As a new international student, you are required to complete two orientation programs – International Student Orientation and New Student Orientation (NSO).
International Student Orientation will focus specifically on what you need to know as an international student while studying at Michigan State University.
New Student Orientation (NSO) is required for ALL new students*, not just international students. You will receive information about NSO directly from the New Student Orientation Office. Please contact NSO directly at .
*Graduate students are not required to do NSO but are required to do International Student Orientation.
Desire2Learn (D2L) is MSU's online learning system. Instructors use D2L to give students access to course materials, collaboration, submission of assignments, online testing, grades and other resources. Learning how to use D2L is an important step in getting ready to study at MSU.
The International Student Orientation D2L modules will consist of:
You will receive additional communication from OISS when the D2L modules are available as well as when they need to be completed.
You will be assigned an Orientation Assistant based on birth month. Your Orientation Assistant will be an international or domestic undergraduate student currently studying at MSU. They will be available to assist with your transition experience, reinforce important messages from OISS, share personal stories and advice, and support with in-person orientation activities as you arrive and adjust to campus. You can expect to hear from your Orientation Assistant beginning in May!
Beginning the week of August 22, OISS will have International Student Orientation in-person welcome events. Participation is not required though it is highly encouraged. More information to come throughout the Summer!
As an international student you will be automatically added to our newsletter list. From May - August you will receive a biweekly newsletter in your MSU email. This newsletter will have important information and reminders to help you prepare for your arrival to East Lansing!
You can find the previous Welcome Weekly newsletters here!
The OISS website will be updated throughout the Summer as we continue to finalize details for Fall 2022. Be sure to check back regularly for updates.
Be sure to follow @OISSMSU on Facebook and Instagram. We will be posting helpful videos and information, as well as student takeovers, throughout the Summer.
Once you have provided all required documentation to the Office Admissions, please plan for 2-3 weeks for your I-20 or DS-2019 to be issued.
To check the status of your I-20 or DS-2019, after you have reached the 2-3 week timeline, please email .
To check the status of your admission to MSU, please contact either the Office of Admissions or The Graduate School directly.
On April 18, 2022, the U.S. government announced it will extend flexibilities for remote learning for F-1 students studying at U.S. academic institutions due to the COVID-19 through the end of academic year 2022-23. You can read the April 18, 2022 broadcast message here.
The academic year comprises the following academic semesters: Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and summer 2023. See the university’s published academic year calendar here.
F-1 international students entering the U.S. with an 'initial' status Form I-20 and a new SEVIS ID to attend MSU are required to enroll full-time and have at least one in-person or hybrid course. This includes students coming to the US for the first time and students returning to the US and MSU after an extended time away.
If you have questions related to your courses or course modalities, please contact your academic advisor.
You can read about the COVID-19 Requirements here: SPECIAL MESSAGE: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
Your academic department or college will email you with department or college specific orientation information. If you have not received an email from your department or college, contact them directly. Most departments and colleges have graduate program directors or secretaries. They are often the best person to contact for this information. You can usually find staff directories on department and college websites. A department and program directory is available to find appropriate contact information.
The earliest date that students with an initial I-20 or DS-2019 can attempt to enter the U.S. is 30 days before the program start date.
In order to enter the United States, students must present the following documents to the immigration inspector at the port of entry:
Documents Needed to Enter the U.S. in F-2 or J-2 Status:
International Students in F-1 and J-1 status must complete Immigration Check-In online with OISS. After arriving in the U.S. students will be required to fill out a check-in form online. A step-by-step guide to completing immigration check-in will be emailed to students for whom check-in is required. OISS staff will review your check-in submission and follow up with you by email if any further information is required.
OISS advisors are available to meet and answer your questions virtually via Zoom.
Students on F-1 and J-1 visas are assigned to a specific OISS advisor based on the student's birth month.
You can find your advisor on the OISS Advising Team page.
Access MyOISS
Schedule An Appointment
Event Calendar
Follow OISS
