Upon receiving your DS-2019 and accompanying documents from your MSU host department, please carefully read all enclosed materials. 

When you receive your DS-2019, please review it carefully for any errors. Contact your MSU host department and  jvisas@msu.edu  immediately if you find an error on your DS-2019. 

The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee that covers the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Regulation requires all prospective scholars and student interns to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before the Department of State issues you a visa. 

To obtain your visa, you will need a printed receipt indicating that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee must be paid before you arrive for your visa interview. You should keep receipt of payment with your other immigration documents.  

To pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, visit  FMJfee.com 

Check the  Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee  page from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for more information.  

Health insurance is required for all scholars, student interns and dependents in J-1 and J-2 status. All J-1 scholars and student interns will be required to show proof of insurance shortly after their arrival.  

If your J-2 dependents will arrive in the U.S. with you, your proof of health insurance must confirm their enrollment as well.  
 
If your J-2 dependents will join later in your program, you will need to upload their proof of health insurance in MyOISS portal when they arrive.  

If you will be an employee of MSU, then your health insurance may be covered by your host department. If you are not sure whether your host department will provide insurance, please ask your host department.  

If your health insurance is not provided by your host department, you must purchase Aetna Scholar Plan for yourself and your J-2 dependents.  

Learn more about Health Insurance in the U.S.

We do not recommend that you purchase plane tickets until your J-1 visa is granted. When you are shopping for tickets, please note that your flight may land in either Lansing or Detroit. 

If your flight arrives in Detroit, buy a one-way ticket, in advance, to ride on the  Michigan Flyer  bus from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport to the East Lansing Marriott. We do not recommend taking a taxi because it is a very expensive two-hour drive from Detroit to East Lansing. Taxis will be available at the bus stop in East Lansing to take you to your temporary hotel or permanent residence.  

If your flight arrives in Lansing, taxis will be available to take you to your temporary hotel or permanent residence.