1. Verify ALL information on your DS-2019 (J-1 students and scholars)
- Your name and date of birth should match the information in your passport. If you find any errors on your DS-2019, contact OIPS immediately.
2. Pay your SEVIS fee
3. Apply for your Exchange Visitor J-1 visa
- Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you intend to apply.
3. Schedule your visa interview
- Please consult with your local U.S. Consulate to schedule a visa appointment. For a list of U.S. Consulates abroad and visa wait times, visit: http://www.usembassy.gov/
4. Prepare your visa interview
- Most visa interviews last less than 5 minutes. It is important to demonstrate to the visa officer your plans of study, ties to your home country and your plans to return home after the completion of your program. He or she may ask you questions like:
- Why did you choose George Mason University?
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- What interests you about your program of study?
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- What do you plan to do after your exchange program?
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- What kind of work will you do when you return home?
- Remember to be honest and yourself. First impressions are important!
- Usually a decision to grant or deny a visa is made during the interview. However, some students might be subject to administrative processing or a security clearance.
- Please contact cbodziak@gmu.edu if you are subject to administrative processing, or a security clearance, or if your visa has been denied under 214b (non-immigrant intent).