| Student Life |
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 Change University |
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| Changing the school after you landed in US legally possible. If you would like to be a fulltime student of the new school and if you are able to mangage financial constraints of the new school, then you have to obtain the I-20 AB from the new school also you must notify the present school about your transfer. You must complete the Student Certification portion of the I-20AB and deliver it to the foreign student officer at the new school within 15 days of beginning attendance at the new school. The foreign student officer will endorse the transfer on your I-20 copy and return it to you. The foreign student officer then sends the original I-20 to the INS and a copy to the old school. |
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| SSN (Social Security Number) |
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| In order to work in the USA, even on-campus, you need a Social Security number. You have to apply for SSN as soon as you join the University, SSN is needed for Work, obtaining driving License and even to apply for credit card. Go to the Social security office in your area and apply in person. They will send the card by mail in 2-4 weeks. (NOTE: Make sure you spell your name correctly as per your passport) |
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| Documents for getting SSN |
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 Passport |
| I-94 |
| I-20 - Original |
| Letter from your University |
| Application for SSN |
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| Driving License |
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| Many times you will be asked to present your ID (When you use your creditcard, in the Air port, while on travel, and usually what you are expected to show is a driver's license card that has your picture. You may use your student ID card or passport. But, it is easy to get Driver license or state ID. |
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| If you plan to drive, to can get a driver's license from the state in which you live. Also you can get state ID from Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. DMV will not issue a driver's license based on your international driving license. You will have to pass the driving test. The test is not difficult. It includes a vision screening, a knowledge test, and a short road test. |
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| Documents for getting Driving License |
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| Passport |
| Social Security card (original) |
| Proof of address |
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| TAX information |
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| A student admitted to the United States in F-1, M- 1, J-1 status is granted permission to work. Social security and Medicare taxes are not withheld from pay for the work. Foreign students and scholars are subject to federal income tax and to any state or local income taxes. F-1 and J-1 students are exempt from counting time in the United States toward being tax residents for any part of 5 calendar years. So, you will usually file as tax non-residents. |
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| You will probably file your tax return using form 1040NR-EZ and form 843. You may download these from the Internal Revenue Service web site along with instructions for them. |
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| TAX filing services from F1study.com |
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| Our authorized CPA can help you to prepare your TAX filings also can answer your questions. Our CPA is specialized for preparing Tax Returns for immigrant and NON-Immigrant students and workers. Filing through our CPA is definitely advantage to you, we can save your taxes by properly evaluating your tax deductible eligible expenses. Contact our CPA to file your taxes. |
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| Health Insurance |
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| Students are required to have health insurance and are automatically signed up in the university health plan upon enrollment at most of the univerisites. However, students can obtain health insurance coverage from any insurance providers and can cancel the current coverage obtained through University, by choosing the correct coverage you may be able to save some money. We have a tie-up with an Insurance company who can provide the best coverage for the best rates. Please click here for a FREE Quote |
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| Good to Know and Tips to maintain your legal status |
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| Always enroll for full-time (9+ credit hours/semester) |
| Never work off-campus without permission. |
| Keep your passport valid. |
| Sixty days grace period for departure from the United States after course completion/practical training. |
| Your status is legal even after your VISA expiry date, if your application with INS is pending for extension or change of status. |
| If you get H-1B approval, you can be in US for the period of 6 years from the H1B approval date. |
| You can bring your relatives/parents to Visit USA during your study. Please visit our Visitor Visa page for more details |