Register Travel
The M-Compass Student Travel Registry is a secure system that allows U-M students to record their travel plans and enter trip emergency contact information. If you have been accepted to a study abroad program in M-Compass, your study abroad application also serves as your travel registration. If you do not have a study abroad application in M-Compass, proceed to register a new trip below.
Border Crossing Information
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Review the International Center’s Summer Travel Reminders and Protests and Social Media Amid New U.S. Policies, which includes tips to be mindful of potential immigration consequences.
- Connect with International Center: If you have concerns about traveling internationally at this time because of your immigration status or other circumstances, request support via the options on this webpage. You are also welcomed to attend the International Center’s Friday Forums which covers international travel. Travel only if you believe travel at this time is worth the risks.
- Review emails and announcements: The International Center will email relevant U-M groups about laws or executive orders that may affect them. Resources to follow include:
- Consult with an immigration lawyer: If you want to make an appointment, resources include:
- U-M Student Legal Services who can refer you to an immigration lawyer for a no-cost consultation
- AILA Find an Immigration Lawyer tool
- Report any change of address: For international students and scholars who have an address change, report your address in Wolverine Access following the Address Notification Guidelines.
- F-1 and J-1 status holders must report any change of the SEVIS address and permanent addresses within 10 days of the change.
- The “SEVIS” address must be your U.S. residential address. The “permanent” address must be your home country residential address.
- Have Valid Documentation: Prepare documentation, including having a valid Visa and Passport if needed and any needed travel signatures or documents (I-20 or DS-2019, I-90). Details for F-1 and J-1 are described on the International Center’s Important Reminders for International Students and Scholars page. Make sure travel documents are not expired.
- Travel safely with tech: Follow best practices for traveling with technology as outlined by U-M ITS:
While Traveling
- Carry paper versions of your documents and have digital backups of each document.
- Travel with clean electronic devices (laptops and phones). An overview of CBP authority to search devices and travel preparation steps are outlined by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) resource on Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry and summary of best practices.
- Follow the instructions of the immigration officer, remain honest, and remain respectful during the process. Allowing entry into a country is at the discretion of immigration officers.
- If immigration officers are considering denying your entry into the U.S., ask immigration officers to call the International Center (734-764-9310) during business hours if there are questions about your status. For after hours, call DPSS (734-763-1131).
International Travel Guidelines
The document linked below provides some practical tips on how to navigate the customs immigration process when re-entering the U.S. from travel abroad. This document is not legal advice; rather, it is a compilation of practical tips to facilitate a process as smoothly as possible. Please remember that most individuals cross the U.S. border in a matter of minutes without facing any search or extensive questioning.