The VISA Series (VCU International Student Achievement)

 

 

Spring 2026 Workshops

The VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series will consist of weekly, advisor-led workshops, focused on topics relevant to VCU’s F-1 students. 

The CALENDAR of workshops for the Spring 2026 semester is as follows:

F-1 Employment 

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

We know that the training experience in your major gained through post-completion OPT can play a vital role in bringing to life the concepts learned in the classroom. We also know that applying for OPT and complying with OPT regulations can seem a bit daunting. These workshops are intended to help offer you clarity and confidence as you navigate the process.

This workshop is intended for students who are graduating at the end of the current semester. 

Every Tuesday at 9 a.m.

January 27– May 12, 2026*

*Except for March 10, 2026 (Spring Break)

Register

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Gaining hands-on professional experience prior to graduation can be vital for preparing students to enter/reenter the workforce. Pre-completion OPTauthorization will permit you to engage in practical training in your field while simultaneously completing your coursework. This workshop is ideal for students with training opportunities that do not meet the academic requirements for CPT. 

February 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Register

February 27, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Register

April 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Register

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a great option for students whose program of study requires participation in an experiential learning activity like an internship or who wish to take an internship-type class to satisfy a degree requirement. This workshop will cover the regulatory framework for engaging in academically-aligned practical training, eligibility criteria, and the process for requesting CPT authorization. 

January 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Register 

February 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register

March 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Register

March 26, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Register

April 8, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Register

April 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Register

May 8, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Register

On-Campus Employment 

Working on campus is a great way to gain some valuable experience to add to your resume, engage with the campus community, and earn a bit of extra money. F-1 students interested in applying for on-campus employment are invited to attend.

April 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Register 

April 23, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register 

F-1 On-Campus Employment & the On-Campus Job Search

F-1 students interested in applying for on-campus employment are invited to attend this workshop to discuss their eligibility and get a list of resources to support their job search.

January 16, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Register

Co-Presented with VCU Career Services 

 

Maintaining F-1 Status

The Basics: Maintaining Your F-1 Status 

A key component to your success as an international student in the U.S. is understanding the F-1 regulations. In this workshop, we will provide a brief overview of the regulatory requirements for F-1 students and outline the processes for maintaining your SEVIS record and your F-1 status. If you were unable to attend International Student Orientation, make plans to attend one of these sessions. 

January 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register

January 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register

January 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Register

February 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Register

F-1 Travel 

Traveling outside of the U.S. as an F-1 student requires a significant amount of pre-planning. This workshop will cover a number of travel-related topics, including the process for obtaining a travel signature, renewing an expired F-1 visa, and gathering the proper documentation to present upon reentry. Anyone looking to take a vacation or return home to visit friends and family is encouraged to attend. 

February 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register

February 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Register

March 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Register 

March 30 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Register 

April 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Register 

April 29, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register

Post-Graduation Planning for F-1 Students 

Deciding what to do after graduation can be a challenge for any student. For F-1 students, this comes with the added responsibility of maintaining your status. Our Post-Graduation Planning workshop will outline the options available to students completing their program of study at the end of the semester, including getting a new I-20 to begin a new degree program, transferring out, training and employment, and more! 

January 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Register

March 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register

April 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Register

 

All virtual workshops will be delivered using the Zoom platform. To access your VCU Zoom account, please visit vcu.zoom.us and log in with your VCU credentials.

After you register, we recommend that you add your workshop details to the Gmail (Google) calendar associated with your student account. Instructions for importing Zoom meetings to your Gmail calendar can be found in the Zoom Support Center.