Immigration Changes FAQs
We know that changes to U.S. immigration policy and practice are causing questions and concerns for many of VCU’s international students, scholars and employees.
VCU is committed to providing information during this time. The leadership and staff of the Global Education Office (GEO) are available to answer questions you may have about immigration changes.
Has VCU made statements of support for the international community?
Yes. VCU’s statements in support of the international community are available online at the university’s Federal Updates website.
Message of Support from President Rao and Other Senior Leaders
Message of Support from Dr. Jill Blondin, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives
How is GEO staying informed about immigration changes?
GEO is closely monitoring official U.S. government announcements to determine how they impact VCU’s international students, scholars and employees.
To ensure that GEO’s guidance is both timely and accurate, we rely on official U.S. government announcements rather than the media or advocacy group communication.
Some of the websites we rely on are:
- Presidential Actions
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
In addition, to gain perspective about the changes, GEO team members review professional association websites and listservs and consult regularly with outside immigration lawyers.
When will GEO communicate about immigration changes?
When the U.S. government makes immigration policy announcements that impact the VCU international community, GEO will communicate about them as soon as possible.
How will GEO communicate about immigration changes?
GEO will communicate about immigration changes by posting updates to the GEO Immigration Services website.
On occasion, we may also communicate through community-wide email sent from GEOIS@vcu.edu or through items in VCU News or VCU Telegram.
What GEO resources are available to help navigate immigration changes?
GEO Immigration Services is VCU’s primary resource for immigration support for individuals whose visas are sponsored by the university.
The GEO Immigration Services website contains important information about immigration regulations. We recommend checking the website regularly to ensure that you are aware of the latest changes.
If you cannot find what you are looking for on the website, please send an email to GEO at GEOIS@vcu.edu and an immigration advisor will respond to you shortly.
How can GEO’s immigration advisors help?
GEO’s immigration advisors are a great resource for information about current and recently changed immigration regulations and practices.
For legal reasons, GEO’s immigration advisors can only provide guidance to individuals on visas sponsored by the university. If GEO’s immigration advisors are unable to assist you, or if they do not know the answers to your questions, they can refer you to another university resource.
In some instances, GEO’s immigration advisors may recommend that you contact an immigration lawyer for personal advice.
Will VCU share a student’s information with an outside agency or organization?
Laws and policies govern the release, or non-release, of student information, including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA.)
For more information, visit: https://registrar.vcu.edu/records/family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act/.
VCU must comply with lawfully issued subpoenas, warrants and court orders.
What should a member of the VCU community do if they are approached by a representative of an outside law enforcement agency on-campus?
Anyone may contact VCU Police if contacted by outside law enforcement. VCU Police may be reached at 804-828-1196 or in an emergency at 804-828-1234.
If a VCU employee is approached by law enforcement seeking access to VCU facilities or records, the employee should contact the Office of University Counsel at 804-828-6610 and notify a supervisor.
The Office of University Counsel does not provide legal advice to employees on individual matters or to students, VCU Health System employees or others.
What should I do if my visa has been revoked?
If you receive an email from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) or from the U.S. consulate where you obtained your visa stamp saying that your visa has been revoked, please contact GEO Immigration Services as soon as possible to discuss the matter.
What should I do if my SEVIS record has been terminated?
If you receive an email from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a DHS sub-agency, such as the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), saying that your SEVIS record has been terminated, please contact GEO Immigration Services as soon as possible to discuss the matter.
What is GEO’s guidance about the Alien Registration Requirement?
GEO’s guidance about the Alien Registration Requirement, including the requirement to carry registration documents, is available at our website.
What is GEO’s international travel guidance?
GEO’s international travel guidance is available at our online Travel FAQs.
International travel always includes the risk of a delayed return to the U.S. If you cannot afford the risk of a delayed return to the U.S., you should reschedule your trip abroad to a time when you could afford to take that risk.
Where can members of the VCU community find legal help?
The Virginia State Bar offers a lawyer referral service. For more information, please visit: https://vlrs.community.lawyer/.
When accessing their portal, if you are seeking advice on a matter related to immigration, under type of issue, respond with “Administrative Government” and select the proper sub-category in explaining your specific need.
You may call them at 804-775-0808 in the Richmond area or 800-552-7977 across Virginia.
Are there mental health resources available?
Yes. Students can contact University Counseling to make an appointment and access resources. Visit: https://counseling.vcu.edu/.
An Employee Assistance Program is available for VCU employees.
Ways to support our international students
Question: I want to support the international community at VCU. How can students, employees, and community members support the international community at VCU?
Opportunities for community members, VCU students, faculty and staff
The VCU Family Cultural Exchange program provides Richmond community members and VCU international students and scholars the opportunity to develop cross-cultural relationships that stimulate curiosity, increase cultural understanding, and provide insight into a world beyond personal perspectives. Please visit the Family Cultural Exchange webpage for more information on how to apply.
GEO is also in need of host families for inbound short-term programs for students and scholars from around the world. If you would like to be added to a list for us to contact you when those programs run, please let us know by emailing global@vcu.edu.
Opportunities for VCU students
GEO proudly administers the Global Buddies Program, which provides international students and English-speaking volunteers the opportunity to learn about other people, places and cultures and to make friends with people from around the world.
Volunteers meet virtually for at least one hour each week with VCU's international students and scholars to enable them to learn more about American culture, practice English language skills, and gain confidence in their communication abilities. Please visit the Global Buddies Program webpage for more information on how to apply.
Join the Global Intercultural Association or participate in other GEO-sponsored events to meet with international students and build community with them on campus.
Join our VCU Global Student Engagement RamsConnect group to stay updated on all upcoming events such as our Global Cafés, and other opportunities related to international student engagement and community.
Opportunities for VCU Faculty and Staff
The Global Education Office provides a Global Zone Training for current VCU faculty and staff to explore best practices for working with international students (generally defined as J-1 or F-1 visa holders). This workshop offers knowledge, skills and resources for teaching and supporting VCU’s 1,200+ international students and scholars. Please note that a tailored version of this training will be available to all VCU students in the fall of 2025.