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English Language Program
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Student Services

The English Language Program knows that our students are coming to a new country and will need help understanding how to do things outside of the classroom.  Some of the student services we help with include the following.

  • Driver's License

    To drive a car in the United States, you must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance. If you have an international driver’s license from your country, you can only drive with it for 60 days after your arrival.  In order to obtain a Florida Driver’s License, you need to go the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the following documents:

    •  Passport/Visa 
    •  I-20 
    •  I-94 
    •  Utility bill/rental agreement or lease 
    •  Two address documents 

    The closest DMV office is the Tax Collector’s office - Hogan’s Corner Branch at 7120 Hogan Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216.

  • Employment
    • F-1 students may not work off campus.  
    • F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours/week. Students must present a letter of intended employment to the ELP office. The ELP office will assist with the application for the social security card. 
    • Social security cards are not issued to students who are not working.
  • Social Security Number

    A social security number is a nine digit number given to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. You do not need a social security number unless you work on campus. If you want to work on campus and receive a social security number, you must:

    • Find a job on campus and get a letter of employment from that office.  
    • Request a Verification of Enrollment letter (VOE) from the ELP office.  
    • Fill out the application for a social security card at   www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf   and print it. 
    • Submit both letters, a copy of your I-20, I-94, passport, and F-1 visa, and the application to the Social Security Office (Suite 1 7185 Bonneval Road Jacksonville, FL 32256) to receive a social security number. Your card will come to you by mail. It takes between 15 to 60 days to receive the card. You are not allowed to work before receiving the card.  

    After you receive your card, you must notify the Payroll office (1 UNF Drive Hicks Hall, Bldg. 53, 2nd Floor, Suite 2850, Jacksonville, FL 32224) to complete your payroll processing.

  • Verification of Enrollment Letter (VOE)
    Students request a VOE for various reasons. To receive a letter, come to the ELP front office, sign up, and receive your letter within 24 hours.   
  • Health Insurance

    All F-1 students must have medical health insurance before attending ELP classes. If you do not have medical insurance, you can purchase your insurance online before you come to the United States or your will be asked to buy coverage upon your arrival to the English Language Program.  Some popular insurance companies for ELP students are:

    If you have a different international medical health insurance purchased in your home country, please bring it to the Placement Test.  Remember, the coverage must be from the Placement Test day to the beginning of the following semester.

  • UNF Campus Health Clinic
    The health clinic on campus provides students with medical services for minor health issues at no charge, unless the students need specific tests. Only students may use this service – no family members may use this service. The ELP office will make appointments at the clinic, which is only open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
  • Orientation
    On the first day of classes, all students will attend an orientation session to finalize paperwork for the semester and receive valuable information about the program, the university, and life in the United States. You will attend a meeting that introduces strategies for being a successful student at the ELP and help you understand the importance of communication with ELP instructors and staff.
  • Campus Tour
    New students will be taken in small groups for a tour around the campus. Students will have the opportunity to see some important buildings and landmarks at UNF, as well as visit the UNF bookstore to purchase their textbooks for the semester and the ID office to receive their Osprey 1Card. All students are required to have an Osprey 1Card, which they will need to use student facilities such as the Student Wellness Complex (gym), for printing services at the library, and to attend various student events and activities on campus.
  • Welcome Event
    Following the orientation, there is a welcome event and meal, so the new students can meet all the instructors, staff, and returning students. This is the first social activity of the semester and a fun way to get acquainted with everyone in the ELP.