Immigration Status
How many online classes can I take?
F-1/J-1 students are required to enroll full-time and to have a minimum number of in-person or hybrid courses that require physical attendance. F-1/J-1 students cannot count more than three online credits towards their full-time enrollment requirement. The minimum number of credit hours requiring physical attendance are: 9 credits for undergraduate students, 5 credits for graduate students, and 3 credits for graduate student assistants (GSIs/GSRAs).
Will I be able to obtain a visa in time to come to U-M for the Winter Term?
Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest you to find out more 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 be delays and backlogs 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 program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Classes for most programs begin on January 8, 2025, but 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.
Are any vaccinations required by the U.S. or by U-M?
Vaccinations are not required by the U.S. government or by the University of Michigan. U-M does have a vaccination-reporting requirement for students living in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor campus, and also recommends certain immunizations to protect your health and the health of others.
To learn more, read Health-Related Policies and Recommendations for International Students and Scholars
Am I required to report in person to the International Center after arrival?
New F-1 and J-1 students are required to complete an online check-in; you do not have to visit the International Center in person to check in. Mandatory Immigration Check-in for Students explains how to complete your check-in. Also, please visit our website for more information about Winter 2025 Orientation.
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, COVID-19 and Flu 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 depend 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].
Updated 12/19/2024