CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

End of Clay Street (0509)

Blacksburg, VA 24061-0509

Telephone: (540)231-6527 Cell: (540)230-8747 Fax: (540)231-3808

 

 

REQUIRED TASKS FOR NEW STUDENTS

• If you have limited internet options, please email or call the International Center to request printed materials.

IMMIGRATION PROCESS:

• Anyone seeking a visa from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance as an F-1 or J-1 student must pay a SEVIS I901 Fee prior to arriving at the Embassy. The fee may be paid electronically or by mail.

• Make sure that the information in your passport and I20 are identical. If they are not identical, contact the Cranwell International Center immediately.

• Please make your visa appointment at the embassy or consulate as soon as possible as significant delays can occur. Prior to attending your interview you should read the Embassy website carefully and review the following documents. You should also read the information "10 Points To Remember When Applying For A Non-immigrant Visa".

• Before signing your I20, you should read and understand the obligations to maintaining your status.

• Once you have the visa, you should prepare for your arrival at the Port of Entry by reading the information on their website.

• Report to the Cranwell International Center as soon as you arrive on campus. For updates please check: www.international.vt.edu

PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE:

• You should read the Pre-departure brochure contained in this envelope.

• Your parents should read (or have translated) the Parent brochure in this envelope.

• Do NOT register for Orientation on-line. International Student Orientation is held in August upon your arrival and needs no reservation. For updated schedule check our website at the Cranwell International Center.

• Return your FRESHMAN RESPONSE FORM and $400 deposit.

• You should consult the Cranwell International Center's website frequently for updated information.

• You should join our on-line orientation information group at http://vtinternationalstudents.wetpaint.com and check it frequently.

• Make your plans to arrive on campus no later than August 18, 2008 to give yourself ample time to complete university procedures.

• You should plan to travel by plane to the Roanoke Airport. There is no effective public transportation from any other airport to Blacksburg. Please read the instructions on how to get from the airport to VT.

• You will need to arrive before your dormitory opens or you can locate permanent off-campus housing. We arrange temporary housing for this purpose.

PREPARING TO BE A STUDENT AT VT

• All full-time students at Virginia Tech must meet immunization requirements as determined by Commonwealth of Virginia Law. If you have accepted an offer of admission to Virginia Tech, download the health history form and instructions. Do NOT mail the immunization form: bring it with you to the International Center upon your arrival. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE THIS FORM COMPLETED PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL! Your PPD test for Tuberculosis will be done on-campus during your Orientation.

• Medical insurance for students who hold an F or J visa and their dependents is mandatory to insure your health and well-being while you are in the United States. The current company under contract with Virginia Tech is GM Southwest. You may purchase this plan when you arrive.

• If you are NOT planning to purchase the GM Southwest insurance, you must complete an Alternative Insurance Form available at www.international.vt.edu. This alternative insurance must meet the minimums listed on this form: there are no exceptions. If you are purchasing alternative insurance, please bring this completed compliance form with you to the International Center when you arrive.

• An optional activity sponsored by the International Center is a friendship exchange between local residents and international students. For more information please read information concerning the Friendship Program.

• Please read the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.

• Please activate your PID and password. If you have any difficulties, please email the International Center.

• If living off-campus, the Off-Campus Housing Office maintains an on-line list of available apartments and roommates. We will be able to give limited assistance in finding apartments when you arrive.

• Become familiar with the undergraduate handbook.

ONCE YOU ARRIVE ON CAMPUS:

• Come to the Cranwell International Center when you arrive on campus.

• Important Orientation events are held from Aug 4 - 20. Please consult the updated Orientation schedule on the International Center's website.

• Orientation to Immigration regulations will be held on Thursday, August 21 and is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

• Orientation to the Undergraduate Student Policies and success issues will be held on Friday, August 22 and is mandatory for all international undergraduates.

• Immunizations and Orientation to the Health Center is mandatory for all international students and must be completed by August 19.

• After reporting to the International Center you will need to:

  • locate your department

  • register for classes

  • have a student ID made

  • pay tuition and fees

  • purchase books

  • open a bank account

  • review that all other procedures have been completed

• You will need to purchase supplies necessary for classes, your dormitory room, or your off-campus apartment.

   

   

  REMEMBER to frequently check www.international.vt.edu

  and join our on-line discussion to learn more about preparing for

  studies at Virginia Tech

  http://vtinternationalstudents.wetpaint.com

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 24061

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