New International Exchange Students

To be eligible for the Form DS-2019 which is required for your J-1 visa, you must demonstrate that you can pay tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of your academic program. You will need to submit proof of funding that covers estimated costs for the duration of your program at JMU.

Once you receive your DS-2019 Form and pay the SEVIS fee, you can schedule your visa appointment. Contact your local US Embassy for application materials and other requirements. If you have any questions, please email  Marlee Meikrantz Sharp.

The state of Virginia requires that every individual who is studying in the state receive all of the required vaccinations. Every JMU student must complete this  immunization form before the first days of class. Complete your vaccinations back home. The corresponding.  translated version of the immunization form may come in handy as your health practitioner or doctor will need to sign the form. Once the form is completed and signed save the document as a pdf file and upload  MYJMUChart.

By virtue of being on a (F-1 & J1) student visa, you must be insured.  Our office works in conjunction with CISI- Cultural Insurance Services International health insurance company to ensure that you are insured with their plan.  Health Insurance. If you currently hold an insurance policy that provides equal levels of coverage and lasts for the entire academic year*, you may qualify to waive out of the JMU-sponsored health insurance plan through CISI. If you wish to apply for a waiver, you must complete an insurance waiver application.  health insurance waiver

As an exchange participant, you will not be required to pay tuition fees. After you arrive to campus, you will be required to pay fees for on-campus housing and also your meal plan. These fees can be can be found on the  Business Office’s website. In addition to these expenses, you can also expect to pay these additional fees:

• The International Student Administration Fee - a $100 per semester (for F-1 and J-1 visa holders).
  • A Health Insurance Fee (all F-1 and J-1 visa holders will automatically be added to a health insurance policy, unless you have your own health insurance policy)
  • Books and School Supplies - the cost of textbooks (approximately $400 per semester) is not included in your tuition. • Other personal expenses - may include: food, clothing, travel during breaks, etc.

The Business Office’s  Payment Method section lists the many ways that you can pay your tuition and fees, as well as if you want to grant viewing and paying access to your relatives.

Because having a bank account in the U.S. will facilitate the transfer of funds (particularly if you are attending JMU for 2 semesters), we will arrange for you to set-up a bank account.

You already know that you need to be on campus on August 19, but how you plan to get there will impact when and how you should arrive. => Arrival & Trip Planner handout

A packing list may seem only relevant for a couple days prior to your departure, but have you given some thoughts about how your phone will function once you are in the US? Have you considered how much cash you will need for the first few weeks? => Packing List handout

You already know that you need to be on campus on August 19, but what will actually happen? How will you go about reserving a seat on the airport pick-up shuttle to get to JMU? => Transitions handout