International Visitor FAQ

Yes, limited office space is available in the Ruscio Center for Global Learning (CGL) for visiting international scholars. Please contact the Center for International Education Coordinator (within CGL), Kristy Reed, to make a reservation.

It is important to discuss housing options for international visitors with the appropriate Dean’s Office before making housing arrangements, as there are limited university housing options available. For short-term visitors, a room in one of the guest houses may be appropriate. For longer-term visitors who are also visiting faculty, faculty housing may be available. It is extremely important to contact the guest house coordinator or the faculty housing manager as soon as possible after determining housing needs in collaboration with the Dean’s Office as space is limited. If university housing is not an option, the visitor may use a local property management company. The Center for International Education has created a housing guide for international visitors to assist with this process.

For airport pick-ups and drop-offs, departments can coordinate with Public Safety to arrange a university driver. The Center for International Education has created a transportation guide for international visitors to inform visitors of local transportation options for getting around town, visiting nearby cities, and getting to and from Dulles Airport.

If a W&L email address is requested on the International Visitor Form, Human Resources will initiate the Contract Contingent Worker business process in Workday to create an account. The visitor will then receive an email at their personal address with instructions to claim their W&L credentials and complete additional onboarding tasks in Workday (if applicable).

The visitor will obtain W&L network credentials once Human Resources has completed the Contract Contingent Worker Business Process in Workday.

There are three steps to complete in order for a visitor to gain print access at W&L:

1. If a BizHub access was requested on the International Visitor Form, Human Resources will create an account using Contract Contingent Worker Business Process in Workday. The visitor will receive an email to their personal email address to claim their W&L credentials as part of their initial Workday onboarding process. With their credentials, they will be able to access the Papercut print service.
2. Determine whether the visitor will charge print costs to a departmental budget or will pay on their own via General Debit (optional - requires University Card). Send an email to help@wlu.edu letting them know the W&L username of the visiting scholar and how their print costs will be charged (include departmental fund # if applicable.)
3. Instruct the visiting scholar in how to print to a bizhub via web-upload and email (consult this ITS FAQ for a refresher). For direct printing via personal computers, please consult your department’s ITS support liaison for driver installation.

If the international visitor will need key card access to university buildings, a W&L Guest card can be requested by emailing Alex Pritt in Public Safety.

International visitors can visit the helpdesk in the Leyburn Library to obtain library access.

International visitors who are being paid must obtain an SSN. The international visitor must apply in person at a Social Security Administration office (the closest office is in Staunton), and bring the original copies of the following documents:

1. Passport
2. Visa
3. Form I-94: the visitor can obtain this by clicking on “get most recent I-94"
4. Form DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility” (for J-1 visa holders)
5. Completed SSN Application Form
6. W&L contract or invitation letter

International visitors possessing a valid home country driver’s license or an international driver’s license, may legally drive in Virginia for up to two months after establishing Virginia residency. The CIE has created a how-to guide for international visitors who wish to obtain a Virginia Driver’s License.