Questions
Q: What are the logistics regarding the visa process?
A: Overview:
Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement and should present themselves with the required documents at the Port of Entry.
If you are coming to the University of Michigan from abroad, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa to enter the US. To do so:
- Make an appointment with the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Please refer to the website of US embassy where you intend to apply for more information on the required documents. The exact visa application procedures and wait times vary from country to country and even from consulate to consulate. (Note that the wait times are estimates, are not guaranteed and do not include the time necessary for additional processes, such as background checks.)
For a list of all consulates and embassies, please refer to www.usembassy.gov.
Individuals traveling to Canada and/or Mexico only may be eligible for the Automatic Visa Revalidation Process. People who are eligible for this process do not need to apply for a new visa if their visa has expired. Visit https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/fsis/applying-visa for more details.
Q: Is there any additional information regarding the visa and safety problem?
A: Visit https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/fsis/travel for travel safety information and https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/abroad/swt/health/personal-safety for personal safety information.
Q: A financial support document needs to be uploaded in order to complete my I-20. What should the minimum balance in USD be for my I-20 to be processed?
A: Visit https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/immigration-documents/ for more details.
For F-1 visa:
If you are requesting an I-20 for an F-1 visa you are required to submit evidence of the availability of funds for your expenses for the first year only, and also indicate source(s) of funding for subsequent years. Subsequent years’ funding is indicated by use of a checkbox on the Rackham Affidavit of Financial Support.
For J-1 visa:
If you are requesting a DS-2019 for a J-1 visa you are required to submit evidence of the availability of funds for your expenses for the duration of your program. Use the estimated expenses to calculate the total amount you need to certify and provide the required proof of funds. Over 50% of funding must come from sources other than personal funds.
Q: For international students, is it possible to reduce the requirement for providing financial resources from 1 year to 1 semester?
A: No, you will need to show proof of funding for the first year.
Q: What are the challenges that international students face at the University of Michigan?
A: Home sickness and understanding and adjusting to a new culture are common challenges that international students face when pursuing education in a foreign country. The university's International Center has provided a list of resources and suggestions for students. The CAPS and SEAS OAP are always available for students as well.