Important U.S. Laws and Regulations
Helpful guidelines for foreign students studying in the U.S.
Social Security Numbers
A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit identification number assigned by the U.S. government. All U.S. citizens have unique Social Security numbers, which they provide to employers for tax purposes. If you are temporarily visiting the United States and do not plan to work off campus, you do not need an SSN. If you desire to work off campus, however, you may need an SSN. The first step in determining whether you'll need an SSN is to establish your visa classification. According to the Social Security Administration, visa holders classified as F-1, J-1, Q-1, Q-2, and M-1 who perform work tied to their studies or closely connected to the purpose of their visit are not subject to Social Security tax and do not need an SSN.
Driver's Licenses
If public transportation is not available in the city where your school is located, you may need a driver's license. All states require you pass a vision test, a written exam, and a driving test. Regulations pertaining to the issuance of driver's licenses to international students vary by state. For example, international students living in Ohio must present to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles a valid passport; visa; I-94 card, I-20, IAP-66, or I-9; and proof of six-month residency in Ohio. Contact the governing department that oversees the issuance of driver's licenses in your state to find out how to obtain a license.
Alcohol Regulations
The age at which U.S. residents may legally consume alcohol is 21. Underage drinking is a crime, and punishment can include fines, suspension of driver's license, court-ordered community service, and incarceration. To show proof of legal drinking age, most people present a driver's license. If you do not have a driver's license, you can present an identification card, which is available from the local license office.
Classified Information
Your visa classification will be provided by the Department of Homeland Security. You can use your classification status to determine the circumstances under which you're required to have a Social Security number.
A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit identification number assigned by the U.S. government. All U.S. citizens have unique Social Security numbers, which they provide to employers for tax purposes. If you are temporarily visiting the United States and do not plan to work off campus, you do not need an SSN. If you desire to work off campus, however, you may need an SSN. The first step in determining whether you'll need an SSN is to establish your visa classification. According to the Social Security Administration, visa holders classified as F-1, J-1, Q-1, Q-2, and M-1 who perform work tied to their studies or closely connected to the purpose of their visit are not subject to Social Security tax and do not need an SSN.
Driver's Licenses
If public transportation is not available in the city where your school is located, you may need a driver's license. All states require you pass a vision test, a written exam, and a driving test. Regulations pertaining to the issuance of driver's licenses to international students vary by state. For example, international students living in Ohio must present to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles a valid passport; visa; I-94 card, I-20, IAP-66, or I-9; and proof of six-month residency in Ohio. Contact the governing department that oversees the issuance of driver's licenses in your state to find out how to obtain a license.
Alcohol Regulations
The age at which U.S. residents may legally consume alcohol is 21. Underage drinking is a crime, and punishment can include fines, suspension of driver's license, court-ordered community service, and incarceration. To show proof of legal drinking age, most people present a driver's license. If you do not have a driver's license, you can present an identification card, which is available from the local license office.
Classified Information
Your visa classification will be provided by the Department of Homeland Security. You can use your classification status to determine the circumstances under which you're required to have a Social Security number.
| F-1 | foreign student |
| J-1 | exchange visitor |
| M-1 | vocational student |
| Q-1 | admitted to the United States to participate in a cultural exchange program |
| Q-2 | visitor under the Irish Peace Process Cultural Training Program Act |
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