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.  

DHS has published formal guidelines regarding in-person classes for the upcoming 2022/23 academic year.

According to the recent SEVIS Broadcast message, dated April 18, 2022, DHS has officially confirmed that current guidelines will be extended for the 2022/23 academic year. This announcement represents an extension of the temporary guidelines that have been in place since March of 2020. 

How will this continue to affect international students? Let's review: 

International F-1 students who have been in the USA since before March, 2020 will be allowed to take as many online classes as necessary during the upcoming academic year, even up to an entirely online course load. Furthermore, these students may continue to maintain "active" F-1 status while enrolling full-time from abroad. 

New F-1 students who arrived in the USA after March of 2020 must continue to maintain physical presence at the University and enroll in at least one hybrid course with required in-person components. These students must maintain a local Michigan address and cannot enroll in an entirely online course schedule. 

Should future publications from DHS change the OIA's understanding of the in-person requirement, we will update this information and notify all current international students. 

Updated 04/19/2022 

International students who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, arriving on campus directly from international locations, are strongly encouraged to observe a 14-day period of enhanced social distancing. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from this guideline. 

Enhanced social distancing means that you will remain in your residence, avoiding public places and contact with others, as much as possible. You should venture beyond your place of residence only when absolutely essential (eg. when needing to obtain food, groceries, or toiletries without alternate options) and only when wearing a face covering and maintaining distance from others.

The 14-day social distancing timeline begins when you arrive, and should be done in your residence.

Enhanced social distancing advice is being developed in response to policy for international travelers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While individuals arriving from international locations are encouraged to stay home as much as possible during the 14-day period following their arrival in the USA, you may still attend class, go to work, and go out for essentials during this period, and you may use public transportation to get to your destinations. 

The University is pleased to provide all international students with a Dearborn restaurants guide to facilitate the period of enhanced social distancing. The guide includes contactless food pickup and delivery options that will hopefully help to ease your transition to the USA. Do not hesitate to contact the OIA if you have questions (umdoia-international@umich.edu).  

During this 14-day period, individuals are encouraged to monitor their health, reduce contact with others, and follow guidance consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include the following, to the best of your ability:

• Taking your temperature two times a day and monitoring for fever.
• Watching for cough, trouble breathing or additional COVID-19 symptoms.
• Staying home and avoiding contact with others outside of your home, including not going to work, school or social gatherings.
• Avoiding public transportation, taxis or ride-shares.
• Maintaining a physical distance from others (about 6 feet).
• Wearing a face covering when in public settings or while interacting with others outside of the home.

If you are displaying symptoms of illness, stay home - do not come to campus. Please call 313-593-5056 to alert the University so that we can connect you with appropriate resources, monitor your progress, and provide support. Additionally, please also notify the OIA. 

You are encouraged to reach out to a medical provider if you have questions about recent COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.

(Last revised 07/01/2021)

COVID-19 reporting and resources are available for all students:
COVID-19 Support Line: 313-593-5056
COVID-19 Support Email: DearbornCOVIDSupport@umich.edu

The following information regards what to do if you, or someone you know, becomes ill and begins showing symptoms of COVID-19. 

Getting Help and Self-isolation 
Students who begin showing symptoms should not immediately visit a hospital or healthcare provider in person. Instead, sick students should first speak with a doctor on the phone. There is useful information regarding first steps and self-isolation best practices on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

Notify the University, and Notify the OIA
Next, as soon as you become sick, or aware of a sick friend or roommate, you should immediately notify the University by calling the University's COVID-19 line at 313-593-5056 or emailing DearbornCOVIDSupport@umich.edu. Also, please notify the Office of International Affairs (umdoia-international@umich.edu). The OIA is available to answer questions and provide support, however possible. When you notify the OIA, please include the following information in your message:

1. Your name (and the name of the sick student, if you are contacting the OIA on someone else’s behalf) 
2. Place of residence 
3. Number of roommates at residence 
4. Symptoms that the sick individual is experiencing 
5. Any measures taken, so far, to begin self-isolation

Self-isolation
Sick students must self-isolate, and should plan to stay at their place of residence. It is best practice for sick students to shelter in place while roommates make arrangements to temporarily relocate. This will help the affected student successfully self-isolate. Please notify the OIA if alternate accommodations have already been identified. If not, the University may be able to assist students in securing temporary housing. 

University Assistance 
Students should consult the Emergency Resources website to learn about how the University may be able to provide financial assistance during this difficult time. The University has established emergency funds to help students overcoming difficulties related to COVID-19. 

Local Healthcare
The Henry Ford Hospital-Fairlane is the hospital located closest to campus. The hospital has established a hotline for potential COVID-19 patients: 313.874.1055. 

Please, follow the guidelines set forth on the UM-Dearborn Coronavirus Information webpage, as well as the helpful guidance published by the CDC, to navigate this difficult and unusual situation. The Hospital hotline will be able to provide specific information regarding next steps and whether you should plan to visit a testing location, or whether it is advisable for you to continue self-isolating and monitoring your health situation from home. 

In the meantime, please keep the OIA up to date regarding your situation and how the University may be able to help.

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. 

Updated: September 1, 2021 

Vaccination Requirement for Non-immigrant Air Travelers Entering the USA
All non-immigrant air travelers entering the USA are required to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

• This requires that all F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars entering the USA be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 
• Specific exceptions to this requirement are listed, here
• Travelers from countries where the vaccine is limited may also be exempt from the vaccination requirement 

Please note that this proclamation applies only to air travelers and does not include the land borders with Canada and Mexico. 

Additional Guidelines for International Travel
Current travel requirements affecting international students are published online by the CDC. 

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 change often. 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.
• The ongoing pandemic continues to present unique and changing challenges for international travel. We urge you to carefully consider the potential risks involved as you make the decision about whether this is the right time to travel internationally. 

Considerations Regarding OPT 

• 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. 

Traveling Within the USA 

• There are unique and additional considerations for which you will need to plan if you want to travel within the USA. 

Please note, many state and local governments have travel restrictions in place. Consult the CDC Travel Planner page to learn about travel restrictions around the USA.

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

Updated 06/20/2022

Effective February 20, 2023, the University of Michigan-Dearborn will no longer require students, staff, and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The new vaccination policy may be reviewed at the UM-Dearborn Health and Wellness page.

Nonetheless, we strongly recommend vaccinations and booster shots. 

Many local pharmacies here in the Dearborn area carry the COVID-19 vaccine. Scheduling a vaccination appointment is quick and easy. The Following pharmacies offer one or more of the FDA & World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines:

• CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

• Rite Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier

• Kroger: https://www.kroger.com/rx/covid-eligibility

• Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/cp/flu-shots-immunizations/1228302

Additional, free vaccination resources are also available at the Wayne County Vaccination Webpage. 

As University plans continue to evolve, guidelines and policies may change.

(Last revised 02/21/2023)

The OIA is pleased to share new tax resources, available via the OIA website, for international students and scholars. Students and scholars can find the new OIA tax presentation, Tax Time, at the Work as an International Student page. A recording of the presentation is being shared via the OIA Video Channel and the presentation itself is also available for download. 

Updated March 7, 2022

The OIA has prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for new international students for the upcoming winter 2023 semester. We hope that the information below is helpful. 

Question: Are new F-1 international Students allowed to enroll entirely online? 
Answer: No. New F-1 international students are not limited in the number of online courses they may take during the winter semester of 2023. However, they are not allowed to enroll entirely online. Rather, all new F-1 students must have at least one hybrid or in-person class as part of their full-time course schedule. 

Q: When trying to finalize course registration, how can F-1 students ensure that they are in compliance with the in-person requirement? 
A: Students should work closely with their academic advisor regarding registration, academic requirements, and class teaching modalities. 

Q: Do online credits count toward the full-time enrollment requirement?
A: Yes. All F-1 students are required to enroll full-time. Each registered course (in-person, hybrid, or online) will count toward the full-time enrollment requirement. Full-time enrollment is defined as 8 credit hours per semester for graduate students and 12 credit hours for undergraduates. 

Q: Are F-1 students required to have a hard copy of their I-20 with an original signature? 
A: No. A digital copy of the I-20 that has been digitally signed by a DSO is acceptable. Students will only need an original signature on their I-20 when they apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). 

Q: When and how can an F-1 student obtain an SSN? 
A: A student can apply for an SSN once they have paid employment. SSN applications must be submitted to the Social Security Administration Office (SSA). If a student will apply for an SSN with an on-campus job, the SSA will require original copies of the student's I-20 and Employment Verification Form. Students can learn more about SSN eligibility and application requirements at the OIA Video Channel. 

Q: If a new student has an on-campus job, can they apply for the SSN right away? 
A: New students must have the Immigration Check-in eForm approved and SEVIS record activated before they can apply for an SSN. 

Q: How will a new student know that their SEVIS record has been activated? 
A: Upon arrival in the USA, new F-1 students must complete the Immigration Check-in eForm. Students will be notified via email once the eForm has been approved and the SEVIS record has been activated. 

Q: I have received a suspicious email or phone call demanding that I provide sensitive information under threat of deportation. What should I do? 
A: Unfortunately, scams targeting international students are not uncommon. Students must be vigilant. Government agencies such as ICE and USCIS will never conduct official business via phone or email. Furthermore, the US government will never demand payment over the phone nor via gift cards. These are red flags! Students can report scams directly to USCIS.  

Q: Who at the University is required to have a COVID-19 vaccine? 
A: All students, staff, and faculty of UM-Dearborn are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Students can learn about how to be in compliance with the vaccination policy at the UM-Dearborn COVID-19 Response website.  

Q: What is the deadline to arrive on campus for the winter 2023 semester? 
A: The final deadline to arrive in the USA for the winter 2023 semester corresponds to the UM-Dearborn Add/Drop Deadline: January 19, 2023. 

Q: If a student cannot arrive in time for the winter 2023 semester, can the OIA help with a deferral to a future term? 
A: If a student has deferred their admission to a future semester, they must also take action to defer their I-20 by completing the I-20 Deferral eForm.

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