Admitted International Students

The Global Education Office (GEO) team assists international students and scholars traveling to the U.S. to participate in an academic experience. 

Through a wide range of specialized services and engagement opportunities, GEO also provides direct support to international students and scholars throughout their time at Virginia Commonwealth University.  

Information for Fall 2025 Students

  • Admitted students seeking F-1 status must obtain a Form I-20 from GEOIS. The I-20 is needed to apply for the F-1 student visa and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate. 

  • Students with questions regarding the F-1 visa or travel to the U.S. are encouraged to register for an upcoming Pre-arrival Meetup. Please register in advance to attend a meetup and gain answers to questions you may have.

  • The Fall 2025 International Student Orientation (ISO) is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m. ISO is mandatory for all new F-1 students, including F-1 transfers. New students must register for the orientation in advance.

Download the New International Student Welcome Guide for important information to assist you as a new VCU student. 

Hear from international students, Sonika Singhal, Mahmoud Kaid and Jackline Otieno, members of VCU's International Student Advisory Board, who offer words of welcome and engage in a discussion of important topics for new international students.