Rackham Graduate School, in collaboration with U-M’s International Center, has launched the M-Passport system to simplify F-1 and J-1 record keeping. Once you accept the offer of admission and set up your uniqname, you will receive an email invitation to the M-Passport system. The invitation email will be sent to your U-M email address. Once you log in to M-Passport, instructions on how to proceed with the new I-20/DS-2019 request process will be provided. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] .
If you need an F-1 or J-1 visa, the University of Michigan is required by the U.S. government to obtain documentation proving that international applicants (non-U.S. Citizens) have sufficient financial resources to provide for their expenses while in the United States. Rackham Admissions is the U-M office that will prepare your I-20 or DS-2019 after you have provided the required documents through your M-Passport portal.
After all the documents are approved, Rackham will begin the process to prepare your I-20 or DS-2019. Allow three weeks for Rackham to complete your I-20 or DS-2019. You will be able to review your immigration information and track the progress of your immigration document in your M-Passport account.
If you are requesting an I-20 for an F-1 visa you are required to submit evidence of the availability of funds for your expenses for the first year only, and also indicate source(s) of funding for subsequent years. Subsequent years’ funding is indicated by use of a checkbox on the University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support.
If you are requesting a DS-2019 for a J-1 visa you are required to submit evidence of the availability of funds for your expenses for the duration of your program. Use the estimated expenses to calculate the total amount you need to certify and provide the required proof of funds. Over 50% of funding must come from sources other than personal funds.
Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time as approved by the Board of Regents. You should plan for an annual increase of 5% to 10% on all costs. Program fees vary and are not reflected in these estimates. Check with the graduate program if you have questions about the fees specific to your degree program.
| Tuition and Fees for One Academic Year | $56,700 |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses (housing, food, utilities, transportation, personal items for 12 months) | $24,000 |
| Books and Supplies (fall and winter terms only) | $1,300 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance (12 months) | $2,600 |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $84,600 |
| Document | You are currently outside the United States | You are currently in the United States and a University of Michigan Student | You are currently in the United States and transferring to the University of Michigan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Required | Required | Required |
| University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support | Required | Required | Required |
| Bank Statement(s), or Funding Letter, or both | Required | Required | Required |
| Current I-20 or DS-2019 | Required | Required | |
| Visa | Required | Required | |
| I-94 | Required | Required | |
| EAD Card (submit only if you are under an OPT I-20 or AT) | Required | Required | |
| Transfer-In Form | Required |
To request an I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa you must log into your M-Passport account and upload the following documents:
To request an I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa you will be invited to log into your M-Passport account and upload the following documents:
You are considered a “SEVIS Transfer Student” if you hold F-1 or J-1 student status at another institution in the United States and plan to remain in that visa status. To transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Michigan and to request an I-20 or DS-2019 from U-M, you must log into your M-Passport account and upload the following documents:
You will receive an @umich email invitation to log into your M-Passport account and you must respond “yes” to the question, “Are you a SEVIS transfer?” This will begin the process of transferring your SEVIS record to U-M. You will be required to enter a valid email address of your current DSO in M-Passport to begin this process. Your International Student Advisor at your current or previous school must electronically release your SEVIS record to U-M after you finish classes and/or upon completion of OPT. Rackham Graduate School cannot process your new I-20 or DS-2019 until your SEVIS record is released to the University of Michigan.
Rackham is not planning to ship out documents, so once your I-20/DS-2019 has been approved by SEVIS, your immigration document will be signed electronically and placed in your M-Passport portal to download and print.
If you have dependents accompanying you while you study at the University of Michigan, you are required to provide proof of funds for their living expenses and health insurance in addition to your estimated expenses.
| Document | You are outside the United States and bringing dependents | You are in the United States and bringing dependents |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent’s Passport | Required | Required |
| Dependent’s Current I-20 or DS-19 | Required | |
| Dependent’s Visa | Required | |
| Dependent’s I-94 | Required |
Copy of dependent’s passport
| Estimated Dependent Expenses (12 Months) | Per Month Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse’s living expenses, not including insurance | $6,200 | $517 |
| Each additional dependent’s living expenses, not including insurance | $3,100 | $258 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance for student and one dependent | $5,100 | $425 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance for student and two or more dependents | $7,650 | $637.50 |
Applicants that are admitted into graduate programs that start in the summer term must show enough proof of funds for first year of study. If you are unsure when your graduate program begins, please consult your graduate program coordinator or refer to your admission email from the Rackham Graduate School.
Note: Estimated funds vary by program; refer to your graduate program’s University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support for estimated expenses.
If you plan to apply to ELI’s English for Academic Purposes Summer Program, email [email protected] to let us know that you intend to participate in that program.
| Tuition and Fees for the First Year | $65,189 |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses (housing, food, utilities, transportation, personal items for 14 months) | $28,000 |
| Books and Supplies (first year) | $2,271 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance for 14 months | $3,200 |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $98,660 |
| Spouse’s living expenses, not including insurance | $7,238 |
|---|---|
| Each additional dependent’s living expenses, not including insurance | $3,612 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance for student and one dependent | $6,000 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance for student and two or more dependents | $8,900 |
The following may be used as documentation of funds:
Each individual contributing financially to your education must complete the University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support. In the case of jointly held accounts, each individual holder must complete the University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support.
All documents (acceptable or unacceptable) submitted for issuing the immigration document become the property of the University of Michigan and will not be returned to the student.
For questions on the immigration process, please contact [email protected]
The deadlines for submission of financial documents are listed below. If documents are not received by these dates, Rackham will begin withdrawing offers of admission.
Valid passport issued by your country of citizenship. (Must be valid for at least six (6) months after beginning your study).
Form providing instructions and requirements for submitting acceptable certification of funds.
Official dated bank statement including name of the financial institution, account holder’s name, type of account, and clear indication the currency and account balance.
Letter or email that details the type of funding (GSI or GSRA, fellowship, etc.), the specific amount for tuition, stipend, health insurance, and duration of award.
Spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may join you in the United States as F-2 dependent s .
Primary immigration document for F-1 student status.
Primary immigration document for J-1 student status.
Travel document issued by U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad.
Proof of legal non-immigrant status at the Port of Entry by a Customs and Border Protection Officer.
Employment Authorization Document issued by USCIS.