Who should attend the International Student Orientation (ISO)?
All new F-1 visa students, including F-1 transfers, are required to attend ISO.

I transferred to VCU as an F-1 from another school. Am I required to attend?
Yes. F-1 students who are new to VCU are required to attend, even if they attended a similar orientation at their previous school.

I am a continuing VCU student, but I just changed my status to F-1. Am I required to attend?
Yes. If this is your first semester in F-1 status, you must attend the ISO to learn about your rights and responsibilities under your new immigration status.

Is the ISO the same as VCU's New Student Orientation or Graduate Student Orientation?
No. ISO is hosted by the Global Education Office and intended only for F-1 visa students. ISO is not a replacement for any other orientations being hosted by the university, the Graduate School, or your academic department. You must plan to attend ISO in addition to any other relevant orientations.

I have already scheduled an orientation with VCU. Do I also have to attend ISO?
Yes. ISO covers topics unique to F-1 visa students - the other orientations do not. ISO is not a replacement for any other orientations being hosted by the university, the Graduate School, or your academic department. You must plan to attend ISO in addition to any other relevant orientations.

Am I able to bring a guest to the ISO?
We recommend that only VCU F-1 students attend the ISO. If you need a guest to accompany and assist you throughout the day, please have them register separately.

I need to cancel my registration for ISO. What should I do?
Please enter the EventCreate system and cancel your registration. This will notify the Global Education Office staff and help them maintain an accurate number of attendees, including for lunch. If you have any questions about this, please contact us at [email protected].