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Here you will find a compilation of COVID-19 updates that include processes and resources provided to our Study Abroad returnees, English Language Program students and immigration information for international students. For information not found on this page, please contact us at global@vcu.edu.
Your VCU email continues to be the university's primary method of communication with you as announcements are made, so please check it regularly. Visit VCU's COVID-19 website for up-to-date information and university resouces.
Keep on Studying Abroad
During this time of disruption, study abroad remains a valuable part of any student's educational experience. Even as we navigate COVID-19, there are steps that students can take to maintain momentum in planning their study abroad experience. The Keep on Studying Abroad website offers tips for students to time their study abroad in light of COVID-19, connect virtually with a study abroad adviser, explore funding options and consider virtual internships and online classes. If you have questions or would like to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, email abroad@vcu.edu.
PROGRAM UPDATES
NEW Study abroad programs cancelled through May 2021
Updated: September 23, 2020
Due to the uncertainty of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia Commonwealth University has decided to cancel all study abroad programs through May 2021. This includes spring 2021 and spring break 2021 programs and applies to all study abroad types including, but not limited to, exchanges, direct-enroll, third party provider programs, and independent study.
This recommendation is made in light of VCU’s current suspension of study abroad programs and the recently updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which recommends that institutions of higher education consider postponing or canceling upcoming student international travel programs due to the possibility of students facing unpredictable circumstances, such as travel restrictions, challenges returning home, and challenges accessing health care while abroad.
We will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC, U.S. Department of State and Virginia Department of Health, as well as the destinations’ offices of foreign affairs and ministries of health to make recommendations regarding summer 2021 programs. In the meantime, students are encouraged to visit the Keep on Studying Abroad website for ways they can maintain momentum in planning their study abroad experience.
Cancellation of Winter Break 2021 Study Abroad Programs
Updated: July 24, 2020
Due to the continued risks associated with traveling abroad during the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, VCU has made the difficult decision to cancel all study abroad programs for Winter Break 2021. This decision was also made in light of the U.S. Department of State's current Level 4 (Do Not Travel) global health advisory level. This cancellation applies to all program types (exchange, direct enroll, provider programs) for the Winter Break 2021 term.
Cancellation of Fall 2020 Study Abroad Programs
Updated: May 6, 2020
Due to the continued risks associated with traveling abroad during the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, VCU has made the difficult decision to cancel all study abroad programs for fall 2020. This decision was also made in light of the U.S. Department of State's current Level 4 (Do Not Travel) global health advisory level. VCU has taken the proactive measure to cancel programs now to provide students with time to identify housing options and academic plans at VCU for the fall semester. This cancellation applies to all program types (exchange, direct enroll, provider programs) for the fall 2020 semester.
The Global Education Office will provide students with refunds for any application fees paid to VCU, which may include the $150 GEO fee. These refunds will be issued to your original form of payment and will be available in the next 30 days.
Cancellation of Summer 2020 Study Abroad Programs
Updated March 20, 2020
VCU has decided to cancel all upcoming study abroad programs for summer 2020, regardless of destination, due to the risks associated with traveling abroad during the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. The health and safety of our students and faculty is our number one priority. VCU has evaluated the risks associated with choosing to maintain its programs abroad and determined that it is in the best interest of all involved to cancel all upcoming programs in summer 2020.
VCU has taken the proactive measure to cancel programs now to provide both our faculty and students with sufficient time to identify alternative summer plans. The decision also reflects a response to recent recommendations from the CDC to institutions of higher education in the U.S. to consider cancelling outbound education abroad programs due to the expectation that the outbreak will continue to grow and that students "may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad." This decision was also made in light of the U.S. State Department's recent raising of the global health advisory level to a 4 (Do Not Travel).
The Education Abroad office will be informing students of this decision today and providing full refunds of deposits and application fees. Please be assured that we remain committed to providing global education experiences to our students and will work even more diligently to continue to grow our programs into the future. Please email abroad@vcu.edu if you have any questions at this time.
Cancellation of Summer 2020 study abroad programs to Japan, S. Korea, Italy, and China
Updated March 20, 2020
Out of an abundance of caution, VCU has decided to cancel all study abroad programs to Italy, S.Korea, and Japan for summer 2020, due to the risks associated with traveling abroad during the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. These countries currently have Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Level 2 or above travel advisories (due to COVID-19). The health and safety of our students and faculty is our number one priority. VCU has evaluated the risks associated with choosing to maintain these programs abroad and determined that it is in the best interest of all involved to cancel.
Spring 2020 Study Abroad Programs Recalled
Updated March 2020
VCU has mandated that all students studying abroad during spring 2020 return to the U.S. as soon as possible. Students have been instructed to work with their host institution to determine if online coursework is available. If this is not an available option through programs or host institutions, students have been instructed to inform their study abroad advisors immediately so that they can assist in connecting students with the appropriate offices at VCU that will work to ensure students' continued full-time enrollment at VCU for the remainder of the spring semester.
On March 19 the US State Department has raised the Global Health Advisory to a level 4 (Do Not Travel) and is urging U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States to work with their airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
This State Department advisory also states that "U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period", and that "on March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification. These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens."
We urge you to heed this advisory and make immediate plans for return as soon as possible. Please let us know of your plans as soon as you have them.
Students Returning from Travel Abroad
Updated March 2020
Students and employees returning to the VCU campus and surrounding community from destinations abroad with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Levels 2 and 3 Travel Health Notices or from areas in the U.S. experiencing high levels of COVID-19 should take precautions consistent with the CDC's guidance to protect others from getting sick.
In addition, for 14 days after traveling, these individuals should stay home as much as possible, avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and consider getting tested for COVID-19.
Students residing in VCU residence halls should contact University Student Health Services and refer to the Residential Life and Housing website for additional self-quarantine and isolation requirements.
At all times, students with an emergency / time-sensitive situation may call VCU Police at 804-828-1196 or 804-828-1234.
VCU Police will contact appropriate GEO staff.
Students with concerns that are not immediately time-sensitive should follow the contact list below.
Students should be aware that at this time GEO employees are working remotely; email will be the most effective means of communication. Students should not come to GEO / ELP unless directed to do so by an advisor.
We can also talk to you on the phone or by Zoom.
Dr. Moe Greene: mdgreene@vcu.edu
If you have any problems - medical, housing, immigration, etc. - please go to https://global.vcu.edu/elp/. There is information there to help.
Topic | GEO resources | University and External Resources |
English Language Program | Moe Greene: mdgreene@vcu.edu Rachel Aziz: rcwiltshire@vcu.edu | --- |
Medical Concerns / Health Insurance | Nichole Dorton: nldorton@vcu.edu https://global.vcu.edu/students/started/info1/insurance-immunizations/ | VCU Student Health Services: 804-828-8828 (during business hours) https://health.students.vcu.edu// |
Housing | --- | VCU Residential Life & Housing: 804-828-7666 (during business hours); vcuhousing@vcu.edu |
Immigration | Immigration advising: geois@vcu.edu | --- |
Emergency Contacts | Any international student/scholar needing immediate assistance should contact VCU Police at 804-828-1196 (non-emergency) or 804-828-1234 (emergency). VCU Police will contact appropriate GEO staff. | VCU police: 804-828-1234 VCU police: 804-828-4357 911 |
General COVID-19 | --- | VCU COVID email: covid-19@vcu.edu http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 |
Immigration advising is available for visa-related support during this time. Immigration Advisors are working as usual but physical access to our offices is restricted due to health and safety concerns.
Contact Us
Please send your visa-related questions and concerns to our general email account GEOIS@vcu.edu
We check this email account constantly during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM and often after hours, as well) and can get back to you quickly.
Please only come to GEO in person unless you are directed to do so by an Immigration Advisor.
Office Location | 912 West Grace Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23284 |
|---|---|
Walk-in Hours | Suspended until further notice. |
Courier Address | GEO, 912 West Grace Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23284 |
Regular US Mail Address | GEO, Box 843043, Richmond, Virginia 23284 |
Main Telephone | (804) 828-0595 |
Main Email |
Emergency Contact
If you need urgent immigration support when our office is closed, please call VCU Police. Identify yourself as a VCU international student or scholar and VCU Police will contact the appropriate immigration staff member.
Non-Emergency: (804) 828-1196
Emergency: (804) 828-1234
F-1 and J-1 Students: Update Your US Residential Address
If, in response to COVID-19, you:
Have remained in the US and are in the US now, please email your current US residential address to us so that we may update your SEVIS record as required by law.
If you departed the US and are not in the US now, please disregard this advice. You do not need to update your address in SEVIS.
F-1 or J-1 Visa I-20 or DS-2019 Travel Signature
You DO NOT need a recent I-20 or DS-2019 travel signature in order to depart the U.S.
A recent travel signature is required only in connection with returning to the U.S.
Because physical access to our offices is restricted due to health and safety concerns, we cannot provide I-20 or DS-2019 travel signatures in person at this time.
When you arrive at your destination abroad (for example, your home country) email GEOIS@vcu.edu to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 for travel signature using the Subject Line: Travel Signature/Currently Outside U.S.
F-1 Student Visa: Optional Practical Training Application Issues
If you already applied for OPT (I-765 already filed with USCIS) and you are currently in the U.S. | If you already applied for OPT (I-765 already filed with USCIS) but you have departed the U.S. | If you need to apply for OPT (you have not yet filed I-765 with USCIS) between now and graduation. |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS is aware that you will be completing your VCU studies online. No further action required on your part. If you have any question or concerns about this, please contact us by email at GEOIS@vcu.edu to discuss the matter. | Normally you need to complete your F-1 visa studies from inside the U.S. in order to be eligible for OPT approval by USCIS. This requirement would create complications if you decide, in response to COVID-19, to complete your VCU studies online/remotely from outside the U.S. The U.S. government is aware of the potential complication and is developing guidance on the matter. GEO is hopeful that the guidance will permit you to complete your VCU studies from outside the U.S. and to remain eligible for OPT approval from USCIS. GEO is keeping a very close eye on the matter and will provide an update as soon as we can. | If you have any question or concerns about this, please contact us by email at GEOIS@vcu.edu to discuss the matter. Your situation varies by case. Please contact us by email at GEOIS@vcu.edu to discuss the matter. |
H-1B, O-1, or TN Visa
If you have an H-1B, TN, or O-1 visa sponsored by VCU and you have any visa-related questions about your employment conditions, travel abroad, etc., please email GEOIS@vcu.edu. Please put your visa classification in the subject line (example: H-1B, O-1, or TN visa).
COVID-19 U.S. Government Stimulus Payment via Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).
U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents (green card holders) are eligible for CARES payments.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or green card holder, eligibility for a CARES payment depends on whether you:
1. Have a Social Security Number (SSN), and
2. Filed 2019 U.S. taxes as a U.S. resident for tax purposes, showing the SSN on the tax return form. (NOTE: Being a resident for tax purposes is not necessarily the same thing as being a resident of the U.S. in visa terms.)
If you are an international student, scholar, or employee, you would need to meet both criteria in order to be eligible for a CARES payment.
Some international students, scholars, or employees may have received CARES payments in error because they mistakenly filed their 2019 U.S. taxes as U.S. residents for tax purposes.
GEO cannot provide U.S. tax advice.
If you are an international student, scholar, or employee, and you believe that you received a CARES payment in error, please do one or both of the following:
1. Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at www.irs.gov/
2. Contact a tax preparation service or certified public accountant (CPA). (Simply perform an internet search for “tax preparation service Richmond, VA” or “CPA Richmond, VA.")
Resources for international students who remain on campus:
The Division for Strategic Enrollment Management provides emergency funding for students impacted by COVID-19 (see: https://sem.vcu.edu/covid-19/). To be considered for emergency funding, students will need to complete an application and provide an explanation of their circumstances along with documentation (travel expense receipts, COVID-19 medical diagnosis, etc.). For more information, or to obtain an application, students should contact the VCU Student Services Call Center at (804) 828-1550 or email financial counseling staff (Last names beginning with A-G: faidmailag@vcu.edu; Last names beginning with H-N: faidmailhn@vcu.edu; Last names beginning with O-Z: faidmailoz@vcu.edu).
On March 30, VCU Human Resources sent an email to all students who hold on-campus jobs (either through work study or as student workers in VCU offices) informing them that university leadership has decided to extend the pay processes that began March 16 until May 9. Any eligible international student will continue to receive payment for their on-campus job. It is our hope that this measure will continue to provide students with the finances they've come to rely on during their time at VCU. The full message can be viewed here: https://blogs.vcu.edu/hr/2020/03/30/additional-student-worker-guidance-during-covid-19/.
In addition, we encourage all in-need students to access their local food bank. To find information on local food banks, students should visit: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. This site will allow you to enter your zip code, and then it will direct you to additional resources. If students would like assistance with either process, they should email rampantry@vcu.edu or schedule a virtual/phone appointment with Off Campus Student Services via https://vcuoffcampus.youcanbook.me.
Contact resources:
At all times, students with an emergency / time-sensitive situation may call VCU Police at 804-828-1196 or 804-828-1234.
VCU Police will contact appropriate GEO staff.
Students with concerns that are not immediately time-sensitive should follow the contact list below.
Students should be aware that at this time GEO employees are working remotely; email will be the most effective means of communication. Students should not come to GEO / ELP unless directed to do so by an advisor.
We can also talk to you on the phone or by Zoom.
Dr. Greene: mdgreene@vcu.edu
If you have any problems - medical, housing, immigration, etc. - please go to https://global.vcu.edu/elp/. There is information there to help.
Topic | GEO resources | University and External Resources |
English Language Program | Moe Greene: mdgreene@vcu.edu Rachel Aziz: rcwiltshire@vcu.edu | --- |
Medical Concerns / Health Insurance | Nichole Dorton: nldorton@vcu.edu https://global.vcu.edu/students/started/info1/insurance-immunizations/ | VCU Student Health Services: 804-828-8828 (during business hours) https://health.students.vcu.edu// |
Housing | --- | VCU Residential Life & Housing: 804-828-7666 (during business hours); vcuhousing@vcu.edu |
Immigration | Immigration advising: geois@vcu.edu | --- |
Emergency Contacts | Any international student/scholar needing immediate assistance should contact VCU Police at 804-828-1196 (non-emergency) or 804-828-1234 (emergency). VCU Police will contact appropriate GEO staff. | VCU police: 804-828-1234 VCU police: 804-828-4357 911 |
General COVID-19 | --- | VCU COVID email: covid-19@vcu.edu http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 |
In a message to the university community, VCU President Michael Rao announced that on-campus student housing will now be restricted to international students who can no longer travel home and cannot make alternative arrangements, and students who would be otherwise homeless if they are unable to remain in on-campus housing.
If you are an international student who cannot travel home or make alternate housing arrangements, please complete the Emergency Petition to Remain on Campus by Friday, March 20, 2020 at 8 a.m. EST.
Following VCU's guidelines, below are some reminders of the measures that VCU Globe is taking to ensure your health and safety in response to COVID-19:
VCU Globe staff are working remotely and are accessible via email.
All EMS reservations/requests for West Grace North Residence Hall are suspended. Access to the academic wing and classrooms is restricted at this time. Here are some helpful links:
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