Now that you have been admitted to Wayne State University, it is time to start preparing for your arrival to Wayne State University's campus in midtown Detroit! We are so excited for you to join us, and we are here to help you prepare!

I-20

The Form I-20 officially called the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" is issued by WSU after you have been accepted. It shows that your main reason for coming to the U.S. is to study. It is an important document that you will use on numerous occasions, so be sure to safeguard it.

Anyone on an F student visa must have an I-20 to attend WSU.

I-20 processing

For I-20 processing to begin, please provide your bank statement, financial affidavit, and copy of your passport to the Office of International Students and Scholars. If you have not already uploaded these documents to your Slate Application Portal, please email your documentation to our I-20 Unit at i20unit@wayne.edu.

When your I-20 is ready, a scanned copy will be sent via email for your review to ensure that all details are correct. If any I-20 changes or corrections are needed, please email them to I20unit@wayne.edu.

You can use your 9-digit student ID and the form, below, to check the status of your I-20 at any time. You can find your student ID on your admission letter. 

Medical students

Admitted Wayne State University School of Medicine international students are required to submit a WSU SOM-specific financial statement of support packet to mdadmissions@wayne.edu, along with a copy of their passport. Upon verification of financial statements, the WSU SOM will forward approved documentation to OISS for I-20 processing.

Please note, the I-20 tracker will only provide status updates once your I-20 process has started and all required documentation have been submitted to the I-20 Unit.

Please email i20unit@wayne.edu with any questions you have about your I-20. 

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I-901 SEVIS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SEVIS fee

All F-1 and J-1 visa holders are required to complete the I-901 SEVIS form and pay the accompanying fee. This form and fee are required for all international students and exchange visitors studying in the U.S. Complete this step after you receive your I-20 or DS-2019.

You must pay the SEVIS fee before you have your visa appointment, so don't delay this step. You can watch a video tutorial and then access the online payment form.

After paying the fee, immediately print a copy of your receipt. You'll need this receipt to activate your I-20 Form at the border of entry, so it is important that you have it. You can check the status of your fee payment.

WSU SEVIS fee

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SEVIS fee, above, is separate from WSU's SEVIS administration fee, which is mandatory and you will pay later.

For more information regarding the SEVIS fee, please review the I-901 SEVIS page. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of International Students and Scholars by emailing oissmail@wayne.edu.

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What to bring

Get ready to pack your bags and prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life! Here is a list of things to bring to WSU. That includes packing a little patience and good humor, which always serves you well during international travel. We look forward to welcoming you to your new home-away-from-home at Wayne State University.

Money

In addition to paying your tuition, you'll need money for immediate expenses such as books and school supplies, housing deposits, utilities, furniture and basic housing items. Plan to bring $1,500-$2,500 for these items and temporary housing, if you need it. You can bring traveler's checks, a cashier's check or an international draft in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Make sure to have some money in U.S. dollars with you for immediate use while you are traveling.

Luggage

You should bring the following items in your carry-on bag: 

• Immigration documents, including:
  •  Passport
  • I-20/DS-2019
  • Verification of financial support (such as a bank statement) 
• Medical records and information (in English)
• Information about long-term health problems you have
• Prescription medicine
• Any health insurance policy that covers you
• An English translation dictionary

You should bring the following items in your packed luggage:

Pack clothing appropriate for the Michigan climate, which ranges in the summer from 75° to 95° F (24° and 34° C) and in winter between 15° and 45° degrees F (-9° to 9° C). You can buy winter clothing as needed when you arrive in Detroit.

Do not these items into the U.S.:

• Fresh fruit or produce
• Meat
• Prepared foods
• Spices