Congratulations from the International Center on your admission to the University of Michigan! We are looking forward to welcoming you to campus for the Fall 2023 Term.
The information below is for new students only, including transfer and change of level students who have previously studied in the U.S.
Information for New F-1 and J-1 Students Planning Come To Campus for the Fall Term
How many online classes can I take?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVP) has announced that beginning with Fall Term 2023, pre-pandemic enrollment requirements will once again be in effect. This means that F-1/J-1 students will not be able to count more than three online credits towards their full-time enrollment requirement. Your other courses must be in-person or hybrid.
Will I be able to obtain a visa in time to come to U-M for the Fall Term?
Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest you to find out more about their plans and about your options for scheduling an appointment for a visa interview. Try to schedule your visa interview appointment as soon as possible, since there may still be delays due to backlogs and physical distancing protocols at embassies and consulates. In some cases, the option to request an "expedited appointment" may be available, but please note that you must schedule an appointment before you can request an expedited date.
I haven’t received my I-20 or DS-2019 yet. What should I do?
If you are an undergraduate student, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are a Rackham Graduate School student, contact the Rackham Admissions Office. If you are a non-Rackham graduate student, please contact your specific admissions office.
When should I plan to arrive on campus?
You should plan to arrive on campus no later than the reporting date (program start date) on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Classes for most programs begin on August 28, 2023, and your program start date may be earlier than this to allow for orientation and check-in.
If you are unable to arrive on time, please contact the unit that admitted you to discuss options. If you are an undergraduate student, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are a Rackham Graduate School student, contact the Rackham Admissions Office. If you are a non-Rackham graduate student, please contact your specific admissions office.
Is COVID-19 vaccination required by the U.S. or by U-M?
- COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required by the U.S.
- The University of Michigan requires U-M students living in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor campus to have received a single dose of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine and to submit that information by May 31, 2023 in Vax Viewer. There also other immunizations requirements for U-M students living in Michigan Housing. U-M’s Health Response webpage has more details and links to the form to report these additional immunizations.
- Although immunizations are not required for students not living in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor campus, U-M does recommend certain immunizations for all students. Learn more by reading this information from University Health Service.
Am I required to report to the International Center after arrival?
New F-1 and J-1 international students are required to complete an online immigration check-in process. Mandatory Immigration Check-in for Students explains how to complete your check-in.
Health Insurance
Will the mandatory U-M International Health Insurance plan cover COVID-19 testing and treatment?
Yes. The International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan covers testing and treatment. GradCare also covers COVID-19 testing and treatment. Please review Health Insurance and COVID-19 Insurance Information for International Students and Scholars for details. If you still have questions, contact the International Center’s Health Insurance Advisor.
Transfers and Other Special Situations
What if I am currently in the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status?
Your admissions office can advise you on your eligibility to transfer your F-1 or J-1 status from your current U.S. institution to the University of Michigan. They can also advise you if you are a current U-M student starting a new degree or program level. If you are an undergraduate student, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are a Rackham Graduate School student, contact the Rackham Admissions Office. If you are a non-Rackham graduate student, please contact your specific admissions office.
I am currently in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status (H-1B, H-4, TN, etc.). What should I do?
Please contact the International Center at [email protected]. Your options and course of action depends on many variables, and an adviser can help outline the issues so you can make an informed decision.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For questions about your U-M application, acceptance, matriculation, or the processing of immigration documents, undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Rackham Graduate School students should contact the Rackham Admissions Office. If you are a non-Rackham graduate student, please contact your specific admissions office. For questions about remote study or deferring admission, Rackham graduate students should contact their graduate program, and all other students should contact their admitting office.
If you have questions about the U.S. visa process or other immigration related issues, please contact the International Center at [email protected].
Last Updated: 05/15/2023