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International Student Resources

At Central Michigan University, you come first. We'll give you the resources you need to succeed. In addition to the list below curated for international students, Student Support Services offers resources for all CMU students. 

The International Students and Scholars Service team is happy to help with any questions you may have. Please contact the staff​ for anything from immigration advising to connecting you to the right service office for your needs. 

Navigate to a specific section using the links or scroll down the page.

Student Health Services for international students 

Central Michigan University’s Student Health Services, located in Foust Hall 220, offers comprehensive medical care tailored to meet your needs. Whether you're seeking routine check-ups, immunizations, allergy injections, or travel health consultations, the clinic provides same-day appointments and walk-in services to ensure timely care. Staffed by board-certified healthcare professionals, the clinic also offers full-service lab testing, gynecological exams, dermatological procedures and behavioral health support.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 – 1 p.m.). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 989-774-6599 or visit the Student Health Services webpage.

Financial resources

Managing your money wisely is an important part of studying in the U.S. At CMU, you have access to a variety of financial resources to help you stay on track. The Financial Wellness Collaborative and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid offer tools and guidance on topics like budgeting, saving and understanding expenses. CMU also provides affordable, mandatory health insurance for international students—but you should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays, deductibles and fees for out-of-network care. 

If you plan to live off campus, there are important things to consider before signing a lease. Leases are legal contracts and breaking them can be expensive. Read everything carefully and ask questions before making any commitments. 

Key tips for off-campus living

  • Most leases are for 12 months, even if you don't plan to stay in Mount Pleasant over the summer.
  • You may need to pay upfront costs such as first month’s rent, security deposit and application fees etc.
  • Ask your landlord which utilities are included in the rent. 
  • You’ll need to furnish your space—bring or buy furniture, cookware, bedding, towels and more. 
  • Renter’s insurance is strongly recommended to protect your belongings from theft or damage. 
  • Additional expenses to include in your budget: cell phone and technology costs, clothing and personal care items, transportation and travel, entertainment and recreation.

U.S. tax responsibilities for international students

All international students in the U.S. are required to complete federal tax forms each year. This includes F-1 and J-1 visa holders. U.S. tax law requires international students to file a Form 8843 even if they did NOT work or earn any income during the previous tax year. If you DID earn income—such as through on-campus work, CPT or OPT—you must file additional tax forms, such as Form 1040-NR.

Tax filing requirement

If you did NOT earn income in the U.S.:

  • You are still required to file Form 8843.
  • No Social Security Number is required to complete this form.

If you DID earn income in the U.S.:

  • You must file Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR (Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return).
  • You may also need to file a state tax return, depending on where you worked.
  • You must have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Filing deadlines

  • Federal tax deadline: April 15
  • Form 8843 deadline: June 15

CMU partners with Sprintax, a tax software specifically designed for international students and scholars. Sprintax guides you step-by-step through the tax filing process, generates the correct tax forms and checks for potential refunds. CMU provides a discount code for this service, which will be shared with you via email by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office each spring.

Social Security Number and Driver’s License

How to get a Social Security Number

F-1 students must have proof of employment and work authorization to apply for an SSN. You’ll need authorization from one of the following:

On-campus employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

    • You are not required to produce a job offer letter.
    • Provide an OPT I-20, OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, I-94 Entry Record, valid Passport and the Social Security Card Application confirmation

    LEARN ABOUT OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)

Once you're eligible:

  1. Complete the online application for a Social Security Card.
  2. Schedule an appointment with your local Social Security Administration office.
  3. Bring your required documents to your appointment for in-person verification.

Important: The SSA only accepts applications by appointment – walk-ins are not allowed. Be sure to schedule your appointment in advance.

How to get a Michigan Driver’s License

All Michigan residents must obtain a Michigan Driver's License as soon as possible after arrival to legally drive. As a Michigan resident, there is no grace period during which you may drive using your home country driver's license.

International students and scholars and their dependent family members who will be in Michigan for more than four months are considered Michigan residents and must apply for a Michigan Driver's License if they intend to drive.

Helpful tips

  • If you don't want to drive, you can apply for a State ID Card instead. A State ID Card is also useful for identification.
  • Make sure your documents (especially your I-20 or DS-2019) are valid and not near expiration.
  • Contact our office if you have questions or need assistance.

    Wait 10 days after you enter the United States.You may want to apply for a driver's license right away but be patient. The 10 days wait allows time for all the government databases to update with your arrival information. If you apply too early, your application will be delayed or denied.

    You must bring original documents(not photocopies) to prove the following:

    • Identity and Legal Presence
    • Social Security Number (SSN)
      • If you have SSN: bring your SSN card.
      • If you do not have an SSN: request a“Letter of Ineligibility”from the Social Security Administration Office (Form SSA L-676).
    • Michigan Residency (2 Documents Required)
      Acceptable examples include:
      • CMU student account/bill showing your local address.
      • A rental lease or utility bill in your name.
      • Bank statements to your Michigan address.

    You can verify acceptable documents on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

    Make an appointment at theMount Pleasant Secretary of State (SOS) Office:

    Address: 1245 N. Mission Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
    Schedule here:https://www.michigan.gov/sos

    You’ll take a 50-question multiple-choice written test on Michigan traffic laws, signs, and safe driving.

    At this time, you will also pay the Driver's License Fee.

    Study with the Michigan Driver's Manual.

    After passing the written test and vision screening, you’ll receive a Temporary Instruction Permit.

    With a TIP, you must practice driving with a licensed adult before scheduling your road test. You are required to wait 30 days after getting the Temporary Instruction Permit before you may take the Driving Skills Test.

    • If you provide your home country's license with a certified English translation (see below), you can waive the 30-day waiting period and will be allowed to take the driving skills test immediately after passing the written test.

    Schedule the road test through an approved third-party testing agency (not at the SOS office).

    Bring your own vehicle or use one provided by the testing center.

    Once you pass the road test, schedule another appointment at the SOS Branch Office and bring your proof of legal presence documents (the same documents you provided in step one above), Temporary Instruction Permit, and Skills Test Certificate to get your official Michigan Driver’s License.

    International student organizations

    There are nearly 400 registered student organizations at CMU and many ways for you to be involved on-campus. You'll find sports organizations, volunteer opportunities, multicultural organizations and events and even an organization for each academic area of interest. Life at Central will help you acclimate to a new country and will provide a home away from home throughout your college career.

    In addition, you'll find specific student-run groups for different cultures, international students and those interested in cultures other than their own. These include:​