New & Transfer Students

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 to apply for a visa. Canadian citizens do not need U.S. visas to enter the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student. Contact your admitting unit for instructions on receiving your I-20 or DS-2019.

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:

• Understanding the Differences Between F-1 and J-1 Visas

After you have received your I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

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
• International Center Video: Preparing for the F/J visa interview

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: Arrive in the U.S.

Arrive no earlier than 30 days before the Program Start Date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. The following documents are required at the U.S. port of entry:

• I-20/DS-2019
• F-1/J-1 visa (excluding Canadians who do not require a visa)
• Passport valid 6 months into the future

Recommended, but not required are your: U-M Admission letter, proof of funding, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, and any supporting documentation (if provided by your admitting unit).

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). Get your Most Recent I-94 online to make sure your I-94 also says "F-1" or "J-1" and "D/S."

Step 5: 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 2026 Course

Step 6: 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.