Important Updates
On this page, the OIA shares important updates that are of interest to international students and scholars.
Please visit this page regularly, as it is frequently updated by the OIA with the most up-to-date available information affecting our international community.
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.
SEVP Registration Requirements Return to Pre-pandemic Regulations
The U.S. government has made a formal announcement that, beginning with the fall semester of 2023, pre-pandemic regulations regarding course enrollment requirements will again be in effect.
The return to pre-pandemic regulations for fall of 2023 directly affects the number of online credits F-1 international students are allowed to count toward their full-time enrollment requirement.
- F-1 international students will not be allowed to count more than three online credits toward their full-time enrollment requirement.
- Undergraduate Students
Full-time enrollment is defined as 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students. Of these 12 credit hours, no more than 3 may be online. If a student registers for more than 12 credit hours in a semester, the additional hours (above 12) may be online. - Graduate Students
Full-time enrollment is defined as 8 credit hours per semester for graduate students. Of these 8 credit hours, no more than 3 may be online. Credit hours enrolled above and beyond the full-time requirement may be online.
- Undergraduate Students
- Based on recent government guidelines, hybrid courses will continue to count toward the in-person requirement.
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in March of 2020, F-1 international students were allowed to operate under temporary, emergency guidelines from the U.S. government. These temporary guidelines allowed international students to enroll in as many online courses as needed as long as they also had at least one in-person course as part of their full-time class schedule. It was previously announced that the temporary guidelines would be in effect through the 2022/23 academic year.
Updated 05/15/2023
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:
- Your name (and the name of the sick student, if you are contacting the OIA on someone else’s behalf)
- Place of residence
- Number of roommates at residence
- Symptoms that the sick individual is experiencing
- 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.
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
F-1 Student 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 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
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:
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
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
On August 23rd, the OIA hosted the fall 2023 Immigration Check-in Virtual Session. The session is required for all new international students. Below, the OIA has published a recording of the session as well as a copy of the PowerPoint presentation.
Fall 2023 OIA Immigration Check-in
August 23, 2023
Session Recording
PowerPoint Presentation
The OIA is moving to a new location! Our new location will be
Renick University Center (RUC, 1st Floor)
Office # 1169
In preparation for the move, the OIA will be working remotely from June 26 - July 7. If you require assistance during this period, please contact the OIA by email or phone. The OIA also continues to offer virtual advising appointments.
The new OIA office location will officially open on Monday, July 10, 2023.