Important Pre-Arrival Information
Planning Your Travels
A valid passport is required to enter and leave the United States. Before obtaining a visa to study in the United States, you must have a valid passport for at least six months. If your passport expires within six months, please plan extra time to renew your passport before obtaining your visa.
Paying your SEVIS fee & applying for your visa
Once you have your I-20 or DS-2019 form, pay your I-901 SEVIS fee and schedule your visa appointment (for visa-exempt students, you still pay a SEVIS fee, but you do not have to book a visa appointment). Once you have paid your fee, you can apply for a visa through a nearby U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Visit Travel.State.Gov U.S. Visas for information on applying for a visa and finding your closest embassy.
The visa allows you to enter the U.S., but it does not indicate how long you are permitted to stay. Your permission to stay ends once your program is completed or when you fail to maintain legal status. Your visa may expire while you are in the U.S.
Contact Information
Center for Global Engagement
219 University Center
303 E Kearsley Street
Flint, MI 48502-1950
810-762-0867
[email protected]
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Pre-Arrival Tips
- Complete the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iService.
- Pay the SEVIS Fee.
- Schedule your Visa Appointment.
- Complete the “Getting to UM-Flint” Departure Checklists in iService.
- Provide your Flight Information.
- Determine your Accommodation: Where will you stay upon arrival?
- Packing:
- Pack a variety of clothing for layering.
- Be aware that temperatures usually start dropping in September.
- Average winter temperatures in Michigan can range from -12°C (10°F) to -1°C (30°F).
- Medication:
- Ensure all prescription medications are labeled with your name in English and include the name of the medication.
- Electrical Items:
- Bring a 110V, U.S. Plug Converter if you are bringing electrical items from home.
- Financial Tips:
- Do not carry large amounts of cash.
- Ensure your debit and credit cards will work in the Flint area and in the U.S. in general.
- Contact the Cashier’s office to discuss the best payment options for bills; I can help you connect with them.
- Note that there is a credit union and bank on campus associated with the University of Michigan, and several banks are located close to campus.
- Cell Phones:
- Your cell phone will work on campus Wi-Fi.
- You can get a new SIM card upon arrival if needed.
- Personal Belongings:
- Most items can be purchased when you arrive, so focus on bringing your personal belongings.
For U.S. Immigration
Keep these with you, do not pack in checked bags
- Passport
- I-20/DS-2019
- Valid entry Visa
- Admission Packet including
- Admission letter
- Financial Documents
Tips for a Successful Visa Interview
Required Documents to Bring
- I-20 or DS-2019 from UM-Flint
- Admission letter
- Financial documents
- Valid passport
- SEVIS fee receipt (pay the SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com)
- Evidence of intent to depart the U.S. after completion of studies
- Photograph (check with the embassy for specific dimensions
Tips for the Interview
- Initial Impression: Interviews are very brief. What you say first and the initial impression you create are critical.
- Program Knowledge: Know the details of your academic program and how it fits into your career plans.
- Language: The interview will be conducted in English.
- Concise Answers: Keep your answers short and to the point.
- No Family Members: Do not bring family members to the interview.
- Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude. Do not argue with the consular officer.
- Purpose: Emphasize that your main purpose in coming to the U.S. is to study, not to work before or after graduation.
- Home Country Ties: Demonstrate strong ties to your home country that will ensure your return after your education in the U.S.
- Spouse’s Visa:
- If your spouse is applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot work in the U.S. Be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do while in the U.S.
- If your spouse and children are staying in your home country, be ready to explain how they will support themselves in your absence.
- If Denied: If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of recommended documents to bring next time and try to get the reason for denial in writing.
Transfer Students
If you are transferring to UM-Flint from another U.S. institution , you must transfer your SEVIS record to UM-Flint before you arrive. You can do this by filling out a “Transfer in Request” through iService. Transfer students do not need to obtain a new U.S. visa or repay the I-901 SEVIS fee when they come to UM-Flint.
Canadian Students
Canadian students do not need to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa for studying at UM-Flint. However, they are still required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and go through the process of obtaining an I-20 through UM-Flint.
Let us pick you up from the Airport
Center for Global Engagement staff will offer you free rides from the Detroit (DTW) and Flint (FNT) airports to campus!
* If you arrive to any other airport, transportation will be at your own expense
On Campus Housing
- Applying for Housing:
- For information on how to apply for housing at Housing & Residential Life.
- On-Campus Housing Information:
- For further details about on-campus housing options, refer to Housing & Residential Life.
- Early Arrival for International Students:
- International students may arrive early and stay at no extra charge if they have signed a housing contract.
- Guest Housing for International Students:
- Housing provides guest accommodations for international students who have not made housing arrangements and need a place to stay for a short period.
Orientation
- We provide a mandatory virtual pre-departure orientation
- International Student Orientation is mandatory
* In order to maintain your legal status you must attend the required international student orientation. Orientation will be prior to first day of class
