International Scholars

International Center

The International Center serves as the central hub of resources for international students, faculty, and staff—including postdoctoral research fellows. The International Center team is the best resource for questions about visas, U.S. government policies or regulations, and leading practices for how to transition to living and working in the United States.

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Legal Support

International scholars have unique legal needs, including immigration assistance.

The university offers all employees, including postdoctoral fellows, the opportunity to purchase legal services from MetLife via a low-cost monthly fee. U-M employees need to be enrolled in the legal services plan to utilize the service.

Enrollment in the legal services plan is available:

At the time of hire
During the annual open enrollment period in October
When you experience a qualifying life event

Please see details about how and when to enroll.

MetLife Legal Services offers services for situations in which people are not in crisis. Employees experiencing a legal crisis will need to find and contact an attorney trained for those circumstances.

If a postdoctoral fellow who purchased the legal services plan is currently outside of the United States, they need to work with an attorney of their choice in the country in which they are located. They may be eligible for some fee reimbursement once the case has been completed.

MetLife Legal Services covers advice and consultation, preparation of affidavits and powers of attorney, review of any immigration documents, and preparation assistance for legal hearings. Services can also be used for legal representation, or having an attorney attend any type of immigration hearing or other legal proceeding.