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Each student applying for a new J-1 visa outside the United States or changing status to J-1 in the United States is responsible for paying the I-901 fee in the amount of $180 USD to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). J-2 dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.

The I-901 SEVIS fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of Students and Exchange Visitors that ensures they maintain their status while in the United States.

U.S. Consulates are responsible for verifying that the SEVIS fee has been paid but will not be responsible for collecting it. You may  using a credit card or debit card or using the  of payment.

Applicants may schedule visa interview appointments before paying the fee; however, to ensure that it can be verified electronically during the interview, the fee payment must be processed at least three business days prior to the visa interview. Persons who pay online may print out their fee receipt at the time of filing and present it as proof of payment.

Non-immigrants who are  will have to provide payment verification with their Form I-20 at the port of entry when applying for entry.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has provided a comprehensive list of answers to .

Once you have received your DS-2019 and paid the I-901 fee, you should go to your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain the J-1 visa. You should initially contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate to schedule an appointment and verify the current application procedures and the appropriate method to submit the materials and obtain the visa.

Bring the following items to the interview:

• Signed DS-2019
• Financial documentation
• Valid passport and another form of picture identification

Please keep in mind that it is always better to bring more than less to the interview, so if you have any other documents that might be useful, bring them. Also, be sure to check the website of the US Embassy/Consulate that you will visit to make sure of any specific requirements.

The U.S. Department of State has also provided information regarding  for your visa interview.

1. Ties to your home country

   Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different of course and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance. If you have applied for the U.S. Green Card Lottery, you may be asked if you are intending to immigrate. A simple answer would be that you applied for the lottery since it was available but not with a specific intent to immigrate. If you overstayed your authorized stay in the United States previously, be prepared to explain what happened clearly and concisely, with documentation, if available.

2. English

   Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do NOT prepare speeches! If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.

3. Speak for yourself

   Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.

4. Know the program and how it fits your career plans

   If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career when you return home.

5. Be brief

   Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.

6. Additional documentation

   It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky.

7. Not all countries are equal

   Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.

8. Employment

   Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program.

9. Dependents remaining at home

   If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support them, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.

10. Maintain a positive attitude

    Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

Once you have received your J-1 visa from the embassy, you should confirm all of your travel arrangements. Students on this type of visa are eligible to enter the United States up to 30 days before the "program start date" on the Form DS-2019. You can find the program dates on the first page of your DS-2019, on the left-hand side.

When traveling to the US, it is very important to have the following documents with you at all times (NOT in checked luggage):

• DS-2019
• Passport with J-1 visa
• Other forms of identification
• Financial documents
• Proof of enrollment which you can obtain via your student account

Please be aware you must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the first port of entry, so make sure to give yourself ample time during the layover to JAX.

All new J-1 international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation. During this orientation your International Student Advisor will go over important information regarding your benefits and responsibilities as an J-1 visa holder. Your attendance also confirms your presence in the United States.

Make sure to consider the date of International Student Orientation when making travel arrangements to ensure you are in attendance.

Bring the following documents/information to the Orientation:

• Form DS-2019
• Passport
• J-1 Visa
• Current physical address in the United States
• U.S. phone number

If you have not done so already, make sure to set up your ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ email and student portal account to check your registration status, emails, and other important student services.

• Go to  and click on 'Login Help" just below the Login tab
• A new window will pop up asking for your ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ ID
• Enter your ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ ID (N number), click submit and then follow the instructions
• If you have any technical problems setting up your myWings account, contact the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ ITS Help Desk at (904) 620-HELP or email helpdesk@unf.edu

Registration holds are placed on student records by different departments to prevent registration until the matter regarding the hold has been resolved. All holds must be cleared prior to registration. You may view and clear any holds on your student portal. Some of the holds are informational holds you are required to read a statement about and acknowledge that you have read and agreed to. Other holds, indicated below, require additional steps to clear. If you have questions or need help clearing the holds, you will need to contact the department that placed the hold on your account.

• • Campus Clarity: Complete the Campus Clarity Training prior to course registration.
  • Health Insurance & Immunization Requirements: All international students are required to submit proof of required vaccinations and health insurance. Please refer to the Office of Medical Compliance with any questions. 

Students who live on-campus at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ have many advantages over students who commute and those who choose larger, more traditional universities. ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ's campus is uniquely beautiful and conveniently designed. Its own surrounding forest keeps the urban sprawl out and the natural beauty in.

There are also many opportunities for formal and informal recreation through intramural sports, nature walks, jogging, and picnics. The campus offers numerous fitness and wellness programs. In addition to the pleasure of living on our beautiful campus, resident students also enjoy many everyday conveniences and social benefits. So take time and explore the different residence halls ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ has to offer!

The Housing Contract is online and can be submitted through the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ student portal. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Housing and Residence Life website
2. Select the myHousing Tab
3. Under Housing Information, select myHousing - Start Here
4. This will bring you to your ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ myHousing Portal- At the top in a blue box it will say 'please visit the university login page" - click the hyperlink
5. Login using your N# and password
6. Select 'Housing Contract" in the gray box
7. Select Contract Term and Submit

Please Note: You will be required to pay the non-refundable $100.00 processing fee, as well as a $200.00 prepayment of rent. Once you have processed payment, choose your expected classification, and then complete the Housing Contract.

The earliest date students can move in to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Housing will be announced to students via email. The recommended arrival date (to avoid early move in fees) is usually the Friday before classes begin. Check the Housing and Residence website for important housing dates.

If students are planning to live off-campus, they should sort this out immediately and not at the time of arrival to Jacksonville. Students are responsible to make contact and arrange off-campus accommodation.

There are several  near the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ campus.

Students may purchase a campus meal membership. There are several  to choose from depending on your individual needs.

Meals memberships are  through your student portal.

Please be aware that ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Housing payments are typically due before you arrive to Jacksonville. Be sure to pay your Housing fees to avoid a late fee.

The majority of J-1 exchange students are not required to pay tuition and fees due to the exchange agreements with our partner universities.

However, if you are a fee-paying exchange student, you will become liable for tuition upon registration. The Student Financial Service website provides you with all the information you need to know about when, what and how to pay. They also offer a payment plan option to students who qualify.

Please remember that failure to pay university charges by the close of business on the due date will result in the assessment of a $100 USD late fee or the cancellation of your course schedule. Partial payments are not acceptable without prior approval.