Congratulations from the International Center on your admission to the University of Michigan! As you prepare to come to Ann Arbor, please make sure to regularly check our Information for New F-1 and J-1 Students Planning to Come To Campus for the Fall Term page, and the Health-Related Policies and Recommendations page. We will continue to update these pages with any new information that becomes available.
Step 1: Get Your I-20 or DS-2019
F-1 international students will need a U-M I-20 Form while J-1 students will need a U-M DS-2019 Form, a valid F-1/J-1 visa (the visa sticker in your passport) issued by the U.S. embassy/consulate overseas, a valid passport, and your SEVIS fee receipt. Canadian citizens do not need U.S. visas to enter the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student. Please be advised that you may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date on your I-20/DS-2019. When you enter the U.S., you will receive an admission stamp in your passport marked “F-1” or “J-1” and “D/S” (duration of status).
Most international students come to U-M in F-1 visa status. If you believe you may also be eligible for a J-1 visa and would like to understand how the two differ, you can learn more here to make an informed decision:
Step 2: Get Your Student Visa
Before making travel arrangements to come to the University of Michigan, you will need to obtain an appropriate U.S. visa. The following list provides resources to help you obtain a U.S. visa and enter the U.S. legally.
- The U.S. Department of State Visa Website
- U.S Visa Wait Times
- U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee
- Student Process Steps: How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System
Step 3: Prepare For Your Arrival
You can find useful information on the Arrival/Settling In page under Resources.
The International Center offers in-country and virtual Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) sessions each summer for students starting their studies in the fall semester. These events are a great opportunity to prepare for your arrival in Ann Arbor, including information on preparing for your visa interview, arranging housing, and other important steps! A virtual PDO is also offered in late December for students starting their studies in the winter semester.
Step 4: Complete Mandatory Immigration Check-in
You are required to complete a mandatory immigration check-in with the U-M International Center after arriving in the U.S. The immigration check-in is required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Failure to complete the mandatory immigration check-in will cause your immigration status to end. For more information about this check-in please see our check-in page.
Enroll in International Center Check-In 2025 Course
Step 5: Attend Orientations & Events
The International Center offers a range of orientation events for new international students and scholars. Learn more about Summer 2025 Orientation events and workshops here.
Additional Resources/Information
- Undergraduate Student Additional Orientation Requirements
- Graduate/Professional students should contact their program regarding program-specific orientation programs. Even if programs are not mandatory, we highly recommend students participate in the programs.
Prospective Students
Interested in attending the University of Michigan? To learn about the university’s admission requirements please visit:
Returning Students
If you previously studied at the University of Michigan, did not complete your program, and would like to return to finish your program, please review the information on the Returning Students page.