Navigating Student Visas at the University of Michigan: A Comprehensive Guide

For international students aspiring to study at the University of Michigan (U-M), understanding the student visa requirements is a crucial first step. This article provides a detailed overview of the necessary documentation, application procedures, and ongoing obligations for maintaining legal status while pursuing academic goals at U-M.

English Proficiency Requirements

The University of Michigan seeks a high level of proficiency in English due to the language's prevalence in the classroom. While the campus community embraces diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds, American English dominates academic discourse. As such, U-M does not offer intensive English make-up coursework for conditional admission. However, enrolled students have access to language study courses to further refine their English skills.

Acceptable English Proficiency Exams

If English is not your native language, you must demonstrate proficiency by achieving a passing score on one of the following exams:

TOEFL (iBT, including the Home Edition): A score in the 100 range, with section scores of 23+ in listening and reading, and 21+ in speaking and writing.
TOEFL iBT (launching Jan. 21, 2026): A score of 5-6 range with section scores of 5+ (CEFR C1)
TOEFL Essentials: A score in the 10 range with section scores 10+
IELTS / IELTS Indicator: A score in the 7.0 range, with section scores of 6.5+.
ECPE: Certificate with all sections at least a CC.
CAE (C1 Advanced): 185 with no less than 180+ in all sections (CEFR C1).
CPE (C2 Proficiency): 185 with no less than 180+ in all sections (CEFR C1).
PTE Academic: 68 with all sections equally strong.
MET: 64 with section scores of 59+ (4-skill MET-digital).

Exemptions from English Proficiency Exams

You may be exempt from these exams if you meet one of the following criteria:

A score of 650 or above on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (or 600 or above on the old SAT critical reading section).
A score of 27 or above on both the ACT Reading and English sections.
Completion of at least four years of rigorous academic study in one of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, England, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Seychelles, Shetland Islands, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States (other than Puerto Rico), US Virgin Islands, Wales. (Students in American and British schools abroad may also be exempt if they meet the four-year study requirement and achieve the required scores.)

English Language Institute (ELI)

The English Language Institute (ELI) offers advanced English language instruction to University of Michigan students who speak English as a second or additional language. These students already meet the general TOEFL, IELTS, or MET requirements and possess a high level of English proficiency. The ELI provides academic English courses and resources that enable students to continue refining their English skills at an advanced collegiate level throughout their time at Michigan.

Visa Requirements for International Students

All international students attending the University of Michigan require both a passport from their home country and a temporary visa issued by the United States. These documents serve as proof of residence and reliable forms of identification. It is advisable to apply for the visa concurrently with your passport application. Ideally, a valid visa should be obtained a few months before the commencement of studies at U-M. Enrolling students must first complete the Financial Resources Statement to initiate the visa process.

Common Visa Types

The two most prevalent visa types for international students are the F-1 student visa and the J-1 exchange visitor visa:

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 visa is the most common choice for international students. To qualify, you must provide evidence of full-time enrollment during the academic year. This can be done after admission and confirmation of your intent to enroll. Upon receiving proof of full financial support, U-M will issue a Form I-20, which is required to apply for the visa at a United States Embassy or Consular Official.

Note: If you already hold an F-1 visa and are transferring to the University of Michigan, follow the transfer procedures outlined on your new University of Michigan I-20 form (page two). Present your new Michigan I-20 to advisors at the International Center within a few days of enrolling at U-M.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

International students sponsored by their government or another public source are eligible for the J-1 exchange visitor (student category) visa. This temporary visa requires evidence of full-time enrollment during the academic year. After admission and confirmation of intent to enroll, the university or sponsoring organizations will provide the DS-2019 form, which is necessary to apply for the visa at a United States Embassy or Consular Official.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Note: Canadian citizens who have been admitted, confirmed their intent to enroll, and provided proof of funding do not require a visa.

Additional Visa Information

What is a Visa?

A visa is an official endorsement in your passport that authorizes you to travel, work, or study in a specific country for a designated period. Each country issues its own visas through its embassies and consulates located throughout the United States.

Do I Need a Visa?

It is generally best to assume that you need a visa when traveling to another country. There are some exceptions. citizens are permitted to travel as tourists to most European countries (with some exceptions such as Russia) without a visa for less than 90 days, but they may need visas for studying or working (unpaid internships included). citizen, see the International Students section below.

How to Apply for a Visa

Visas must be obtained before you arrive in the country. Some visas can take weeks to process (depending on the type of visa, your citizenship, which country you are traveling to, etc.). Others can be processed fairly quickly -- within a matter of days or even immediately at the consulate. The consulate or embassy will specify which of these methods they require.

Although most students apply for visas through consulates or embassies, you may choose to utilize a visa processing company if you need a visa quickly and are willing to pay extra fees. Here are some examples of visa processing companies that have not been vetted by the International Center, but have been used by members of the U-M community in the past.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

CIBTvisas and Travisa: visa processing companies that expedite visas for an extra fee; also has a database that is helpful for citizens of any country determining visa needs. CIBTvisas offers a discount for having a U-M affiliation at this link.
For visas to China: USChinaVisa
For visas to Russia: GoToRussia, Let's Russia

Common Visa Application Requirements

The specific requirements for a visa application can vary significantly depending on the country and even the consulate. For individuals in Michigan, the closest consulate is often located in Chicago. Out-of-state students can apply through the consulate or embassy for their home state, but should consider whether in-person travel is required.

Typical documents required for visa applications include:

Completed application form
Passport
Recent passport-sized photos
Proof of enrollment (Enrollment Verification)
Letter of admission from university
Job offer letter (if interning, working, or volunteering abroad)
Proof of accommodation
Return or round trip plane ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, financial aid/scholarship)
Proof of international health insurance
Medical certificate (obtained from a medical examination)
Certificate of criminal record (obtained from a criminal background check)

Important Considerations for Visa Processing

Visa processing times vary, ranging from a few days to several months. Start the application process as early as possible.
It is your responsibility to determine the visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit.
You may be denied entry or deported from a country if you do not have the required visa.

Visas for International Students at U-M Traveling Abroad

International students should assume they need a visa to visit another country, even for tourism. For European travel, the Schengen Visa covers many countries. A no objection letter can be written by your academic advisor, department head, or dean. The 90/180-day rule allows Schengen Visa holders to travel in the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period.

Other Entry Considerations

A visa is just one aspect of entering a country. Other considerations include:

Passport Validity: Your passport may need to be valid for a certain period beyond your intended stay. Verify the specific requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Interning/Working Abroad

In many cases, a special visa is required to legally work in another country. The specific visa type depends on factors such as whether the internship is paid, the duration of the internship, and your citizenship. Contact the destination country's embassy/consulate for accurate information.

Working Abroad After Graduation

Obtaining a visa to work abroad can be challenging. Often, a company must be willing to sponsor your visa, and many countries require foreign workers to possess specialized skills that cannot be found locally.

Common pathways to working abroad after graduation include:

Teaching English
Participating in student visa programs
Obtaining a "working holiday" visa (available in some countries)

Maintaining F-1 Status at UM-Flint

To maintain legal F-1 status, international students must adhere to specific regulations:

All international students in F-1 or J-1 status must be enrolled full time or approved for a reduced course load through CGE. The deadline for registration is the end of the UM-Flint Drop/Add period.
Students must register by the deadline to avoid losing their F-1/J-1 status.

Exceptions to Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

In some cases, international students may receive permission from the CGE to drop below full-time enrollment. To apply for a reduced course load, please complete the request in IService. Other reasons could apply.

Important Documents to Carry

While studying on campus, it is advisable to carry copies of your passport, I-20, and I-94.

I-20: Your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is vital to ensuring your F-1 status.
Passport: Your passport should expire six months from now.

Traveling During School Breaks

When traveling during school breaks and annual vacations, you must request a travel signature. If you recently renewed your passport, you may need to carry your old expired passport, too, if your F-1 visa is in it.

Required Documents for Re-entry

To re-enter the United States in F-1 status, you will need:

A valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian citizens).
Your currently valid I-20 with a recent travel signature on page 2 of your I-20.

If you are in J-1 status, you will need:

You must have a valid J-1 visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian citizens).
Your currently valid DS-2019 immigration document with a recent handwritten travel validation.

If you are in F-2 or J-2 dependent status, you will need:

You must have a valid F-2 or J-2 visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian citizens).
Your currently valid I-20/DS-2019 immigration document with a recent handwritten travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 or the bottom right corner of your DS-2019. The CGE should have signed it after you arrived.

If the F-1 or J-1 is on post-completion Optional Practical Training or Academic Training , you should carry photocopies of the F-1 or J-1 documents indicating authorization for work permission. For F-1, this would include I-20, EAD card, and evidence of a job.

Reporting Requirements for F-1 Students

F-1 students are required to report certain events to their DSO to maintain status within 10 days of the change. F-1 students are required to make standard academic progress. If you need to extend your program, please complete the program extension form in IService.

SEVIS Transfer

A SEVIS transfer is when one SEVP-approved program transfers your SEVIS record to another SEVP-approved program. If you are planning on attending another institution after your studies, or after participating in OPT, please complete the SEVIS transfer form in IService.

Grace Periods

F-1 students have a grace period when their F-1 status ends. There is a 60-day grace period for students who have successfully completed their F-1 program of study or whose OPT authorization has ended. There is a 15-day grace period for F-1 students who need to withdraw from UM-Flint and have been authorized to do so.

SEVIS Termination

SEVIS Termination occurs when an F-1 student no longer maintains their status. Some examples of no longer maintaining F-1 status are dropping below full course load, not taking the required number of in-person courses, working without employment authorization, no showing to UM-Flint, or suspension from your program. SEVIS termination is a serious matter. as soon as possible as there is no grace period.

Resources and Support

The University of Michigan provides numerous resources to assist international students with their visa and immigration needs:

International Center: Offers advising and support on visa-related matters.
Center for Global Engagement (CGE): Provides information and assistance on immigration regulations.
International Student and Scholar Advisor: Consult for additional information and assistance.

Recent Visa Revocations

It's important to acknowledge that the University of Michigan has recently faced challenges regarding visa revocations. The number of University of Michigan students and recent graduates who have recently had their visas or their right to stay in the United States revoked has risen to 22, the university's top officials said Wednesday.

In a statement from UM President Santa J. Ono and three vice presidents, UM said the federal government has not shared details about the specific reasons for the revocations and terminations, which affect 12 currently enrolled students and 10 graduates. The institution had not received any prior notice of the measures.

The institution said it has not provided lists or identifying information to federal immigration or law-enforcement authorities.

Once an individual's SEVIS record is terminated, they are required to leave the country immediately, UM administrators said in their statement. The International Center has reached out affected students and grads and is working with offices, colleges and schools across the university to ensure they "understand their options and have access to resources."

The university said there doesn't appear to be any federal law enforcement activity on campus related to the terminations.

This situation underscores the importance of staying informed about current immigration policies and seeking support from the university's resources when needed.

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