated with that rule that were to be required on October 2, 2020 are now on hold.
Michigan Governor Whitmer has officially designated September 6-12, 2020 as Suicide Prevention Week. Check out the resources and ideas for actions.
A lease is a binding contract and once you sign it you are generally liable for all the lease terms, including the obligation to pay rent for the full term. Even though many of the classes at the University of Michigan will be held remotely for the 2020/2021 term, your responsibilities pursuant to your off-campus housing lease likely will not change. There is generally no right to terminate your lease due to COVID-19 or the University’s decision regarding classes.
In light of changing guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U-M has adjusted its recommendations for those arriving from international destinations to the following:
Arriving by plane, bus or train
Beginning on Monday, August 17, the International Center will be open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. These office hours are primarily for document drop-off and pick-up and for pre-scheduled visits. We also have a drop box for contactless document drop off at any time the Student Activities Building is open (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). For the rest of the day, our doors will be locked but our staff will work remotely to assist you and to process your requests.
As you prepare and plan for the Fall Term, be sure to review the International Center's FAQs for new students and for continuing students.
The Department of State announced on July 22, 2020 that F-1 and J-1 students from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland can now travel to the U.S.
8/25/20: U-M has just posted updated information about guidelines for students arriving on campus from international locations.
On Thursday, August 6, the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control made some changes to their advice and recommendations for U.S. travelers planning travel from the U.S. to other countries.
Coronavirus Scams: Scammers are taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus from phishing to false information to fake charities and “cures”. It is also important to continue to watch out for other fraudulent phone calls and emails too.
On July 14, 2020, DHS rescinded the guidance and FAQs they shared on July 6th and July 7th. This is partly in response to the Harvard - MIT case that U-M joined, among other cases that were being filed to prevent new restrictive measures. It means that we will return to the March 2020 guidance that facilitated remote learning for students whether they remained in the US or left the country, due to the COVID conditions at the time.
Though this summer we will not be able to offer an in-person orientation for new international students due to COVID-19, the International Center remains committed to serving and supporting new students. Check out a list of comprehensive resources for new students, parents, families, and virtual offerings.
On Monday, July 6, the U.S. government issued new guidance for F-1 students for the Fall 2020 Term. We know the announcement has caused stress and frustration for many in our campus community, and are working to limit the disruption of this new guidance for new and current students. U-M President Schlissel and senior leaders have issued a statement expressing U-M’s strong disagreement with the new policies. The International Center is disappointed that DHS will not extend the same flexible online guidance issued last March to the Fall semester, in light of the ongoing COVID crisis.
July 1, 2020: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bills 876-878 which provide an additional extension of valid driver’s licenses and state identification cards that would otherwise expire during the COVID-19 emergency.
To All Continuing Students: U-M wants to understand your current plans and thoughts about the upcoming school year as a way to help campus offices, schools, and colleges plan for needed resources, programming, and information. All participants will be entered into a drawing to attend a Men's Basketball team practice (1 grand prize winner), a $20 Amazon gift card (50 winners), or a "swag" bag (35 winners)! The survey closes July 17th - Take the survey now!
The International Center is committed to supporting you during this global health crisis. The global COVID-19 situation is dynamic and quickly changing, and so is the guidance on how to minimize its impact on international students. Since we are in an environment of evolving information, please make sure to regularly check the International Center's COVID-19 update page for important information and updates.
International Center staff are still available to help you, while the office and building remains closed to the public. IC Staff are working remotely from home and continue to provide advising and process requests.
As a reminder:
The International Center hires Orientation Peer Advisers (graduate and undergraduate students) to assist with new international students who will begin their studies at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Fall 2020. In the process you can expect to improve your communication skills, work with a team, help new international students ease the transition to a new environment, and make some friends - all while getting paid!
Racism in the United States runs deep, as it sadly does in many places across the globe. The recent, violent killing of George Floyd, among others, reminds us of the injustices faced by African Americans all too often. Individuals from Asian backgrounds experienced discrimination and bias recently as ignorant people reacted to the COVID-19 crisis. The pain and frustration experienced by anyone subjected to prejudice is, at its core, the same.
June 5, 2020: On June 5, 2020, U-M leaders published a statement in support of Chinese students, scholars and faculty, emphasizing that the university will strongly oppose any arbitrary restrictions targeting that segment of the U-M community.
On January 31, 2020, the U.S. government announced new travel restrictions for foreign nationals who have been in China in the past 14 days due to COVID-19 related risks. These restrictions took effect at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 2, 2020.
June 1, 2020: Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that staying at home is no longer required in Michigan. However, people in Michigan still must wear face coverings when in enclosed public spaces, and must continue to take precautions to protect themselves and their communities against COVID-19. Any work that is capable of being performed remotely still must be performed remotely.
On Friday, May 29, 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry to the United States on F or J visas for some students and researchers from China, effective June 1, 2020. The proclamation will remain in effect until terminated by the president.
Dean Solomon affirms Rackham's commitment to our international student community in light of reports of possible further visa and travel restrictions.
All Michigan Secretary of State offices will reopen on June 1. The offices will only provide services by appointment, and will only offer services that cannot be completed online or by mail.
On Sunday, May 24, the U.S. government announced new travel restrictions for foreign nationals who have been in Brazil in the past 14 days due to COVID-19 related risks.
May 22, 2020: Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Order to June 12, 2020. However, the executive order allowing gatherings of 10 people or fewer, as long as participants practice social distancing, remains in effect.
May 7, 2020: Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 28, 2020. Under the new order, you still must not leave your home except to run critical errands, to engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to a specified job.
University Health Service (UHS) now offers both in-person and virtual clinical services, and the UHS Pharmacy is offering curbside pick-up through Thursday, May 28, 2020. UHS has also posted information about COVID-19.
International Center, Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), Center for Educational Outreach (CEO), and Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) wish to recognize and congratulate all student organizations and individuals that received grants through those offices. Watch this celebratory video highlighting just a fraction of the many amazing initiatives that took place on campus and around the world!
MPals is a peer-to-peer pen-pal initiative. Incoming international undergraduate students will be matched with current students at the University of Michigan. M-Pals will answer questions via email about all aspects of student life, such as: dorm-living, classes, extra-curricular clubs, banking, transportation, and more! Interested in joining M-Pals? Sign up today!
April 24, 2020: Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 15. The new order also requires people to wear homemade face coverings when they enter enclosed public spaces.
President Trump has issued a proclamation suspending the entry of certain immigrants for 60 days. This proclamation, which takes effect on 11:59pm EDT on April 23, 2020, only affects those who need to apply for an immigrant visa at a consulate abroad in order to enter the U.S. as permanent residents (green card holders). The proclamation does not apply to current permanent residents. There are also some other exceptions.
Dear International Students,
We hope that you and your families are doing well.
The IC has released three new resources that we would like to call your attention to:
The International Center is committed to supporting you during this global health crisis. The global COVID-19 situation is dynamic and quickly changing, and so is the guidance on how to minimize its impact on international scholars. Since we are in an environment of continuously evolving information, please make sure to regularly check the International Center's COVID-19 update page for important information and updates.
Dear International Students and Scholars,
Please read this email carefully for updated information regarding International Center services while the Student Activities Building is closed.
Dear International Students and Scholars,
The Student Activities Building (SAB) is closed to the public until further notice, based on the governor's "stay at home" order.
Effective Tuesday, March 24, the Student Activities Building (SAB) will be closed to the public based on the governor's "stay at home" order.
On Saturday, March 14th, the U.S. government announced new travel restrictions for foreign nationals who have been in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland in the past 14 days due to COVID-19 related risks. These restrictions will be implemented at midnight on Monday, March 16th, 2020 (excluding flights that are already in route by that time).
Dear International Student, Many developments have occurred in the past week regarding the COVID-19 situation. The University of Michigan International Center and Public Affairs websites detail this week's developments. However, I wanted to make sure that you understand these important highlights.
On Wednesday, March 11, the U.S. government announced new travel restrictions for foreign nationals who have been in the Schengen Area in the past 14 days. These restrictions will be implemented on Friday, March 13 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
03/11/2020: In light of the University’s announcement regarding moving toward alternative forms of course delivery (including online formats), the International Center will follow Immigration’s established procedures that will ensure that F-1 and J-1 students maintain legal status. Please plan to participate in your classes in the format in which they are offered when they resume on Monday, March 16th. We will be posting additional information in the upcoming days.
03/11/2020: Tomorrow and Friday all classes are officially canceled. On Monday, March 16th, classes will resume remotely in alternative formats. Classes will not meet in person through the end of the semester, April 21. All U-M events that would convene 100 people or more are also canceled.
On March 5, 2020 U-M President Schlissel sent an email to the U-M campus community to share the latest guidelines and information for students, scholars, faculty, and staff related to the COVID-19 virus, including some important COVID-19 updates, guidance for travelers coming to or returning to campus, recommendations for those planning future travel, and campus preparations.
U-M ranked in top 10 for Peace Corps volunteers among large U.S. colleges and universities. U-M also ranked No. 6 among graduate schools, with 11 graduate alumni currently serving worldwide. Overall, U-M ranks No. 4 all-time among top producing schools on the Peace Corps list. It is the only university from Michigan on the list this year. Since the agency’s founding in 1961, around 2,775 alumni from U-M have served abroad as Peace Corps volunteers. There are 211 volunteers from Michigan currently serving worldwide.
On Saturday, February 29th, the U.S. government announced new travel restrictions for foreign nationals who have been in Iran the past 14 days due to COVID-19 related risks. These restrictions will be implemented at 5:00 PM EST on March 2, 2020.
Dear International Scholars, I am writing to bring your awareness to the many medical, health, safety, and campus resources that have been developed in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As new information is shared, the International Center will continue to post announcements on our website. I also encourage you to reach out to the International Center with your questions about how restrictions related to COVID-19 may affect your immigration status or your ability to re-enter the United States after travelling abroad.
Dear International Students, I am writing to bring your awareness to the many medical, health, safety, and campus resources that have been developed in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As new information is shared, the International Center will continue to post announcements on our website. I also encourage you to reach out to the International Center with your questions about how restrictions related to COVID-19 may affect your immigration status or your ability to re-enter the United States after travelling abroad.
2/26/2020: University of Michigan-related travel to South Korea is now restricted and personal travel to South Korea is currently discouraged. If you do plan any international travel during the Spring Break, be sure to review the Spring Break Travel Guidance for International Students in Light of the Coronavirus. Have a safe Spring Break!
The International Center would like to remind all international students, scholars, employees, and dependents that they are responsible for following federal immigration regulations and federal laws, in addition to the laws of the State of Michigan.
On February 20, 2020, U-M President Schlissel delivered a statement on COVID-19 Virus at the Board of Regents Meeting extending his support to the members of the U-M community who are affected by the COVID-19 virus epidemic in China and beyond
(Jan 31, 2020) Today the White House Administration announced a suspension of the overseas issuance of immigrant visas for certain nationals of Burma (Myanmar), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, and Nigeria; and will disallow Diversity Visa Lottery participation for Sudan and Tanzania.
The U-M University Health Service (UHS) released a new webpage with resources regarding the Coronavirus, symptoms and preventative measures, and considerations for travel to impacted regions. Please visit https://uhs.umich.edu/2019-nCoV to review and to stay informed.
Happy 2020! May the new semester, year, and decade bring you good health, learning opportunities, and great success.
Many troubling things are happening around the world these days -- from wildfires to protests to tensions between nations. Should you be personally impacted by any of these issues, or find yourself concerned and unable to concentrate on your academic goals, please know that the University of Michigan offers numerous resources for you.
The International Center and the Office of New Student Programs welcome new U-M international undergraduate students to U-M and to Ann Arbor. The International Center has posted information for new international undergraduate students on the Winter 2020 International Undergraduate Orientation event page.
The International Center would like to remind all international students, scholars, employees, and dependents that they are responsible for following federal immigration regulations and federal laws, in addition to the laws of the State of Michigan.
The University of Michigan Office of Public Affairs recently posted some updated information about the international student fee described below. If you have additional questions after reading the updated information, you can email internationalstudentfees@umich.edu
The LSA Opportunity Hub is a transformational initiative that helps students connect their liberal arts education to their aspirations and professional paths. LSA international undergraduate students are strongly preferred, but international students from other U-M schools and colleges are welcome to apply.
Residence Education is beginning the search for next year’s ResStaff (live-in student employees) who will work in all of the Undergraduate Residential Communities as Resident Advisors (RAs) and Diversity Peer Educators (DPEs). Applications are due by Oct. 27 by 11:59 PM. Read more on the University Housing Jobs.
Dear Faculty, Postdoctoral Researchers and Graduate Students: During the Q&A that followed the President’s leadership breakfast last week, a community member asked about the challenges we face in the context of recent federal concerns of “foreign influence” on research at U.S. universities. This issue is very front of mind for many of us in leadership positions at U-M, and we want to share our views on this important issue with all of you.
Are you looking for an amazing job at the University of Michigan? Well, look no further! Come work for the Center for Campus Involvement! CCI is looking for some students who want to develop skills in facilitation, adaptability, and relationship building while supporting student organizations on campus.
Protect yourself and others from the flu this year. Flu shots are available on campus and are covered by many insurance plans, including the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan and GradCare. The University Health Service also suggests some ways to help reduce the spread of flu and other illnesses.
The University of Michigan International Center (IC) is proud to announce its Welcoming Month schedule of events for new and returning international students, faculty/staff, scholars, and their families. Throughout the month of September, the IC will host several events to help members of the international community learn about U.S. culture, get to know each other, and explore Ann Arbor.
The International Center would like to warn you about phone calls and emails from criminals pretending to be from your home country consulate (or embassy), from U.S. law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, or from U.S. government agencies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), or the Michigan Department of Treasury. The calls may also be "robocalls" making "urgent" callback requests.
Dear Students,
Welcome to the University of Michigan!
Effective September 1, 2019, the U-M International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan will change insurance companies from Aetna Student Health to Blue Care Network (BCN).
The International Center is currently looking to hire a Graduate Student ICSC Co-Leader for the 2019-2020 school year. ICSC Leaders facilitate ICSC meetings, manage ICSC communication (emails, social media, flyers, etc.), ensure deadlines by volunteer members are met, organize ICSC events, and serve as a liaison between ICSC members and the U-M International Center. ICSC Co-Leaders will be supported by the Global Engagement and Education Abroad (GEEA) team. For a full job description, click here. Those interested in applying must do so by August 19. Click here to access the application.
The International Center and the Office of New Student Programs welcome new U-M international undergraduate students and their parents to LSA International Transfer Orientation and International Undergraduate Orientation. The International Center has posted information for new international undergraduate students and their parents on the Orientation Overview page.
August 5, 2019 Source: Office of the President
Nine killed while enjoying a summer night out in Dayton, Ohio.
Twenty-two killed while shopping in El Paso, Texas.
Three killed while attending a local festival in Gilroy, California.
More than two dozen people gunned down while enjoying the everyday tasks of the weekend – shopping, spending an evening with friends, supporting the local community.
The University of Michigan Conference & Event Services is looking for ambitious, customer service oriented student staff for a two-week conference from Friday, July 19th through Friday, August 2nd. Both U.S. and international students are encouraged to apply; this is on-campus employment and a work-study award is not required. The University will be hosting the National Training Institute (NTI), a 10 day educational training conference of electricians who will be our guests on the University campus.
All incoming F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee using FMJfee.com before the Department of State issues a visa.
The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) now requires applicants to provide information on all social media platforms they have used within the last five years. You will be required to provide your username, screen name, handle, or other identifier for each platform you have used, but you will not be required to provide your passwords. You will also be asked for your current email address and phone number and for any additional email addresses and phone numbers you have used in the previous five years, but you will not be required to provide your passwords.
The staff of the International Center would like to express our sympathy and concern for U-M international students, scholars, and employees from Sri Lanka after the recent terrorist attacks.
We would also like to remind students that Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to help you find support during this stressful time. You can call them any time at (734) 764-8312 or visit their office in the Tappan Auxiliary Building Monday -Thursday from 8 am - 7pm and Fridays from 8am-5pm.
4/11/2019 – USCIS announced that it has received enough cases to meet the FY 2020 H-1B quota and has completed the computerized selection process.
The University of Michigan International Center is excited to host two Pre-Departure Orientations (PDO) for new undergraduate Chinese students and parents June 2019. These PDO events will be June 15 in Beijing and June 22 in Shanghai. The International Center is seeking 10 student Orientation Leaders to volunteer for each PDO event. Our Orientation Leaders will share valuable information with new students and their parents in order to prepare them for their travel to and arrival in Ann Arbor.
As members of the University of Michigan community embark on international and domestic travel this summer, the campus International Centers, Office of the General Counsel, and Office of the Provost have prepared this informational guide to promote safe and efficient travel. More detailed and expansive information, including emergency contact information while traveling, is available on the Global Michigan website. We encourage you to explore all the travel resources available on that site while planning your travel.
With 63 volunteers around the world, the University of Michigan is ranked 4th among large universities for producing the most Peace Corps volunteers for 2019. U-M, which has made the Top Schools list every year since the ranking system began in 2001, is also the fourth all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers with 2,734 alumni having served the agency since its creation in 1961.
Recent events around the world and here on campus have been upsetting to many students, faculty, and staff. Although reports of an active shooter on the University of Michigan campus on Saturday proved to be unfounded (the noises were actually the sounds of balloons popping), this was a very frightening day for many. As such, the International Center would like to remind you about some resources that are available to the campus community. Students
Effective 3/1/2019, all interviews for H and L visas in China will be conducted at the US Embassy in Beijing or the US Consulates General in Guangzhou or Shanghai. H-visa interviews will no longer be offered at the Consulates General in Chengdu or Shenyang. For more information about the visa application process, please refer to the website of the relevant consulate location.
The Institute of International Education (IIE) has released its 2018 Open Doors report, which is a comprehensive source of data on international students studying at higher education institutions in the United States, and on U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities.
On August 9, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a new policy regarding “unlawful presence” for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, as well as for their dependents.
On 8/31/18, USCIS announced that, effective 10/1/18, the fee for Premium Processing would increase from $1,225 to $1,410. All petitions postmarked on or after 10/1/18 will need to include the new fee.
On June 26, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in the Trump v. Hawaii travel ban case. Since the Supreme Court ruled for the government, this decision means that the travel ban will continue to be in effect. After the decision was announced, U-M’s President Mark S. Schlissel issued a statement expressing the University’s disappointment in this decision, and reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering an environment in which all members of the U-M community can flourish.
The International Center would like to warn you about phone calls and emails from criminals pretending to be from U.S. law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, or from U.S. government agencies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), or the Michigan Department of Treasury. The calls may also be "robo-calls" making "urgent" callback requests.
Graduate Housing is offering two great opportunities for graduate students living on or off-campus to be engaged in community building through their newly posted Graduate Diversity Coordinator and their Transdisciplinary Fellow positions. Both positions are offered in Munger Graduate Residences and Northwood Community Apartments.
APRIL 25, 2018 UPDATE: The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in the Trump v. Hawaii travel ban case on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. The Court is expected to announce its decision by the end of June. Links to a written transcript and an audio recording of the oral argument are posted on the Supreme Court's website.
USCIS processing times for H-1B petitions has slowed down significantly since the beginning of this year. USCIS indicates that the "normal" processing time for an H-1B petition is currently 3.5 - 5.5 months. Please take these increased processing times into account as you are preparing your H-1B requests and submit your petition requests as early as possible. Note that Premium Processing remains available for H-1B petitions submitted on behalf of cap-exempt employers, including the University of Michigan.
The Peace Corps announced that the University of Michigan ranked No. 8 among large schools on the agency’s 2018 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. There are 61 Wolverines currently volunteering worldwide. The University of Michigan is also a top graduate school, ranking No. 5 with 14 alumni currently volunteering.
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) and the Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) are seeking diligent, well-connected, and committed graduate and undergraduate students to serve on the University of Michigan’s first API (Asian/Pacific Islander) Celebratory’s Student Advisory Board. Members will work to make the inaugural event characterized by the values of inclusivity, solidarity, and recognition as it applies to the API diaspora on campus.
On March 6, 2017, President Trump signed a new executive order entitled "Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Entry into the United States”, which revokes and replaces Executive Order 13769, issued on January 27, 2017. The new order includes a revised 90-day entry ban on nationals of six countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen – and is effective on March 16, 2017. Please refer to this page for clarifications as additional information becomes available, for updates on important and relevant changes, for information on how this order affects U-M’s international students, scholars, faculty and staff, and for Executive Order resources.
On October 8, 2017, the United States temporarily suspended nonimmigrant visa issuance at its consulates within Turkey. The United States Embassy in Turkey has now announced that the processing of nonimmigrant visas has resumed on a limited basis. For a detailed announcement and answers to common questions, please visit the U.S. Embassy website.
Do you have great photos from your experiences at U-M, the state of Michigan, or another country? The International Center invites U-M international and U.S. students, scholars, faculty, staff, and dependents to participate in our 2017 Photo Contest! Submit your photos and see if the judges pick you as a winner to be displayed in the 2017 Global Photo Showcase! Winning photos will be used for the International Center’s website, social media, digital signage, or future event promotion material.
Dear Parents,
It was wonderful to see so many families of our new students participate in Monday’s orientation. As a follow-up to our Panel of University Representatives, we would like to provide you with some additional information and webpages, and with responses to some of the questions raised yesterday, in order to clarify these important issues for you.
The International Center and the Office of New Student Programs welcome new U-M international undergraduate students and their parents to international undergraduate orientation. The International Center has posted information for new international undergraduate students and their parents, including PDF versions of the International Parent Orientation agenda and presentation. on the Orientation Overview page.
On August 21, the U.S. Department of State announced changes to nonimmigrant visa processing at the US embassy and consulates in Russia. Beginning on August 23, 2017, all processing will be suspended. On September 1, 2017, non-immigrant visa processing will resume at the US Embassy in Moscow only.
On Monday 7/24/17, USCIS announced that Premium Processing will resume for H-1B petitions filed on behalf of institutions of higher education as well as several other cap-exempt employers, effective immediately.
Nonresidents for tax purposes have two deadlines, April 18 and June 15, depending on their circumstances. Review the deadlines section of Non-Residents for Tax Purposes to see which deadline applies to you. Tax residents have only one deadline, April 18, 2017. If you will not be able to mail (or, for tax residents, e-file) your tax form by your deadline, you can extend your deadline to file your form, but you must still pay any taxes you owe by the deadline.
On March 15, 2017, the U.S. District Court in Hawaii issued a nationwide temporary restraining order, preventing the Government from enforcing certain provisions of the executive order that was scheduled to go into effect on March 16, 2017, including those related to visa issuance and travel to the U.S.
The Peace Corps announced that the University of Michigan ranked No. 4 among large schools on the agency’s 2017 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. There are 60 Wolverines currently volunteering worldwide. The University of Michigan is also a top graduate school, ranking No. 4 with 15 alumni currently volunteering.
On March 6, 2017, President Trump signed a new executive order entitled "Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Entry into the United States." The new order revokes and replaces Executive Order 13769 that was issued on January 27, 2017. This new Executive Order includes a revised entry ban on nationals of six countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen – and is effective on March 16, 2017.
The February 9, 2017 decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals means that the temporary restraining order (TRO) described below will remain in place. However, an appeal is still possible, and lawsuits related to
