Frequently Asked Questions

Where I can get help with activating my MyMacomb account or resetting my password?

• Access the Student Resources page for directions on how to activate your student account or email, reset your password and more.
• Contact the Records and Registration Office at records@macomb.edu or 586.445.7999 if you cannot access MyMacomb.

How do I get into CANVAS?

CANVAS is accessed by logging into My Macomb and selecting the Canvas icon in the red apps section. The first time you use CANVAS, you will need to complete the orientation. If you have technical issues, please contact CANVAS support at onlinesupport@macomb.edu or 1.877.362.2662.

Can I get a driver's license?

F-1 students must bring the following items to the Secretary of State office in order to obtain a driver’s license or Michigan State ID:

1. Letter of ineligibility from your nearest Social Security Administration office
2. Proof of legal presence in the U.S., including your passport with I-94 card and I-20
3. Two documents with your name and Michigan address on them (to prove your Michigan Residency), such as a utility bill, bank statement, college or high school transcripts or apartment lease agreement.

For more information on how to obtain a Michigan driver’s license or State ID, please visit the Secretary of State website.

How do I get a Social Security Number?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is used to report your wages to the U.S. government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security numbers can be assigned to foreign workers who are authorized to work in the United States.

Social Security numbers are NOT required for the following situations:

• Admissions and Registration - It is not necessary to have a Social Security number to apply for admission to the college or to register for classes.
• You do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account or for most other financial transactions. If you are an F-1 visa holder, the bank may ask you to prove that you are exempt from the requirement of providing a Social Security number. If this is the case, the Social Security Administration can issue a letter of ineligibility to you.
• You do not need a Social Security number to obtain a driver's license in the state of Michigan. You may need to present a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security office.

F-1 visa holders are only eligible for Social Security numbers if they have been approved in the following situations:

• On campus employment
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with CPT endorsement on page three of your I-20 (only offered at Macomb under certain circumstances and for a limited duration).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) with an Employment Authorization card (EAD). OPT is available only after graduation.
• You were issued an EAD card for other reasons, such as authorization due to severe economic hardship.

Am I eligible for financial aid?

F-1 international students are not eligible for U.S. Federal Financial Aid.

How do I get a scholarship?

• Macomb’s Online Scholarship System can help you get started with receiving scholarships specifically for Macomb students. 
• For information on student scholarship availability nationwide, you can visit the FASTWEB site and see if any scholarships are applicable to you.

Do you have student housing?

No, Macomb does not provide dormitories, residence halls, on-campus housing or housing aid. You are responsible for securing your own housing in the community.

Do you provide student transportation?

Macomb does not provide any means of transportation. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from campus.

Should I get health insurance?

It is not a requirement for admission to Macomb Community College, but it is highly recommended that you obtain medical insurance (not available at Macomb Community College). You may explore insurance options on the list below of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) Global Partners in Health.

These are only suggestions to get you started on your search.

NAFSA Global Partners

Source: NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Macomb Community College does not endorse any specific insurance company or agency.  These are only suggestions to get your started on your search.

Where can I get help with selecting my classes?

Please contact Counseling and Academic Advising for help in finding classes. F-1 visa students should as for Special Services by calling 586.445.7420.

How many English for Academic Purposes (EAPP) classes am I allowed to take?

Since Macomb Community College is not certified as an English language institute, very few EAPP classes are allowed. We require a certain level of proficiency to be accepted for admission, and that level should indicate that you prepared to be successful in classes and making academic progress towards your degree. In certain circumstances, the manager of the International Student Services office, on the recommendation of a Student Access Services counselor, may authorize you to take additional EAPP classes.

The general rule is as follows:

Allowable EAPP classes for F-1 students to count towards their full-time status.

Can I travel?

F-1 visa students traveling outside of the United States must have their I-20 endorsed by Macomb Community College's Office of International Student Services located at the South Campus in G224 prior to leaving. Travel is not permitted during the winter or fall semesters and is discouraged during the semesters break. If a student travels without authorization, they are at risk of not being allowed to reenter the USA.

If you do travel, it is your responsibility to travel at appropriate times, so as not to disrupt the semester, and with all the proper travel documents:

1. Valid Passport
2. Current I-20 endorsed by your international student representative
3. I-94 (your downloaded arrival/departure record)
4. F-1 visa
5. Sometimes, if necessary, evidence of financial support.

You should keep photocopies of all these documents in a safe place in case the originals get lost.

Can I work/have a job?

There are two opportunities for employment for F-1 students at Macomb Community College. Any and all employment must first be approved by the International Student Representative and the student’s I-20 must be annotated to include the employment information.* Working without approval is cause for termination. A detailed letter of employment must be provided by the employer indicating the student’s hours, schedule and how the position relates to his or her degree. It must include the name and address of the employer and be on company letterhead.

• On Campus - An F-1 student may be allowed to work part-time on campus only after successful completion of one year of classes (fall and winter). A student must be in good standing with a 2.0 or better GPA and have taken at least 12 credit hours each term. The student can work up to 20 hours a week.
• Optional Practical Training - OPT is temporary employment for up to one year, allowing students to work post-graduation to gain hands-on experience that compliments his or her related degree. OPT is granted after the all degree requirements are complete, and only when the job is directly related to the student’s degree. If you are thinking about applying for OPT, please make an appointment with an International Student Representative.

* If you are approved for employment, you will need a Social Security Number. Please contact your International student representative. You will receive a W-2 form that you must use to file an income tax form by April 15^th. For more information about filing, please visit the Filing for Individuals page on the IRS website.

How do I comply with F-1 regulations and inform you that I’ve changed my Address/Phone Number/Email?

You must fill out a Student Update Form and return to an international student representative by email, fax or in person. You must do this within 10 days of any changes.

What if I become a permanent resident?

If you change your status to something other than F-1, you must notify us and supply documentation (Example: A permanent resident card or status change approval letter).  

What is the weather like?

The climate in Michigan varies. Temperatures range from 37.8 degrees centigrade in the summer to -17.8 degrees centigrade in the winter. You should bring all types of clothing, including a warm coat for the winter months, rainwear for the spring, and light clothing for the hot summer months.