Getting to Ann Arbor
How to find authoritative information on visas, customs regulations, transportation between Detroit Metro Airport and Ann Arbor, and immigration check-in.
- U.S. Immigration Visas
- Bringing Money and Other Items to the U.S.
- Airport Transportation
- Mandatory Immigration Check-In
U.S. Immigration Visas
Before making travel arrangements to come to the University of Michigan, you will need to obtain an appropriate U.S. visa. The following list provides resources to help you obtain a U.S. visa and enter the U.S. legally.
Obtaining a U.S. Immigration Visa
U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee
Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry
For further information regarding visas and immigration, please visit the International Center’s website at http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu.
Bringing Money and Other Items to the U.S.
You may choose to bring large sums of money with you in the form of cash, money order, or traveler’s checks when entering the U.S. You may bring as much money as you wish into the U.S., however, any amounts of money exceeding the allowed $10,000 (U.S. dollars) maximum must be declared in advance.
When you arrive in the U.S., you are required to declare all monies that you are bringing into the country. You will receive Form 6059B Customs Declaration, which must be filled in completely and truthfully. If you do not declare your money, the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Your money might be taken away, you will be required to provide a written explanation of your failure to comply, your case will be evaluated, and you might have to pay a considerable fine.
For further information about what you can and cannot bring into the United States, refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency website. Also, consult the following publication by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency: http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/publications/travel/welcome2us.ctt/welcome2us.pdf.
Airport Transportation
You will most likely be flying into the Detroit Metropolitan International Airport (airport code: DTW). This airport is only 20 miles from Ann Arbor, about a 45 minute drive (at the most). There are two terminals: the MacNamara Terminal and the North Terminal. For more information about the airport itself (i.e. , which airlines fly into which terminal), call 734 AIR–PORT(247–7678) or visit the airport website at www.metroairport.com.
There are a number of companies that offer transportation to and from Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Ann Arbor Convention Visitor’s Bureau maintains a listing of airport shuttle options at: http://www.visitannarbor.org/index.php/plan_a_visit/search/airport_transportation1/
Many of these options are “shared ride,” which means that there may be more than one drop-off location between the airport and Ann Arbor. If you choose to use a shuttle company, be sure to make a reservation at least 24 hours prior to your trip.
You can also take a taxi from the airport to Ann Arbor. You do not need to make advanced reservations to take a taxi. The rate for a one-way trip to Ann Arbor is usually between $45-60, depending on which taxi company you take. Taxis will take you directly to your destination without making other stops.
Another option is the airBus service run by the Michigan Student Assembly (MSA). Normally, the MSA airBus does not run at the beginning of the academic year (i.e. , late August, early September); however, the International Student Affairs Commission of MSA is launching a new program for 2009-2010. In light of the fact that so many international students arrive in late August, the MSA plans to offer 12 airBus trips per day between August 25, 2009 and August 27, 2009. As this is a new initiative, there is no information about it yet on the MSA airBus website, but keep checking for updates at: http://www.msa.umich.edu/airbus/index.htm.
During the academic year, the airBus service operates immediately before and after scheduled U-M holiday and study breaks. They pick up in 3 locations around campus and you can pay by cash, check, or charge it to your student account. Tickets are sold at MUTO, the Michigan Union Ticket Office. A reserved seat is $8 one-way or $13 round-trip. Non-reserved seats are sold on a first come, first serve basis and cost $10 each way.
Another option is the Michigan Flyer, motor coach bus service available between Ann Arbor and the airport seven days a week. Book in advance to receive the $15 one-way or $30 round-trip rate. There are eight departure times per day, but please note that the bus only drops passengers off at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Ann Arbor, where you can either get a taxi to your specific Ann Arbor location or take the AATA #36 Bus to main campus. For more information, see the Michigan Flyer website at www.michiganflyer.com.
No endorsement or recommendation of any of the above companies is implied. They are provided merely as an information resource.
Mandatory Immigration Check-In
International students with F-1 or J-1 status must attend a mandatory immigration check-in at the U-M International Center by the starting date on their I-20 or within 5 business days of their arrival. The immigration check-in is required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Failure to attend the mandatory immigration check-in program within this time frame will cause your academic program to be terminated automatically and end your lawful immigration status.
Students should visit the International Center front desk receptionist to register in advance for a check-in session. Students must register at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the session.
Important Note: If you are a J-1 student and the form DS-2019 was issued by an organization other than the University of Michigan, please do not attend the International Center mandatory check-in. Please check line 2 (program sponsor) on your DS-2019.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the program beginning.
The check-in program will last two and a half hours, and you must attend the entire session. Before you enter the check-in program, an IC staff member will look at your immigration documents. If you do not have the required immigration documents, YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED to the session and you will have to reschedule your appointment.
Further information on the International check-in procedure can be found at the link below.
Mandatory Immigration Check-in for Students (fall term)