This module will help you with your visa application process and travel arrangements for arriving in East Lansing, Michigan.

Apply for Your Visa

Fall participants can anticipate that notifications of immigration documents will be sent via email by mid June. Spring participants can anticipate notifications in mid November. Once notified, it is vital that you promptly schedule a visa appointment at your nearest U.S. Embassy. Please do not schedule your visa appointment until you receive your paperwork. 

Even though we will send your immigration document to you, it is important to carefully review all required materials for your individual appointment. Your home country might have additional requirements you will need to be aware of in order to have a successful visa appointment. It is also important that you confirm your passport is still valid prior to your appointment. Please ensure your passport is valid six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. If it is not, please renew your passport before beginning the visa process. 

Please be aware you will be asked to pay a visa fee. This fee will vary based on your home country. Please ensure you are prepared to make this payment prior to or during your visa appointment.

SEVIS FEE

In addition to your visa fee, you will also be expected to pay a SEVIS fee and complete the SEVIS form 1-901 in order to legally stay in the U.S. for your studies. Your SEVIS ID Number can be found on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. You must pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before applying for your visa. Please print your receipt and keep a copy for records. 

Before You Leave Home

Carry these documents with you when you travel to the U.S. (do not pack them in your suitcase):

• Your passport - it must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the end date of your program
• Certificate of Eligibility (form I-20 or DS-2019)
• SEVIS Fee payment receipt
• Visa Stamp (which should have been added to your passport after a successful visa interview)
• Your admission letter, proof of financial support and any other program related information you received

You will get a stamp in your passport when you arrive in the U.S.

Please note: As of May 12, 2023, non-citizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for more information.

Preparing for Arrival

As you prepare to pack your bags, please be sure to consult the LiveOn Packing list.

Arriving in Michigan

There are two airports with close access to East Lansing, Michigan.

DTW - Detroit Metropolitan Airport outside of Detroit, Michigan

LAN - Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan

Both airports receive numerous flights a day and have transportation services to and from MSU's campus. 

If you plan to fly into Chicago, please be aware that transiting between the airport and the train station can be tricky, particularly if you are first-time traveller. For this reason, we suggest you fly directly into one of the Michigan airports listed above.

Getting to East Lansing

The American Semester Program & Exchanges team will provide codes that will help offset the cost of rides through the Ride Share app, Lyft during, the official arrival window only. Rides from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Capital Region Airport, the Michigan Flyer stop, and the Amtrak/Megabus/Greyhound station on the official arrival dates to your residence hall will be covered. Rides to any other location and on any day not specified in the flyer day will NOT be covered. 

Spring 2025 Lyft Voucher Coming Soon

It is STRONGLY recommended that you read through this guide prior to your departure to the USA.

If you arrive before the official arrival date, you will need to make your own way to campus. Taxis are readily available in the Lansing and East Lansing area. Most of the time you will find taxis waiting near the Lansing airport, the Amtrak train station, and the Michigan flyer stop. Taxi drivers know the MSU campus and they will be able to bring you to the residence halls. Uber and Lyft are also available in the area.

Be sure to have your housing assignment details readily available when you travel.

Navigating Campus

MSU has one of the largest, most expansive campuses in the United States. With hundreds of buildings and kilometers (miles) of sidewalks, there's always something new to see. But that also means it can be easy to get lost!

We suggest you look at the MSU Campus Map along with downloading the MSU Mobile App, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.