Once we have received your deposit, we will send your I-20 immigration document and acceptance letter. You will need these documents to apply for a visa to study in the US.

James Madison University is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Your I-20 document is issued by the University and is valid for the entire duration of your studies.

Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in your country to find out what the procedure is for applying for a student visa. You may need an appointment, or walk-in hours may be available.

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The following information is adapted from the US Department of State:

1. What is a visa?

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a US port-of entry and request permission from the US immigration officer to enter the United States. It does not guarantee entry into the US.

2. What type of visa do I need to become an academic student in the United States?

Most non-US citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the US. The F-1, or Student Visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited USA university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.

3. Applying for a Visa – key points to keep in mind

In order to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate, you must first have an I-20 document issued by a US university. You will be required to submit this form when you apply for a visa. The US academic institution or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in an exchange program. The institution or program sponsor will also send you additional information about applying for the appropriate visa, as well as other guidance about beginning your academic program in the United States.

Once you have all the required documentation, you may apply for the visa, even if you do not intend to begin your program of study for several months. It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.

4. Where can I find more information about the visa application process in my country?

Most of the procedures and requirements for applying for a student visa are standardized but some procedures vary from country to country, for example, how to pay the visa application processing fee and how to make an appointment for an interview. Visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more.

5. Planning ahead for the Visa process, not just your academic admission

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that you will be able to arrive in time for the start of your educational program in the United States is to plan well in advance, not only for the academic portion of your US program, but also for the visa process. This means you will need to request and receive the appropriate visa-qualifying document (your I-20) from the US institution or program sponsor well in advance of your planned departure to the United States. You will also need to make an appointment for your visa interview.

6. Preparing for the Visa interview

Prior to meeting with US Embassy officials you will need to pay a $100 SEVIS fee to the US government, and a visa processing fee (the procedure will differ from one US Embassy/Consulate to another). You should also make sure you have all the documentation you will need when you go for the interview:

• your passport
• the visa-qualifying document (I-20)
• documentation of your financial ability to support yourself
• proof that you have ties to your home country
• proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees
• a completed visa application form (follow Department of State procedures carefully to ensure you complete it correctly)

7. Key information about visas and entering the United States

The US Embassy/Consulate cannot issue an F-1 more than 120 days before the actual start of the academic program in the United States. However, visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so. Thus, if the university to which you have been admitted states on the I-20 that the program will start on September 1, a visa cannot be issued before May 1.

Even if you have been issued a visa to enter the United States, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program, if you are an initial entry student. Returning students do not have this requirement. Using the earlier example, if the program of study starts on September 1, you will not be permitted to enter the United States until August 1 or later.

8. What to do when you arrive at University in the US

Once you arrive on campus, you should report immediately to the office that is responsible for assisting international students and scholars. It may be called the Office of International Services, the International Programs Office, or some other similar name. That office can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about immigration rules and regulations. The office must report your arrival within the SEVIS system. If this report is not submitted, you may be considered to be in violation of your status in the United States, so be sure to make the international student office one of your first stops on campus.