Review the financial requirements for F-1 and J-1 students.
If you are currently studying at another U.S. college or university in F-1 or J-1 student status, you must transfer your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to Michigan State University (MSU) before beginning your program. This is called a SEVIS transfer, which moves your immigration record to MSU.
A SEVIS transfer is different from an academic transfer, which determines whether credits earned at another institution transfer to MSU.
Eligibility
How to Transfer Your SEVIS Record to MSU
Eligibility
How to Transfer Your SEVIS Record to MSU
Before applying for your U.S. student visa, you must receive your immigration document from the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). This is either Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students).
Your immigration document will be sent electronically to your MSU email address.
After you receive your immigration document:
If you notice any incorrect information on your immigration document, contact OISS as soon as possible:
All F-1 and J-1 students must pay the one-time Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee before applying for a U.S. student visa. This fee supports the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Once you receive your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, you can pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
After you pay the fee:
You may be asked to present your receipt during your visa interview and/or when entering the U.S.
Learn more about the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Most F-1 and J-1 students are required to obtain a U.S. student visa before traveling to the U.S. A U.S. visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the U.S.
Learn more about the U.S. student visa application process.
Note: Canadian citizens do not require a U.S. visa to enter the U.S., but they do require a valid Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to request F-1 or J-1 student visa status.
You must apply for your visa outside of the U.S. at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
We recommend applying as soon as possible after receiving your immigration document. Visa appointment availability varies by location.
Existing Student Visas:
If you already have a valid U.S. student visa in your passport, you may be able to use that visa to enter the U.S. You are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply in your country of citizenship or country of residence to confirm whether your existing visa may be used
Visa Denials:
If your visa application is denied, you will usually receive a letter explaining the specific reason for the refusal. Here is a list of common visa denial reasons.
Note: It is common for your application status to show "denied" or "refused" while the consular officer completes the required vetting of your application, then switch to "approved" later.
If visa delays prevent you from being able to arrive by the time your program begins, contact OISS as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Before arriving in the U.S., you are required to participate in virtual International Student Orientation.
Through the virtual orientation, you will:
After you receive your immigration document, you will automatically begin receiving information about International Student Orientation at your MSU email address.
Questions? Email the Student and Scholar Success Team.