In This Issue...

IC Advising Highlight

• Immigration Update
• Applying for an F-1 or J-1 Student Visa

In Case You Missed It:

• Off Campus Housing Q & A Session: Recording & Slides Now Available
• Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation: Recording & Slides Now Available

Reminders

• International Student & Family Welcome Day
• Undergraduate On-Campus Housing Early Move-In Accommodations (Register by July 1)
• More Orientation Updates Coming Soon!

UM CSSA New Student Orientation Events

• Shanghai, Beijing, & Shenzhen

Additional Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions, Student Visa Info, Health-Related Policies, & More

Connect With Us!

District Court Vacates and Declares

USCIS Adjudication Hold Unlawful

The International Center is constantly monitoring immigration-related developments at the federal level. Read the International Center's latest news update regarding the USCIS Adjudication Pause below:

What this means for you: If you have a pending application with USCIS that has been paused, it may be cleared to resume processing. We don't know yet how or when USCIS will respond or comply.

Applying for a U.S. F-1 or J-1 student visa over the summer? Remember that visa interviews are often short - a few minutes or less. And even though you've been approved once for a visa, there is no guarantee that you will be approved again. Our best advice is to prepare yourself early, so that you know what to expect.

Visa Application and Interview Resources and Tips:

• U.S. Department of State: U.S. Visa 
• Visa interview instructions can vary by location
• Travel Restrictions: International Center Announcement
• Restrict approval for a new F-1/J-1 visa
• International Center Video: Applying for an F-1 or J-1 Visa
• International Center Tips: Ten Tips for a Visa Interview
• Social Media Vetting. New in 2025. 
• Set all social media accounts to "public" before your visa interview.
• Interview Questions. New in 2026.
• “Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?" and "Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality [or permanent residence? 
• Expedited Appointments 
• Sometimes available if you are within 60 days of your next term of enrollment. Availability and instructions vary by consulate/embassy location. 
• Report Visa Issues: via M-Passport



If you have questions, ask an International Student Advisor! We've talked to hundreds of students going through the visa process, so we are familiar with the common experiences, and we can help you understand where you are in the process.

Off-Campus Housing Q&A

Zoom Recording & PPT Slides

Now Available

Did you miss our virtual session focusing on off-campus housing options presented by Beyond the Diag, U-M’s Off Campus Housing program within the Dean of Students Office, and a Housing Attorney from Student Legal Services? Not to worry! Check out the recording & view the PowerPoint slides through the International Center's Summer 2026 Orientation Canvas Course. You must be enrolled in the course with your U-M credentials to access the presentation.

Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation for New International Students

Zoom Recording & PPT Slides

Now Available

The Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) is designed to help new international students and their families gain valuable information about U-M services, life in the USA & in Ann Arbor, campus resources, and important immigration information. If you weren't able to join us via Zoom, find a recording of the session & view the PowerPoint slides through the International Center's Summer 2026 Orientation Canvas Course. You must be enrolled in the course with your U-M credentials to access the presentation.

International Student and Family Welcome Day

Monday, August 24, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Various Venues on Campus

Have you registered International Student and Family Welcome Day, yet?! Attendance at this event is strongly encouraged for both undergraduate and graduate international students, along with their family members who travel with them to campus. Highlights include sessions on cultural adjustment, maintaining immigration status, international student health insurance, and more. This is also a great chance to meet other new international students from all around the world! Don't miss this opportunity to ease into campus life!

On-Campus Housing & Early Move-In Accommodations 

If you are an undergraduate degree-seeking student that has a contract for on-campus housing, the IC will make arrangements for your residence hall move-in day to be Sunday, August 23. You must register to attend this event by July 1 in order to have this move-in date arranged. Early on-campus move-in costs (room & board) will be covered by the International Center for all degree-seeking undergraduate students (exchange students must cover their own costs). Any costs for graduate students or those with off-campus housing will not be covered by the International Center.

International Center

Summer 2026 Orientation

The IC posts updates about our orientation programs and resources that will be available to you later this summer, including:

• Workshops led by current international student peer advisors
• Orientation Canvas Course to view recordings from virtual sessions
• Enroll now and start watching!
• Blog posts and YouTube videos created by current international students
• Welcome Desk staffed by peer advisors
• Upcoming social events (like hiking, soccer, campus tours, art around town, and more!)

Each opportunity is uniquely designed to make your transition to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan a smooth one. Check back periodically to see what new opportunities have been posted!

University of Michigan

Chinese Students & Scholars Association

New Student Orientation Events

• 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa
• M Card Student Identification Photo Submission Page
• Health-Related Policies and Recommendations for International Students & Scholars
• Health Insurance, COVID-19, and Flu Information for International Students & Scholars

Get updates, tips, and news just for you!

Follow the International Center on Instagram, Facebook

Plus check out our YouTube 2025 International Orientation Playlist!

(Summer 2026 Videos Coming Soon!)