Important Pre-Arrival Info for Incoming Students

The Center for Global Engagement at UM-Flint is responsible for International Student Orientation, with support provided by the Student Success Center. During orientation, you will learn about immigration regulations and visa considerations, the new academic environment, and support services available on campus, and ultimately take the first steps to becoming part of the university community.

Orientation Dates and Information

Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. EST

In-Person International Student Orientation

Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. EST

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 passport valid for at least six months. If your passport expires within six months, please plan extra time to renew it 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 the 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. (Visa-exempt students still pay a SEVIS fee, but 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, and more. 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.

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 printout of your electronic Form I-94. 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 originals.

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

• Passport
• Paper or printout of your most recent electronic 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. 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 orders, or travelers’ checks. Any amount of money exceeding $10,000 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 out, 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 Protection website and its frequently asked questions.

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.

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 an unexpected need for a later re-entry, for example due to a 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 to study 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 with a 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 benefit allows certain non-immigrants with expired visas to re-enter the U.S. after a visit of 30 days or less 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 territories 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 the 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 the 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, or 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 printout of the electronic Form I-94, your currently valid I-20 or DS-2019, and a valid passport with the expired visa
• Not apply for a new visa during this trip
• Not be from a country currently designated by the U.S. as a State Sponsor of Terrorism

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 their home residence. Although it is possible 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 or 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 a 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.

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 an appointment and the estimated 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 and allow ample time for the approval process. 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 maintains 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 subject 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 write 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.

You may also use the 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 that 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 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

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)

• First 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 for 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.
• 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.

Pre-Arrival Tips for Success

Pre-Arrival Checklist

• 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
• Submit your flight information in iService
• Determine your accommodation

Finances

• Do not carry large amounts of cash
• Ensure your debit and credit cards will work in the Flint area and in the U.S.
• Contact the Cashier’s Office to discuss the best payment options
• You can visit the University of Michigan Credit Union on campus, or a larger bank such as Chase
• Set up direct deposit and online banking for easy and secure account monitoring

Packing

Keep the following documents on your person — do not pack your immigration documents in checked luggage:

• Passport
• I-20 or DS-2019
• Valid entry visa
• Admission packet, including admission letter and financial documents

Clothing

• Pack a variety of clothing for layering: short and long sleeves, shorts and long pants, sweaters, tanks
• 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)

Personal Belongings

• Keep your passport, I-20/DS-2019, visa documents, and admission letter in a safe place. Make digital and paper copies in case of loss.
• Keep your phone, laptop, and wallet in your carry-on and never leave them unattended in public spaces
• Many items can be bought once you arrive, so be sure to bring things that remind you of home
• Check airline baggage rules ahead of time to avoid unexpected fees or issues with size and weight limits

Electrical Items

• Bring a 110V U.S. plug converter if you are bringing electrical items from home
• Check voltage compatibility before using any device. The U.S. uses 110–120V; many countries use 220–240V. Using a device without the correct converter can damage it.
• Consider buying high-voltage items (such as hair dryers, straighteners, or rice cookers) in the U.S. They can be cheaper and safer than using adapters.

Medication

• Ensure all prescription medications are labeled with your name in English and include the name of the medication
• Keep all medications in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, in case your baggage is delayed or lost

SIM Cards and Phone Numbers

The CGE will provide you with a Mint Mobile SIM card upon arrival, but you can also consider these additional options:

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

Arriving to Campus

We Pick You Up

The 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 five days ahead of time guarantees pickup. If you arrive at any other airport, transportation will be at your own expense.

Housing

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Placement exams are necessary for academic advising and course registration, and determine what courses students can take, so they should be taken seriously. New students are automatically registered to take applicable placement exams when registering for orientation. The specific exams you need 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 before meeting your academic advisor.

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

We suggest comfortable walking shoes, because there will be some walking during the orientation session. You will also need your UMID number, uniqname, 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 two-factor authentication.

How do I get my MCard if I am not on campus?

Watch 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 the Department of Public Safety at 810-762-3333 or email flint.dps.support@umich.edu.

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

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 U-M Ann Arbor Information and Technology Services inviting them to visit the uniqname and account setup website, where the uniqname creation process can be completed online.

To set your password, visit my.umflint.edu, click “New Students Click Here” in the upper right corner, enter your uniqname, answer the identifying questions (last name, date of birth, and UMID), submit, and create your password.

How and 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 the admissions office at admissions.flint@umich.edu and provide as much information about the course as possible. For more, see transfer student information.

Is orientation mandatory?

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. 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 orientationflint@umich.edu or call 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 to the admissions office before orientation.

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

Yes. You can reschedule in the Student Information System under the “New Students Menu” tab, then click “Register or Reschedule an Orientation.”

What if I cannot attend any of the orientation dates listed?

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

What if I want to change my major?

You can change your major in the Student Information System. Log in, 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 it when you check in.

What is an academic advisor, and how do I know who mine is?

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. You can view a full list of undergraduate professional advisors by major. Most students find it helpful to meet with their advisor before orientation, and we highly encourage you to do so.

What is expected of me before and during orientation?

Before Orientation

• Take your placement exams (if necessary) at canvas.flint.umich.edu, ideally at least two weeks before orientation or your advisor meeting.
• Take the College Student Inventory. Check your UM-Flint email for the link; the subject line will be “UM-Flint Critical Steps: Take the CSI.” This applies to first-year students only.
• Complete the sexual misconduct training online module. Visit my.umflint.edu and, within the “Popular Links & Services” section, select “Sexual Misconduct Training.”
• Get your MCard, your UM-Flint photo identification card that gives you access to different resources on campus.
• Register your vehicle for a parking permit at my.umflint.edu — 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 parking permits and MCards.

Day of Orientation

• If your orientation is held in the University Center or Murchie Science Building, please park in the Mill Street parking ramp at 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 in the Student Information System.

During Orientation

• One of the most popular segments of orientation is hearing the orientation leaders (all fellow students) discuss their experience here at UM-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.
• Come with questions and be engaged. Orientation is an opportunity to get all your questions about UM-Flint answered.

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 Student Information System 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 academic advising and registration portion of orientation.

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. Watch for an email from the Department of Public Safety with information about parking permits, and contact them at 810-762-3333 or flint.dps.support@umich.edu with questions.

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 registration instructions 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 engagement 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” newsletter, which will inform you about virtual and on-campus events and opportunities.