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 immediately if you find an error on your DS-2019.
Prior to your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS Fee.
The fee for J-1 scholars is $180 if you pay the fee on or before June 23, 2019.
Starting on June 24, 2019 the SEVIS Fee for J-1 scholars will be $220.
Learn more about the SEVIS fee on our SEVIS Fee Facts webpage.
Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate and schedule an interview appointment for a J-1 visa. Find your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Health insurance is required for all scholars and dependents in J-1 and J-2 status.
Decide how you will arrange for health insurance during your stay in the U.S. 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 decide if you will buy a health insurance policy from your home country that meets J-1 health insurance requirements or purchase a health insurance policy in the U.S. soon after your arrival.
You may choose to buy health insurance through MSU. Learn more about the Blue Care Network (BCN) policy available to J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents. J-1 scholars must use the Health Insurance Enrollment Form for Visiting Scholars to enroll in the BCN policy.
Learn more about Health Insurance in the U.S.
Your department will assist you in finding permanent housing. Please tell your department about your housing preferences. Or you can also search for housing on your own.
Learn more about finding a place to live in East Lansing
If you will not have permanent housing arranged before arriving in East Lansing, reserve a room at a hotel in East Lansing before traveling to the U.S. For MSU rates it is best to reserve your hotel through an MSU preferred travel agent. You can reserve a hotel room yourself directly with the hotel. Ask for the MSU rate.
Recommended hotels and inns in the East Lansing area
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 take you to your temporary hotel or permanent residence.
If you are a new international student or scholar arriving at the Lansing Airport or the Michigan Flyer bus stop in East Lansing between Friday, August 16th, 2019, and Sunday, August 18th, 2019, you can have free transportation to local hotels or to your residence hall. Residence halls open on Saturday morning at 8am. If your flight lands in Detroit, make sure you reserve a seat in advance for the Michigan Flyer bus to East Lansing.
NEW in 2019, we're providing a $20 value Lyft promo code that student may use on the Lyft app. The promo code can be used towards your Lyft ride from the airport or the bus station to their final destination. When you arrive at the Lansing Airport or the Michigan Flyer bus stop in East Lansing, you should be able to spot a Welcome Table staffed with representatives from OISS. If you encounter any difficulties (lost luggage, lost documents, etc.), feel free to stop by the Welcome Table for assistance. In addition, if you are unable to order a Lyft or cannot set up your Lyft account, volunteers at the table can assist you.
An email detailing free transportation to campus and a step-by-step instruction has been sent to all incoming international students via email. Should you have questions about arrival and/or transportation, please contact Vicky Lee, Student Engagement Coordinator at OISS.
If unexpected events cause your arrival to be delayed more than 20 days after the start date on your DS-2019 you must notify your MSU host department and immediately. OISS must work with your host department to create a new DS-2019 for you with a later start date.
Our office is located in Room 105 of the International Center. It is very important that all newly-arrived scholars check in with the OISS as soon as possible after arrival. When you check in, the reception staff will schedule you for the next available orientation session.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Orientation takes place every Friday at 10 am in Room 105 of the International Center.
Meet with an OISS Immigration Advisor
SAVE THE DATE for Global Festival
November 10th, 2019
Join us for Coffee Hour
Every Friday from 4-6pm at the International Center
Follow OISS
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