Home Admissions Applying Immigration Documents for International Students Immigration Documents for International Students Rackham Graduate School, in collaboration with U-M’s International Center, has launched the M-Passport system to simplify F-1 and J-1 record keeping. Once you accept the offer of admission and set up your uniqname, you will receive an email invitation to the M-Passport system. The invitation email will be sent to your U-M email address. Once you log in to M-Passport, instructions on how to proceed with the new I-20/DS-2019 request process will be provided. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. If you need an F-1 or J-1 visa, the University of Michigan is required by the U.S. government to obtain documentation proving that international applicants (non-U.S. citizens) have sufficient financial resources to provide for their expenses while in the United States. Rackham Admissions is the U-M office that will prepare your I-20 or DS-2019 after you have provided the required documents through your M-Passport portal. After all the documents are approved, Rackham will begin the process to prepare your I-20 or DS-2019. Allow seven to ten business days for Rackham to complete your I-20 or DS-2019. You will be able to review your immigration information and track the progress of your immigration document in your M-Passport account. Immigration Document Deadlines The deadlines for submission of financial documents are listed below. If documents are not received by these dates, Rackham will begin withdrawing offers of admission. Fall term, May 15 Summer term, April 15 Winter term, November 15 Student Visa Types Estimated Student Costs and Expenses Student’s Bringing Dependents Summer Start Acceptable Financial Documentation Glossary of Immigration Documents Student Visa Types F-1 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 University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support. J-1 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 percent of funding must come from sources other than personal funds. Estimated Student Costs and Expenses Back to Top Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time as approved by the Board of Regents. You should plan for an annual increase of five to 10 percent on all costs. Program fees vary and are not reflected in these estimates. Check with the graduate program if you have questions about the fees specific to your degree program. Student Cost Estimate for One Academic Year Tuition and Fees for One Academic Year $61,000 Living Expenses (housing, food, utilities, transportation, personal items for 12 months) $28,250 Books and Supplies (fall and winter terms only) $1,380 Mandatory Health Insurance (12 months) $3,600 Total Estimated Expenses $94,230 To request an I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa you must log into your M-Passport account and upload the following documents: Required Documents for Upload Document You are currently outside the United States You are currently in the United States and a University of Michigan Student You are currently in the United States and transferring to the University of Michigan Passport Required Required Required University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support Required Required Required Bank Statement(s), or Funding Letter, or both Required Required Required Current I-20 or DS-2019 Required Required Visa Required Required I-94 Required Required EAD Card (submit only if you are under an OPT I-20 or AT) Required Required Transfer-In Request Required Outside the United States Immigration Process for Newly Admitted International Students Outside the U.S. In the United States with F-1 or J-1 Status If You Are at U-M Immigration Process for International Students Currently at U-M Ann Arbor Transferring from Another U.S. Institution Immigration Process for International Students Transferring a Visa from Another U.S. Institution You will receive an @umich email invitation to log into your M-Passport account and you must respond “yes” to the question, “Are you a SEVIS transfer?” This will begin the process of transferring your SEVIS record to U-M. Your international student advisor at your current or previous school must electronically release your SEVIS record to U-M after you finish classes and/or upon completion of optional practice training (OPT). Rackham Graduate School cannot process your new I-20 or DS-2019 until your SEVIS record is released to the University of Michigan. Obtaining Your I-20 or DS-2019 Once your I-20/DS-2019 has been created in SEVIS, your immigration document will be signed electronically and placed in your M-Passport portal to download and print. Mandatory Immigration Check-In Sign up for and attend the International Center’s Mandatory Immigration Check-in session. Student’s Bringing Dependents Back to Top If you have dependents accompanying you while you study at the University of Michigan, you are required to provide proof of funds for their living expenses and health insurance in addition to your estimated expenses. Dependent Document Requirements Document You are outside the United States and bringing dependents You are in the United States and bringing dependents Dependent’s Passport Required Required Dependent’s Current I-20 or DS-19 Required Dependent’s Visa Required Dependent’s I-94 Required Upload supporting financial documentation of funds, and a copy of the passport for each dependent (showing the picture, biographical information, and expiration date and include the machine readable information) in your M-Passport account. Dependent Cost Estimates Estimated Dependent Expenses (12 Months) Per Month Expenses Spouse’s living expenses, not including insurance $6,575 $548 Each additional dependent’s living expenses, not including insurance $3,296 $275 Mandatory Health Insurance for student and one dependent $7,000 $583 Mandatory Health Insurance for student and two or more dependents $10,655 $889 Summer Start Back to Top Applicants that are admitted during summer term (June to mid-August) must show proof of enough funds for the first year of study. If you are unsure when your graduate program begins, please consult your graduate program coordinator or refer to your admission email from Rackham Graduate School. Note: Estimated funds vary by program; refer to your graduate program’s University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support for estimated expenses. If you plan to apply to the English Language Institute’s English for Academic Purposes Summer Program, email [email protected] to let us know that you intend to participate in that program. Cost Estimate for Students Starting Summer Half Term Tuition and Fees for the First Year $72,342 Living Expenses (housing, food, utilities, transportation, personal items for 14 months) $29,715 Books and Supplies (first year) $2,410 Mandatory Health Insurance for 14 months $4,200 Total Estimated Expenses $108,667 Spouse’s living expenses, not including insurance $7,679 Each additional dependent’s living expenses, not including insurance $3,831 Mandatory Health Insurance for student and one dependent $8,321 Mandatory Health Insurance for student and two or more dependents $12,442 Acceptable Financial Documentation Back to Top The following may be used as documentation of funds: An official dated bank statement that includes the name of the financial institution, the account holder’s name, type of account, and clearly indicates the currency and the account balance. Do not submit statements with the transaction history. A detailed letter from the sponsor stating the exact U.S. dollar amount being provided for tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and dependents (if applicable). This letter must be original and on official letterhead and include the dates of sponsorship, name of program, and degree level. The letter must be dated within one year of initial enrollment. University of Michigan Award – Letter or email that details the type of funding (graduate student instructor or graduate student research assistant, fellowship, etc.), the specific amount for tuition, stipend, and health insurance, and duration of award. If the award does not cover the total estimated expenses, you must provide additional funds, such as personal funds that cover the remaining balance. Educational Loans – A detailed letter on official letterhead from the financial institution that indicates your name, the approved amount of the loan, and the duration for which the loan is available. Each individual contributing financially to your education must complete the University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support. In the case of jointly held accounts, each individual holder must complete the University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support. The Following Types of Documentation Are Not Acceptable Stocks, bonds, equities, investments, mutual funds, and retirement accounts (Indian Provident Funds: Fund manager must provide terms and conditions for fund disbursement) The maturity or expiry date for fixed or term deposit is after the start of the term Non-liquid assets of property or personal assets (automobiles, land, buildings, jewelry, etc.) Statements verifying employment and salary Insurance premiums and policies Income tax returns Attestations stating only that a sponsor can meet the expenses All documents (acceptable or unacceptable) submitted for issuing the immigration document become the property of the University of Michigan and will not be returned to the student. For questions on the immigration process, please contact [email protected]. Glossary of Immigration Documents Back to Top Passport Valid passport issued by your country of citizenship. (Must be valid for at least six (6) months after beginning your study). University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support Form providing instructions and requirements for submitting acceptable certification of funds. Bank Statement Official dated bank statement including name of the financial institution, account holder’s name, type of account, and clear indication of the currency and account balance. University of Michigan Award Letter or email that details the type of funding (graduate student instructor or graduate student research assistant, fellowship, etc.), the specific amount for tuition, stipend, health insurance, and duration of award. Dependents Spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may join you in the United States as F-2 dependents. I-20 Primary immigration document for F-1 student status. DS-2019 Primary immigration document for J-1 student status. Visa Travel document issued by U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad. I-94 Proof of legal non-immigrant status at the Port of Entry by a Customs and Border Protection Officer. EAD Employment Authorization Document issued by U.S. Customs and Immigration Services. Contact Admissions Hours: Admissions is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed Saturdays and Sundays and on university holidays. Location 0120 Rackham Building 915 East Washington Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070 Contact Phone: 734.764.8129 Fax: 734.936.3335 Email: [email protected]
