Passport

Passport Expiration Date

• Always keep track of your passport’s expiration date. You must have a valid passport at all times while in the U.S.
• If you plan to travel home, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months when you return to the U.S.
• After you renew your passport, send an updated copy to your PDSO/DSO.

Renewing Your Passport

• Most passports can be renewed while you are in the U.S. To find your home country’s embassy in the U.S., visit here.
• If your old passport has a valid U.S. visa, ask your embassy if they will return it after renewal.
  • If you get your old passport back (with a valid U.S. F-1 visa), carry both old and new passports when traveling.
  • If the embassy keeps or destroys your old passport, you must get a new visa before traveling.
• Remove your I-94 card from your passport (if you have one) before submitting it for renewal.

Visa Renewal

• If your visa is expired, you can still stay in the U.S. as long as you are:
  1. Studying at the University of Lynchburg,
  2. Maintaining your F-1 status,
  3. Traveling only within the U.S.
• If you leave the U.S. (for summer, spring, or winter break), you must apply for a new U.S. visa at a U.S. Consulate in your home country. This process is the same as your initial visa application.
• The university cannot guarantee you will get the visa again, so carefully consider your travel plans. For more information, visit here.

Helpful Tips

1. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate for the visa renewal process before making any travel arrangements.
2. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six more months.
3. Have the following documents ready (but not limited to):
   • I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by the DSO
   • Original proof of financial affidavit to cover tuition and living expenses
   • Financial proof for the next academic semester (e.g., a receipt from the student account)
   • Letter of Enrollment from the Registrar’s Office showing class registration for the next semester
   • Evidence of intent to return to your home country after completing your degree
   • Valid passport

Driver’s License

• Full-time international students who are not employed can drive in Virginia with a valid driver’s license from their home country for up to six months (this does not apply to commercial drivers).
• If you become employed in the U.S. or register a car in Virginia, you must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days.
• To get a Virginia driver’s license, visit the DMV, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, at 3236 Odd Fellows Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Steps to Get a Virginia Driver’s License

1. Complete any required driver training.
2. Gather all required documents and fees.
3. Prepare for the knowledge exam and the two-part road driving test.
4. Check out the online guide to see which documents you need.

Examples of Required Documents

• Primary Proof of Identity: Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired or expired U.S. immigrant visa and unexpired I-94 or entry stamp.
• Proof of Legal Presence: I-20
• Proof of Virginia Residency (first document):
  • U.S. postal service change of address confirmation form or postmarked U.S. mail with forwarding address or
  • Monthly bank or credit card statement not more than 2 months old
• Secondary Proof of Virginia Residency (second document):
  • Medical or dental bill issued within the last two months or
  • Postmarked mail showing your name and address or
  • Billing statement or official document from a recognizable business or government agency with your name and current address
• Proof of Social Security: (If applicable)

License Reciprocity

If you have a driver’s license from the following countries, you can skip certain steps in the Virginia driver’s license process:

• Canada
• France
• Germany
• South Korea
• Taiwan (knowledge test required)
• Japan

Visit this page for more detailed instructions.

Transportation

GLTC Bus Transportation

• The City of Lynchburg offers public bus transportation, with stops near the University of Lynchburg campus.
• Students can go to the Hub Desk (Drysdale, 1st floor) for free one-day bus passes or purchase low-cost one-day passes.
• View Lynchburg city bus routes on the GLTC website.

Other Transportation Options

• Uber
• Lyft
• Lyft for Women and by Women
• Local Cab Services:
  • Hill City Cab Co.: 434-845-8554
  • On the Go Taxi Service, LLC: 434-426-6642
  • LYH Taxi: 434-847-5555

Traveling to/from Lynchburg

• Lynchburg’s railway and bus stations are located at Kemper Street Station.
• Transportation options include:
  • Amtrak Railway
  • Greyhound
  • Megabus/Virginia Breeze (a great option for traveling to Dulles International Airport)
  • Lynchburg Regional Airport

Resources for Living in the U.S.

• Things to do in Lynchburg
  • Lynchburg City Life
  • LYH
  • New in Lynchburg
• Things to do in Charlottesville
• Things to do in Roanoke
• List of embassies in the U.S. – Click here
• Cell phone plans/options in the U.S.:
  • Article from Sprintax
  • Article from Stilt

Banks in Lynchburg

• Bank of America
• Wells Fargo

International Grocery Stores in Lynchburg

• 99 Cent Store & Oriental Grocery: 21556 Timberlake Rd; 434-237-8980
• Super Latina Elizabeth: 7701 Timberlake Rd, Suite 1200; 434-477-6040
• Taste of India Grocery: 2100 12th St; 434-845-1008
• Tienda Xpress: 18243 Forest Rd, Ste 7; 434-480-4533

If you miss home or want to try international cuisine, see more suggestions here.

Emergency Preparedness

• Download the LiveSafe app on your phone to receive alerts, request help, or report incidents.
• For emergencies, consult the Complete Guide for Emergency.
• Check your Lynchburg inbox at least once a day to stay updated.

Faculty and Staff Resources

• Faculty and staff can contact the International Student Support Team at (insert email) or (insert phone number) for any questions related to international students.
• You are welcome to register for the semesterly Lunch & Learn session hosted by our team.