International Student Orientation
Georgia State Atlanta Campus
What is Required?
- Start@State: All newly admitted students must complete Start@State. First Year undergraduate F-1 students must also attend a virtual new student academic advising session.
- International Student Orientation Homebase Course: This is a series of online modules to help you understand and protect your immigration status and to adjust to life at Georgia State. The course is mandatory for all incoming international students and will be available after you receive your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Immigration Check-in/Arrival Confirmation: Incoming F-1 and J-1 students are required to document arrival and report required information to the U.S. Government.
Who Completes International Student Orientation?
- All incoming F-1 international students (including those transferring from U.S. high schools) and J-1 Exchange VIsitors are required to complete the International Student Orientation online course on the Homebase platform.
- Students will receive a link to the appropriate online course for their visa type after registering for International Student Orientation in iStart.
When is International Student Orientation?
Summer and Fall International Student Orientation will be a required a-synchronous Homebase Orientation Course.
Any orientation events to be offered will be published late spring and late summer 2025. Check back on this page or check your GSU student email for more information at that time!
Below are the deadlines for the required Summer and Fall 2025 International Student Orientation Homebase course and eForm submissions:
Summer 2025:
- Required Virtual International Student Orientation (Homebase): Register for International Student Orientation in iStart to receive a link to complete the ISO Homebase course by June 6, 2025.
- Arrival Confirmation eForm Submission: Submit your Arrival Confirmation eForm in iStart by Friday, June 13, 2025. This eForm is required to complete immigration check-in and register your SEVIS record.
Fall 2025
- Required Virtual International Student Orientation (Homebase): Register for International Student Orientation in iStart to receive a link to complete the ISO Homebase course by August 22, 2025.
- Arrival Confirmation eForm Submission: Submit your Arrival Confirmation eForm in iStart by Friday, August 29, 2025. This eForm is required to complete immigration check-in and register your SEVIS record.
*This is an optional in-person event*
Social Security Number Application Event : This optional event is for students who already have a Fall 2024 offer of employment ONLY. Completion of the Arrival Confirmation eForm is required to attend this event. Students will receive instructions via email about the date, time, location, and preparation.
Georgia State Perimeter College
What is Required?
- Start@State: All newly admitted students must complete Start@State. First Year undergraduate F-1 students must also attend a virtual new student academic advising session.
- International Student Orientation Homebase Course: This is a series of online modules to help you understand and protect your immigration status and to adjust to life at Georgia State. The course is mandatory for all incoming international students and will be available after you receive your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Immigration Check-in/Arrival Confirmation: Incoming F-1 and J-1 students are required to document arrival and report required information to the U.S. Government.
Who Attends International Student Orientation?
- All incoming F-1 international students (including those transferring from U.S. high schools) are required to complete the International Student Orientation online course on the Homebase platform.
- All F-1 students will receive a link to the appropriate course after registering for International Student Orientation in iStart.
When is International Student Orientation?
Summer and Fall International Student Orientation will be a required a-synchronous Homebase Orientation Course.Any orientation events to be offered will be published late spring and late summer 2025. Check back on this page or check your GSU student email for more information at that time!
Below are the deadlines for the required Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 International Student Orientation Homebase course and eForm submissions:
Summer 2025:
- Required Virtual International Student Orientation (Homebase): Register for International Student Orientation in iStart to receive a link to complete the ISO Homebase course by June 6, 2025.
- Arrival Confirmation eForm Submission: Submit your Arrival Confirmation eForm in iStart by Friday, June 13, 2025. This eForm is required to complete immigration check-in and register your SEVIS record.
Fall 2025
- Required Virtual International Student Orientation (Homebase): Register for International Student Orientation in iStart to receive a link to complete the ISO Homebase course by August 22, 2025.
- Arrival Confirmation eForm Submission: Submit your Arrival Confirmation eForm in iStart by Friday, August 29, 2025. This eForm is required to complete immigration check-in and register your SEVIS record.
Arrival Checklist
International Check-in and Orientation FAQ
To provide information about:
- federal immigration regulations and individual responsibilities as an F or J student
- how to navigate the campus & administration of Georgia State
- basic needs such as housing, transportation, food and money
- cultural adjustment to life in the United States and in Atlanta
- unique characteristics of the U.S. classroom
To complete administrative processes:
- confirm immigration documents (passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94)
- SEVIS Reporting
- GSTEP and other English placement testing
- Math Placement Exam (for freshmen only)
- academic advising
- course registration
To create connections with:
- other new students to form initial friendships
- continuing students for advice and support
- students’ academic departments
- relevant campus services, programs and facilities
To welcome you to Georgia State in a positive, friendly and helpful manner.
You will also attend international student orientation and check-in, not regular university new student orientation.
New international students can enter up to 30 days prior to the start date of their I-20.
Notify ISSS and attend Non-transfer check-in and orientation.
Check-in is required. ISSS will have to terminate your status if you do not check-in.
If you do not attend orientation, you will not be able to complete check-in. You are required to attend. You will learn how to protect your status and be prepared for life at Georgia State.
For downtown students - No, that program is for U.S. domestic students and requires a fee. International orientation is provided by ISSS and is free. For perimeter students - yes, you are required to attend.
Contact Us
General Questions
Atlanta Email: [email protected]
Atlanta Phone: 404-413-2070
Perimeter Email: [email protected]
Perimeter Phone: 678-891-3235
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., EST
Monday through Friday
Locations
Atlanta Campus Location:
Sparks Hall - Room 252
ISSS, Georgia State University
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Atlanta Mailing Address (please use our
physical address above for express mail):
International Student and Scholar Services
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3987
Atlanta, GA 30302-3987
USA
Perimeter College Location
and Mailing Address:
Building CN 2230 (Student Center)
ISSS, Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus
555 N. Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkson, GA 30021