Important Updates

M-International is the OIA's international student portal: 

M-International 

Through M-International, international students will have access to a variety of eForms which they can use to request many international services such as:

• Initial or new I-20
• Program Extension 
• Reduced Course Load (RCL)
• Travel Signature 
• CPT 
• OPT 
• STEM OPT Extension 

and many more. 

M-International may be accessed from the OIA Forms page. 

Via eForms, international students are able to upload required documentation in support of their service or application request. 

Furthermore, eForms will enhance the protection of international students' private and personal documents and data. In order to access eForms, students must have the UM-Dearborn VPN. The VPN is available, for free, to all UM-Dearborn students via the University's ITS page.  

The OIA is pleased to announce that we have launched a new online video channel for all UM-Dearborn international students.

OIA Video Channel

The video channel can be accessed, with your UM credentials, through MiVideo. It includes content, created by OIA staff, on topics such as Immigration Regulations, OPT, CPT, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), and Michigan Drivers' License Applications. 

F-1 Student Guidelines for International Travel
The OIA urges caution regarding international travel for international students and scholars. Those who must travel are strongly encouraged to maintain updated knowledge regarding travel requirements and restrictions as these are subject to change with little warning. 

International students and scholars are strongly advised to take the following considerations seriously as they finalize travel plans:

• Ensure that your required documentation is in order before the date of your return to the USA
  • A current passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date of your return 
  • A current, unexpired visa 
  • A current and valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 
• Familiarize yourself with current travel restrictions that might potentially disrupt your return to the USA 
  • Travel restrictions may change with little warning. It is good practice to check updates regularly as your date of return to the USA approaches. 
  • When purchasing airfare, consider the need for flexibility. It is good to have airfare that enables you to make changes or cancellations, or which is refundable. Unexpected changes to travel restrictions may disrupt even the best-laid travel plans.

Considerations For OPT Students 

• If you plan to apply for OPT, please note that you must be physically present in the USA at the time of your application. OPT applications cannot be submitted from abroad. 
• In addition to the passport, visa, and I-20, OPT and STEM OPT students are also advised to travel with their EAD and a verification letter from their employer. The letter should verify that the employer is aware of the student's travel and anticipates their return in order to resume OPT employment. 

Please feel free to contact the OIA if you have questions about any of these considerations. 

Updated 05/15/2023

Announcing GLACIER Tax Prep Software 

The OIA is thrilled to make the special announcement that GLACIER Tax Preparation Software is now available to UM-Dearborn international students and scholars, free of charge! 

What is GLACIER Tax Prep?
GLACIER Tax Prep is a web-based tax return preparation system designed primarily for nonresident alien students, scholars, trainees, researchers, and other educational visa holders. GLACIER Tax Prep will ask you questions, then prepare the tax forms that apply to you so that you can print, review, sign and mail the tax return and/or other forms to the IRS.
The OIA has licensed access to GLACIER Tax Prep to assist UM-Dearborn international students and scholars in preparing required income tax returns. GLACIER Tax Prep is provided to you for your convenience. You are not required to use GLACIER Tax Prep to prepare your U.S. federal income tax return. The OIA does not provide tax advice and therefore disclaims all liability from the misinterpretation or misuse of GLACIER Tax Prep.

GLACIER Access

UM-Dearborn international students and scholars can create a free account to access GLACIER by following this link. Please note, the page is shared by the UM-Dearborn OIA and the Ann Arbor International Center. Follow instructions on the page to create your free GLACIER account. 

Additional Tax Resources

Students and scholars can find additional tax resources at the Work as an International Student page. These include:

• Information about upcoming webinars and workshops 
• Links to external resources 
• The OIA tax info presentation, Tax Time

Updated February 20, 2024

How Can F-1 International Students Identify and Avoid Scams?

Unfortunately, scammers often target international students. Under false pretenses, scammers often pretend to be a government agent or a prospective employer in order to trick international students into making payments, sharing sensitive documents, or revealing personal information. Students must be vigilant. Therefore, the OIA has prepared the following information to assist students in identifying and avoiding scams. 

Identifying Suspicious Email 

All students need to be vigilant and careful to avoid becoming targets of scams. Students can learn about how to identify scams and suspicious communications on the UM Safe Computing page about Phishing and Suspicious Email. 

Immigration Scams 

International students should always be suspicious of unexpected communications from government officials. If you ever receive a phone call or email from someone claiming to be a government official, demanding money and threatening deportation, do not engage. End the communication and contact the OIA immediately. Here are a few tips and read flags that will help you identify scammers: 

• Government agencies such as ICE or USCIS will never contact international students by phone or email 
• Government agencies will never demand payment via phone 
• A US government agent from DHS will never threaten your family or friends with deportation or criminal charges 
• A real agent will never try to deliberately intimidate or scare you 
• Major Red Flags:
  • If the caller demands payment in the form of gift cards
  • If the caller tells you that "you are not allowed to speak with anyone about your case" 

If you receive a worrisome communication, please do not hesitate to contact the OIA. The OIA will be able to evaluate the situation and provide you with advice and assistance. 

Employment Scams 

International students are often targeted by scammers who make false offers of employment. Here are some tips to help students identify fraud before it is too late: 

• Always be suspicious of unsolicited offers of employment 
  • You will not be offered jobs for which you have not applied
  • Scammers make random offers of employment hoping that the surprising and seemingly good news will trick students into revealing sensitive information 
• Employers will never require payment in order to be able to complete an offer of employment 
  • This is a major red flag which should cause you to question the legitimacy of the job offer 
• Scammers will sometimes impersonate UM email addresses, making it seem that he communication is coming from a real UM professor or staff 
  • If you receive an unusual and unsolicited communication from a UM professor or staff, always follow up directly with that individual to confirm the legitimacy of the communication 
  • Contact the individual directly, do not reply to the suspicious email or notify the OIA to contact the individual on your behalf 
• Be suspicious of receiving payment via email for work that you have not completed 
  • This is very unusual and should raise alarm 
  • Scammers will use a false payment to gain access to students' bank account information 
  • If receiving unexpected payment via email, always confirm validity before trying to deposit into your bank account 

We hope that this information will help students be vigilant in identifying fraud and scams. If ever in doubt, contact the OIA for help! 

Updated 12/21/2022

The OIA recently shared the following communication with all F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars: 

"Many of you have contacted the Office of International Affairs (OIA) in recent weeks with concerns regarding the upcoming US presidential transition. We want to be very clear that, as of this writing, we are not aware of any imminent changes to immigration regulations affecting F-1 or J-1 international students or scholars. The OIA is aware that there have been many rumors online. However, there are currently no credible nor verifiable changes to F-1/J-1 regulations scheduled. 

The OIA always closely monitors immigration policies and proposed changes. Furthermore, the OIA works closely with our colleagues in Ann Arbor from the International Center (IC) and Office of General Counsel including retained immigration counsel. With this in mind, please rest assured that if anything changes, the OIA will proactively communicate with all UM-Dearborn F-1 & J-1 students and scholars as quickly as possible. Information will be distributed primarily via email as well as via updates to the OIA website. 

While we want the UM-Dearborn community to be well-informed and vigilant about possible future changes, we also want to be careful to not spread misinformation or panic. Possible future changes could potentially take place in different ways, including regulatory change proposals by federal agencies, executive actions, or presidential proclamations. Please note, while some types of changes can be made quickly, others would take a significant amount of time to implement. 

To reiterate, at this time no changes have been implemented nor officially announced that will directly affect F-1 or J-1 visa holders. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Maintain status
As you are aware, there are specific requirements for those in F or J immigration status. As always, it remains important to understand and follow these requirements. These are explained in detail on the OIA website which you can review at any time. 

Ask the OIA questions
We are here to help and advise. There are some scenarios where, based on a number of different factors (e.g. degree/major, field of expertise, country of citizenship, immigration history), individualized advice may be merited. It is important to understand that if there are proposed changes, they may not apply to you or your visa type or situation. Please feel free to always connect with the OIA if you are feeling concerned or confused about immigration regulations, or if you simply have questions. 

Apply as early as possible
If you are applying for a visa or for immigration benefits, such as OPT, it is important to apply early. Processing times vary, and are influenced by a variety of factors, including policy and regulatory changes and staffing levels. It is important to factor in potential delays in processing when applying for specific immigration benefits or visas.

Report an RFE
If you have applied for a benefit related to your immigration status and receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or other unexpected communication from USCIS, you should contact the OIA for assistance to make sure that you provide a prompt and accurate response. This will also help the OIA track the number and details of the RFEs received by our population. While the request may seem simple (for instance, a F-1 student receiving an RFE for their transcripts, after applying for OPT), having an OIA staff member review it before you respond may save additional time or prevent further requests.

Plan ahead for international travel
If you have planned or are considering travel outside the USA, make sure you have reviewed any travel related guidance for your visa type. At this time, as no changes have yet taken place, you should be confident in your ability to return to the USA by following normal procedures and requirements. 

Ensure you have your immigration documents while traveling within the USA
As always, if you are travelling in the USA at some distance from UM, the OIA recommends carrying your immigration documents with you.

Avoid poor sources of information
Consider the source of your information carefully as rumors and misinformation can cause undue concern. For example, social media and news outlets may not provide accurate information about policy changes, nor address important differences in the myriad of visa types.

Realize that your well-being matters
Some individuals may feel apprehensive about changes that might happen in the USA. We understand that uncertainty can create feelings of anxiety. We encourage you to be mindful of your overall well-being and take advantage of the opportunities at UM-Dearborn that are of interest to you. This includes campus health & wellness resources, the UM-Dearborn Wellness Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and more. 

The OIA will continue to monitor and inform the community of any specific and relevant changes in policies or regulations. 

You are a valued part of the UM-Dearborn community and we are glad you are here!

The Office of International Affairs (OIA)

December, 2024"