OIRED

Checklist for international visiting scholars

Here is a list of things you will need to do after arrival:

  • Contact your academic department after arrival and locate the faculty member who invited you.

  • Meet the people with whom you are going to work.

  • Have your passport, I-94 card, and DS-2019 form copied in 134 Burruss Hall (Office of International Research Education and Development - OIRED). You will be given a welcome packet and may sign up for the orientation program that is offered on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Your arrival information will be entered in SEVIS, the Student-Exchange Visitor Information System.

  • Purchase health insurance or show proof of coverage at the Office of International Research Education and Development

  • If you are going to be paid by Virginia Tech, fill out the I-9 form and tax withholding forms at your academic department. Your documents will be copied and sent to Payroll to prove work eligibility. You will also be requested to fill out automatic deposit forms so that your paycheck can be direct deposited in your bank account.

  • Get your ID card (Hokie Passport) in the Student Services Building. Take proof of your visiting scholar status (your DS-2019 form and passport). If you do not have a social security number, you must apply for a temporary number (Banner ID) first.

  • Locate permanent housing. You may use the services of the VT Off-Campus Housing Office in 121 Squires Student Center: email: vtoch@vt.edu, telephone: (540) 231-3466, web page: http://vtoch.uusa.vt.edu

  • Apply for a PID and email account (form enclosed in the welcome packet you will receive from (OIRED). Once you have a PID, you will need to activate it. You may do so by visiting one of the remote labs (in 220 Hutchison, 120 Burruss, or on the 2nd floor of the library) and filling out a PID activation form. Contact IRM at 231-6716 if you have any questions or problems. Please note that scholars who are supported by an organization other than Virginia Tech and will not be on payroll will need the department head's signature to request a PID. The owner of the PID will be the department head. These scholars will not be eligible to use the VT Modem Pool either, unless the department pays for the costs.

  • Apply for a social security card. Instructions are included in the welcome packet.

  • Open a bank account. There are several banks in walking distance from Virginia Tech. A list of banks is included in the welcome packet.

  • Purchase a VT parking permit, if necessary.

  • Visit the library and explore VTLS, the library computer system. You may want to sign up for a workshop to learn how to use the library systems.

  • Visit the University Bookstore.

  • Explore the downtown area.

For further details please contact:

Dr. Gerald Berkley-Coats

Email: gberkley@vt.edu

Phone: 540-231-6459
134 Burrus Hall