Important Pre-Arrival Info for Incoming Students

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.

Travel Advisory

In the past few years, several changes may affect international students, scholars, faculty, and staff who plan to leave and re-enter the U.S. The U.S. Department of State and Customs and Border Protection Bureau of the Department of Homeland Security have increased the review that international visitors face in U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, at airports, and at border crossing posts with Canada and Mexico.

The following travel advisory information is intended for F-1 and J-1 status holders and F-2 and J-2 dependents only.

F/J Travel Information

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.

What to Expect When Traveling

When you re-enter the United States, you should expect more thorough screening procedures at airports and other ports of entry. Your identity and the validity of your visa and immigration document I-20 or DS-2019 will be checked against U.S. law enforcement databases.

You may also be subject to in-depth questioning about your immigration status, travel history, the purpose of your visit, background, and other issues, and potentially inspection of personal belongings and luggage, photocopying of documents, etc. You may be delayed by a “secondary inspection” if you do not have proper documents, had some previous immigration problem or error, or if you simply fall under certain criteria or circumstances.

During these entry procedures, it is best to be honest, patient, and courteous with all U.S. government officials, even if they are not so with you. Remain patient and answer all questions clearly. If you do not understand a question, make sure that you ask for clarification before answering. Omission or misrepresentation of information can cause serious problems.

Traveling Within the U.S. (Without Exit and Reentry)

When you are in the Flint area, we do not advise carrying your passport and I-20/DS-2019 with you. You should, however, keep with you a print-out of your electronic Form I-94 downloaded from the Official Site for Travelers Visiting the United States. Keep your original documents in a safe and secure location. We strongly recommend that you make photocopies of these important documents and store them in a different place from your original documents.

When you are traveling in the U.S., you should bring the following original documents on your trip:

• Passport
• Paper or print-out of electronic most recent Form I-94
• I-20 or DS-2019

A little-known regulation exists which says that international visitors to the U.S. must carry their “registration document” with them. The “registration document” for F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars is the Form I-94. You MUST carry a printout of your electronic Form I-94 downloaded. With increased security precautions, particularly at airports, take the steps to ensure you are in compliance.

Bringing Money into the U.S.

When entering the U.S., some students choose to bring large sums of money with them, in cash, money order, or travelers’ checks. Any amounts of money exceeding $10,000 maximum must be declared in advance on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B. This blue form is given to incoming travelers on the airplane. It must be filled, one per family, correctly and truthfully.

If you do not declare your money, the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Your money might be taken away, in which case you will be required to provide a written explanation, your case will be adjudicated, and you might have to pay a fine.

For more information, refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website and Frequently Asked Questions.

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Visa Information

Visa Requirements

The term “visa” refers to the visa stamp in your passport, not your I-20 or DS-2019 form. All non-immigrants (except Canadians) entering the U.S. in F or J status are required to obtain the appropriate entry visa.

When you re-enter the U.S., the visa stamp in your passport must reflect your current visa status (F or J) and must be unexpired. Also, if the visa has a limited number of entries, it must have a remaining valid entry available on the intended date of re-entry to the U.S.

If there are entries left on the visa, the visa should remain valid for re-entry until the date of expiration. However, students and scholars should consider the chance of unexpected need for a later re-entry, for example, due to weather delay.

If the visa stamp in your passport has expired and/or does not have a remaining valid entry available, and automatic revalidation of visa is not possible, you must be granted a new visa in order to re-enter the U.S.

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. Canadian citizens generally are not required to possess a visa stamp to enter the U.S. and may enter the U.S. with valid I-20 or DS-2019 and proof of Canadian citizenship.

Automatic Revalidation of Visa

For non-immigrants with expired visas, trips to Canada or Mexico may not require a new visa application. This benefit is called “automatic revalidation of visa.” Currently, the automatic revalidation of visa benefit allows certain non-immigrants with expired visas to reenter the U.S. after a 30-day or less visit to “contiguous territory.”

Contiguous territory includes:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Adjacent islands including Saint Pierre, Miquelon, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, and other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea

Citizens of countries currently designated by the U.S. Department of State as State Sponsors of Terrorism are not eligible for the automatic revalidation benefit and would be required to have a valid visa for re-entry from contiguous territory.

Any non-immigrant who applies for a new U.S. visa while traveling in “contiguous territory” is not inherently eligible for automatic revalidation benefit. Thus, if you apply for a visa in Canada and are denied, you are not allowed to re-enter the U.S. under automatic revalidation benefit.

To re-enter the U.S. under the benefit of automatic revalidation of visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Only travel to Canada/Mexico/adjacent islands for less than 30 days and not travel elsewhere
• Maintain and intend to resume your nonimmigrant status within the authorized period of admission
• Carry your paper or print-out of electronic Form I-94, your currently valid I-20 or DS-2019, and valid passport with expired visa
• Not apply for a new visa during this trip
• Not be from a country that is currently designated by U.S. as a State Sponsor of Terrorism

Tip: For more information, refer to the website of the U.S. Department of State. We recommend that if you choose to travel under the “automatic revalidation of visa” rule, that you print and carry with you the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Article which discusses Automatic Revalidation, in case the CBP official is not familiar with the details of the rule.

Applying for a New Visa

If you need to obtain a new visa to re-enter the U.S., you should be prepared for a lengthy wait and complex visa application procedures which require an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate abroad. Depending on your particular circumstances, you may decide not to travel and avoid the risk of a visa delay or a visa denial.

Students and scholars are recommended to apply for visas at the local U.S. consulate with jurisdiction over the home residence. Although it is possible for students and scholars to apply for visas at U.S. consulates in Canada, Mexico, and other countries worldwide, the risk of denial may be higher in these cases.

If a visa denial is received when a student/scholar applies in another country, the applicant is required to return directly to the home country to reapply at the local U.S. consulate. If denial or visa delay occurs, the applicant may not return to the U.S. before receiving a new visa.

The most common reason for visa denial is “failure to demonstrate ties to the home country.” For more information, see Non-Immigrant Intent below.

Visa Resources and Tips

It is a good idea to read about the procedures at the local consulate where you plan to apply for your new visa before you travel. See the U.S. Department of State’s Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions.

View the estimated U.S. visa wait time to get a visa appointment and the estimated visa processing time to receive a visa at a specific consulate or embassy. Keep in mind that this time period does not include a security check.

We encourage you to apply for your visa as early as possible during your trip and allow ample time for the visa approval process to return to the U.S. Students and scholars beginning new I-20 or DS-2019 programs may be issued visas up to 120 days before the program start date.

Generally required documents for your visa application:

• U.S. Department of State F-1 visa application information
• U.S. Department of State J-1 visa application information

All F and J visa applicants must complete and submit form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).

Non-Immigrant Intent

All applicants for an F or J visa are required to demonstrate their intent to return to their home country following the completion of their academic programs. The burden is on the visa applicant to prove ties to the home country and establish “non-immigrant intent.” There are several ways you can be prepared to support your intent to return home in your visa interview:

• Have a few sentences in mind that express how you intend to use your degree or research at home after you finish your program
• Bring copies of deeds to any property (land, house, apartment) that you or your family owns in your home country
• Bring bank statements of any accounts that you or your family maintain in your home country
• If you have an employer who intends to employ you when you return home, bring a letter from that employer

You can read information from the U.S. Department of State about the requirement to demonstrate ties to your home country on Visa Denials.

Security Checks

During any visa application to the U.S., you may be subject to additional security and background clearances due to your citizenship, ties to specific countries, field of study, or other reasons. These additional clearance checks may take several weeks to several months to process. There is no way to circumvent or expedite this process.

Citizens of certain countries may be subject to increased scrutiny and security clearances. Although the U.S. Department of State has declined to release the list of countries on national security grounds, it is thought to include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Nationals or citizens of Cuba and North Korea are being subjected to increased scrutiny as well.

In addition, the U.S. Department of State may be required to conduct a security clearance if you work in high technology, engineering, or the sciences. You should be prepared to be questioned closely about the details of your research. If you are working in such fields, we recommend that your department advisor or supervisor writes a letter briefly detailing, in simple terms, the nature of your research. If applicable, this letter should note that the technology is not for military use. This letter will not deter a security clearance, but it may expedite the clearance.

The U.S. Department of State’s list of sensitive technology fields requiring security clearance (called the Technology Alert List) is no longer public. You can get an idea of what may be on the list by using the Technology Alert List version from 2002. Use this as a guideline only.You may also Visa Reciprocity and Country Documents Finder for country-by-country security procedure information from the U.S. Department of State

US-VISIT

US-VISIT is a “check-in system” which collects biographic information and biometric identifiers on all foreign nationals applying for visas and entering the U.S. US-VISIT entry procedures are currently in place at U.S. airports and seaports with international arrivals and in the secondary inspection areas of U.S. land border ports of entry.

Upon arrival at a port of entry where US-VISIT is in place, you are required to comply with the procedures. Procedures involve photographing and digital fingerprinting. Your information will be stored and checked against various national security and law enforcement databases.

For more information, refer to US-VISIT on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

Tips for Successful Visa Interviews

The following documents are required to present at your visa interview:

• I-20 or DS-2019 from UM-Flint
• Admission letter
• Financial documents
• Valid passport
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Evidence of intent to depart the U.S. after completion of studies
• Photograph (check with the embassy for specific dimensions)

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.

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Pre-Arrival Tips for Success

Packing

Keep the following documents on your person:

• Passport
• I-20/DS-2019
• Valid entry Visa
• Admission Packet (including admission letter and financial documents)

Do NOT pack your immigration documents in checked luggage.

SIM Cards and Phone Numbers

The CGE will provide you with a Mint Mobile SIM card upon arrival, but view some additional options and information below:

• AT&T
• T-Mobile
• Verizon
• Cricket Wireless

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Arriving to Campus

We Pick You Up!

Center for Global Engagement offers free rides from the Detroit (DTW) and Flint (FNT) airports to campus! To request an airport pickup, please fill out the form in the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iService. Filling out the form at LEAST 5 days ahead of time guarantees pickup.

If you arrive at any other airport, transportation will be at your own expense.

Housing

Center for Global Engagement, in partnership with Housing and Residential Life, offers FIVE (5) free days of guest housing. Then, you can choose to live on campus by signing a housing contract, or living off campus.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are students and guests required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend orientation? 

The university keeps its policies up to date with the most current information. For the most current information about the vaccination policy, please visit Respiratory Viruses & Public Health Preparedness at UM-Flint

Do I have to take placement exams? When should I take them? 

Placement exams are necessary for academic advising and course registration. Placement exams determine what courses students can take, and thus should be taken seriously. Exceptions are for students who are waiting for advanced placement scores or transfer credits to be posted. New students are automatically registered to take applicable placement exams when registering for orientation (regardless of whether orientation is on campus or online). The specific placement exams you need to take are determined by a combination of your selected major, your standardized test scores, and/or previous college coursework you have transferred to UM-Flint.  After registering for orientation, you can access your exams on Canvas.

You should take your placement exams at least two weeks before your orientation or meeting your Academic Advisor. They must be completed before your advising appointment and registration for courses. 

Do I need to bring anything specific to my orientation session? 

We suggest comfy walking shoes because there will be some walking during the orientation session.  You will need also your UMID#, uniquename and password to complete some of the activities – please be sure to bring them if you don’t have them memorized! You will also need the device you set up to operate DUO second factor authentication.

How do I get my Mcard if I am not on Campus? 

Be on the lookout for an email, sent to your campus email, from the Department of Public Safety with information about MCards and Parking Permits. If you have any questions, please contact DPS at 810-762-3333 or email flint.dps.support@umich.edu

How do I log in to the Student Information System, university email, Canvas, etc.?

You can log into almost all of the university’s online resources using your Uniqname and password. Visit my.umflint.edu for links to each site.

Newly admitted students will receive an email from UM-Ann Arbor ITS (Information and Technology Services) inviting them to visit the Uniqname & Account Setup website where the uniqname creation process can be completed online. As a student, you may use your uniqname to: log in to the computers in the computer labs on campus, access your email online at https://email.umich.edu, access the library’s online resources, log in to our Learning Management System (Canvas), and log in to the Student Information System, also called SIS.  

Setting your password: 

1. Visit my.umflint.edu and click “New Students Click Here” in the upper right corner.
2. Enter your Uniqname.
3. Answer the following questions
   • Last Name?
   • What is your date of birth (MMDDYY)? Example: 070185
   • What is your UMID?
4. Submit
5. Create your password 

How/When do I know if my credits will transfer in?

Established transfer equivalencies can be found in our Transfer Equivalency Database. If you do not see your course in the database, please contact our office at admissions.flint@umich.edu and provide as much information about the course as possible. For more about transfer credits please check out this Transfer Student Information

Is orientation Mandatory? Why do I need to complete orientation?

Yes, orientation at the University of Michigan-Flint is a required program designed to facilitate a smooth transition to UM-Flint and assist you in making the most of your college experience. We want to alleviate any worries you might have about attending the university. We’re here to help you!  

*Please note that a non-refundable orientation fee is added to all students’ first-semester tuition bills. 

Is there a different orientation session for the honors program? 

No, there is no separate orientation for students enrolled in the honors program. You can attend any of the orientation sessions offered – your academic advisor will ensure you are enrolled in the proper honors courses.

What accommodations are offered during orientation? How do I request them? 

For accommodation arrangements, please contact us at orientationflint@umich.edu or 810-762-3085.

What forms do I need to submit before orientation? 

Transcripts, AP scores, and SAT/ACT scores, as applicable, should all be submitted before orientation to the Admissions Office. 

What happens if I miss my orientation date? Can I reschedule?

Yes!  You can reschedule in SIS under the tab New Students Menu, then click Register or Reschedule an orientation. 

What if I can not attend any of the orientation dates listed? 

Please contact the Student Success Center
810-762-3085
studentsuccessflint@umich.edu

What if I want to change my major? 

You can change your major in SIS. You will need to login, click Student Services, then Student Records, and then Change of Curriculum. There you will be able to change your major, minor, and catalog information. Please note that if you change your major a day or two before orientation, it might not be updated in our system by the time of the event. There’s no need to reschedule, but be sure to mention that when you check-in.

What is an academic advisor and how do I know who mine is? How do I meet with them? Do I need to meet with them before orientation? 

An academic advisor is a specially trained staff member who you will meet with regularly.  They will help you register for the right classes, monitor your progress, and provide you with guidance to assist you in reaching your academic goals. To view a full list of all undergraduate professional advisors by major, click here. Most students find it helpful to meet with their advisor before orientation, and we highly encourage you to do so. Your assigned advisor will be your primary point of contact throughout your program. Watch your umich email for communications from your advisor!

What is expected of me before and during orientation? What happens during the event? 

Before orientation:

• Take your placement exams (if necessary) at canvas.flint.umich.edu. If possible, try to complete them at least two weeks before orientation or your advisor’s meeting. 
• Take the College Student Inventory:  Check your UM-Flint email (email.umflint.edu) for the link to your CSI. The subject line will be “UM-Flint Critical Steps: Take the CSI.” After orientation, you will schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss the results of this survey.   **Applicable to First Year students only**   
• Complete the Sexual Misconduct Training online module. This program is UM-Flint’s online sexual assault and prevention program that all students are required to take. Visit my.umflint.edu and within the “Popular Links & Services” section, select Sexual Misconduct Training. You will need to log in with your uniqname and password. 
• Get your MCard. The MCard is your UM-Flint photo identification card that gives you access to different resources on campus. This online portal allows you to submit an appropriate identification photo prior to your orientation date. Submitted Mcard photos are subject to approval, and should resemble a traditional Driver’s License or other ID photo. 
• Register your vehicle for your Parking Permit here. On the left side, there will be a tab that says Parking. 
• Watch your campus email for more information from the Department of Public Safety regarding picking up/obtaining parking permits and MCards.

Day of orientation:

• If your orientation is held in the Riverfront Center – Parking information can be found here
• If your orientation is held in the University Center or Murchie Science Building – Please park in the Mill Street parking ramp. Address: Mill Street Parking Deck 402 Mill St Flint, MI 48502
• Students are expected to stay for the entire orientation program so please choose your session date accordingly.
• If you are feeling unwell the day of orientation, we ask that you please reschedule.  You can do that in SIS under the tab New Students Menu then click Register or Reschedule an Orientation. 

During orientation: 

• One of the most popular segments of orientation is hearing the orientation leaders (all fellow students) discuss their experience here at the University of Michigan-Flint. They welcome and encourage any questions you have for them. You will also meet with professors and other academic leaders to hear their best advice.
• For a detailed schedule of events please visit our website to view the orientation Agenda.
• Come with questions and be engaged! Orientation is an opportunity to get all your questions about the University of Michigan-Flint answered. The orientation staff is here to help you, make you feel comfortable, and ensure you feel connected to the university before classes begin. 

When should I get my textbooks?

You can shop for textbooks anytime after you register for classes! Once you have registered for your courses, you can purchase (or rent) textbooks through the “Shop For Textbooks” link in your SIS account.  Or, you can bring a copy of your schedule to the bookstore before the semester begins.

When do I register for my classes?

You will register for classes during the orientation’s academic advising and registration portion. 

When is the deadline to register for orientation? 

The sooner you register for orientation the better, since sessions can fill up quickly and space is limited for each event. The sooner you register, the more sessions you will have to choose from!

Where and when do I get my parking permit, and why do I need one?

You can get your parking permit at the beginning of the semester. Parking permits are available on the stage on the first floor of the University Pavilion at the beginning of every semester.  There is no charge for your parking permit. You will need your permit to park on campus to avoid receiving a parking ticket (permit violation tickets are not issued during the time parking permits are being distributed). Be on the lookout for an email, sent to your campus email, from the Department of Public Safety with information about Parking Permits. If you have any questions, please contact DPS at 810-762-3333 or email flint.dps.support@umich.edu

Why did someone call me about orientation?

We want to make sure you get the most out of your orientation experience. Our orientation leaders contact all new students by phone in an effort to ensure that you are fully prepared for your session — and that your records are up to date. They will answer your questions and help ease any concerns you may have.

Will campus tours be available? 

Campus tours will be available at the end of each orientation session. At the end of the summer, individualized tours, during which an orientation leader will show you where each of your classes is located, will be available. We will send an email with instructions on registering for an individual tour closer to the date. The Admissions Office also offers campus tours.

Will I have opportunities to connect with other students on campus this semester? 

Yes! The university hosts Wolverine Welcome near the start of the fall semester. Wolverine Welcome is an on-campus event where you will be able to meet and get to know some of your fellow students while learning about the traditions of the University of Michigan-Flint. Other events like the Mgagement fair, an opportunity to learn about clubs and organizations on campus, will also be held. Be sure to check your campus email for the “Wolverine Weekly. ” This newsletter will inform you about virtual and on-campus events and opportunities.