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Now that you have been accepted to JMU, in order for you to obtain your I-20 form and then be able to apply for a US visa, you need to follow these few steps:
Step #1- Providing Documents
- You need to provide to isss@jmu.edu the following :
- Home address and phone number
- City of birth
- Scan of your passport (biographical page)
- Proof of financial ability to pay tuition* and cost of living (submit a bank statement or other financial proofs)
- Once the ISSS staff receives all of these documents, your I-20 Form will be sent to your JMU Dukes email address. [Note: Make sure that you (a) accepted JMU’s offer, (b) follow the information provided to you, in the email address used on your application, to activate your Dukes email account. If you are unable to access your JMU Dukes email account or have any questions, e-mail the JMU HelpDesk at helpdesk@jmu.edu]
- After you receive the I-20 Form, you will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
Step #2- F-1 Visa interview
- Locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Save a copy of the DS-160 confirmation barcode page for the interview.
- Schedule your visa appointment. Many embassies allow interviews to be scheduled through their website.
- Pay fees associated with your F-1 visa.
What to bring:
- SEVIS I-20 Form, signed by JMU and by you
- I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Passport, valid for at least 6 months
- Confirmation barcode page (DS-160)
- 1 passport photo per applicant
- JMU Acceptance letter
- Financial documents that show your ability to cover expenses for the first year
What if your visa is denied?
- Be polite - you may be very upset and frustrated, but arguing will work against you. You may have to deal with this person again, so do your best not to give a bad impression.
- Ask the consular officer to give you a written explanation of your denial. The officer is required to do so upon request.
- Update the International Student Scholar Services office staff- isss@jmu.edu - and obtain some suggestions for what to do next.
Step #3- Tips for a Successful Interview
- Be organized– Make sure you have all documents ready and can access them quickly during the interview.
- Speak for yourself– The interview will most likely be with just you; your parents or family members will not be with you.
- Speak English– The interview will most likely be in English, so be prepared to speak in English. One suggestion is to practice before the interview. Translations are also needed with any documents not in English.
- Be ready to answer these questions:
- How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?
- Why do you want to study in the U.S. instead of your own country?
- Explain your reasons for studying at JMU.
- How this will help you achieve your career goals once you return home?
- Be Concise– You may only have 2 to 5 minutes for the interview so your first impression is crucial. Keep your answers short and to the point.
- Be ready to explain your ties to your country and your plans to use your U.S. education when you return to your home country:
- Financial– Current bank account statements. For instance, family-owned business and/or ownership of property such as vehicles, land, and/or house in home country.
- Family– Immediate family in home country; leaving spouse and/or children in home country.
- Share your plan for potential employment upon returning to your home country
Center for Global Engagement International Student and Scholar Services
Holland Yates Hall (formerly Madison Hall)
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Room 2nd Floor
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Room 2nd Floor
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
