Grand Valley State University is home to 428 F-1 and J-1 international students. Our office advocates for international students on campus and serves as a primary resource for legal, cultural, and social matters for international students. We work closely with many offices across campus, as well as organizations in our community to help international students feel at home and connected with community.

Starting at GVSU this Winter 2019 semester?

Find more information regarding your arrival at Grand Rapids, your on and off campus housing options and your course registration.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION       HOUSING INFORMATION        COURSE REGISTRATION INFORMATION    

Please complete these required forms: 

1- Student Information 
2- F1 Student Regulations  OR   J1 Student Regulations 
3- GDPR

International Student Scholarship 2019-2020

All F-1 International Students that will have completed 12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits at Grand Valley by the end of this Winter 2019 semester are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Look out for an email with more information going out in January. The scholarship will be awarded for the next academic year, ie. Fall 2019-Winter 2020. Students submit an application to a committee chaired by the Director of International Students and Scholars Services. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Please complete your application ONLINE.

OPT Processing

For any students graduating in April 2019: if you would like to take advantage of your F-1 visa's benefit of one year of work authorization post-graduation, please plan to attend the OPT Processing session.

OPT Processing
February TBD
PIC - 130 Lake Ontario Hall
1 PM

You are required to bring:

1. Color copies of Passport & Visa
2. I-94
3. All I-20s
4. $3 cash ONLY
5. $410 Check or Money order ONLY
   Payable to "DHS"
6. Completed & Printed form I-765
   #27 enter (c) (3) (b)
   DO NOT HAND WRITE
7. Completed & Printed form G-1145
   DO NOT HAND WRITE

Walk-in Hours & Appointments

If you would like to speak with one of us about any question you may have, please come in during walk-in hours!

Mondays & Wednesdays: 2:30 PM -4:30 PM
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9 AM -11 PM

If these times don't work for your schedule, please plan another time to meet with us by calling 616 331 3898 or emailing us at istudents@gvsu.edu to make an appointment.