Transitioning to JMU
The Center for Global Engagement's International Student Scholar Services staff is looking forward to meeting you in person on JMU's campus on January 13.
Beforehand, by virtue of your immigration status, such as obtaining your US visa, along with the many logistics that come into play when you reside outside of the US, many different and important details need to be taken care of for your transition to JMU.
All of these steps are broken down in these different phases:
You will need a JMU-sponsored Form I-20 to apply for the US student visa, called the F-1 visa. Some steps include:
- Reach out to ISSS@jmu.edu or your Designated School Official: Thomas Lavenir directly
- Apply for GA positions
- Contact your sponsors
Apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. This can take 1 to 2+ months based on your country of citizenship and the US embassy. You want to have your US visa in hand 1 month before the first day of classes.
Use this time to conduct preliminary searches (like housing) and gather important documents to simplify your process for the next phase (like obtaining your list of vaccinations).
Take care of all of the necessary arrival steps to
- guarantee that as many details are ironed out,
- deadlines are met,
- reservations are made,
so that your first weeks on campus will be as smooth and worry-free as possible!
It is important that the day after you arrive in Harrisonburg, that you meet with Thomas and figure out what your next steps are. There are very specific steps to take care of, in a very specific order:
- Obtain the keys to your living unit and move-in
- Configure your phone settings
- Open a bank account
- Meet with your Academic Department and finalize your schedule
- Meet with your Graduate Assistant supervisor
- Complete you SEVIS Registration
- Complete payroll documents
- ... and more!
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Room 2nd Floor
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
