International Students

It can take two months or longer to obtain a J-1 visa. Please allow as much time as possible for the visa process. Anyone in need of a visa to attend this program should complete a J-1 Exchange Visitor Information Form (PDF).

International participants may attend the Summer Institute for academic credit or as Summer Scholars. We strongly urge you to consider attendance as a Summer Scholar unless you specifically require academic credit. (This information does not apply to students who are already enrolled at the University of Michigan.)

All international participants holding J-1 visas from the University of Michigan (UM) must check in with the UM International Center upon arrival in the United States. Attending a check-in session is mandatory. Check-in sessions take two hours; you must pre-register for your check in session so that materials can be prepared for you.

All J-1 visiting scholars whose Form DS-2019 is issued by UM (Ann Arbor) are required to purchase health insurance for their stay in the US. Health insurance coverage is coordinated through the UM International Center.

Admission for Academic Credit

International applicants who wish to enroll as Summer Guests to obtain academic credit from the University of Michigan, must submit TOEFL or MELAB scores along with their completed application. The TOEFL score for undergraduate credit must be at least 560 with no section score below 56. The MELAB score must be 80 or above for all sections. Students who hold a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is exclusively English are exempt from submitting an English language test score. Information on the MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) will be included with the University of Michigan admissions application sent to international applicants.

Admission Without Academic Credit

The TOEFL and MELAB tests are not required for participants attending the Summer Institute as Summer Scholars. However, because Summer Institute courses require a great deal of reading, writing and oral communication, these test scores could be used as a guideline to determine whether you are prepared to get full benefit from the Summer Institute. We suggest you consider attending an English refresher course before coming to the United States if your level of English comprehension is low.

Entry Visa

Anyone who needs a visa to attend this program should complete a J-1 Exchange Visitor Information Form (PDF).

Complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor Information form and e-mail, fax, or mail it (we must have your signature) to the Summer Institute along with the following items:

Passport picture page copy for J-1 exchange visitor and J-2 dependents (if any). Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date you return from your travels abroad.
Financial documentation for all non-UM funding source(s)
If you have held J-1 or J-2 status within past two years:
- Legible photocopies of all DS-2019/IAP-66, and J visa
- If no copies are available, please include a statement specifying the dates you held J status
If you are currently in the US:
- Copies of your current immigration documents (latest I-94, visa, I-20/DS-2019)

Use the International Application Checklist to assure that you have prepared all of the necessary applications and documentation.

Once the Summer Institute has received the necessary documentation, including proof of adequate funding and copies of any previous visas, we will prepare an application for a DS-2019 form, and and take that form to the International Center at the University of Michigan. The International Center will then prepare a DS-2019 form, which will be sent to you, and which you will take to your nearest United States embassy or consulate when you go to apply for a J-1 visa. If granted, J-1 visa will then allow you to enter the United States to study. It can sometimes take two months or longer to obtain a J-1 visa, so please allow as much time as possible for the visa process. After you arrive in the United States, you will be required to attend a check-in session at the International Center, during which you will need to purchase health and accident insurance to cover you while you are in the United States.

SEVIS Fee for Nonimmigrant Students and Exchange Visitors

Beginning September 1, 2004 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collect a congressionally mandated fee to cover the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

For J-1 exchange visitors, the fee is $100 and must be paid by the applicant, prior to going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for a visa interview.

Please see the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for detailed information regarding the purpose of and how to pay this mandatory fee.

For more information, see the International Application Checklist.

Health Insurance Requirement

As stated above, all J-1 visiting scholars whose DS-2019 is issued by the University of Michigan are required to purchase health insurance for their stay in the US. Health insurance coverage is coordinated through the UM International Center.