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Please note: To get your most recent I-94 form you may access it form the Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security; to request a letter issued by the International Center please return a completed service request form to our office.

Obtaining a Social Security Number

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to report wages to the U.S. government. You are eligible to apply for a SSN only if you have an offer of employment.

You must apply in person at the Social Security Administration Office with the following documents:

  • Social Security Card Application (Available at the Social Security Administration Office)
  • DS-2019
  • J-1 Visa
  • Passport
  • I-94 record
  • Offer of employment letter on letterhead
  • SSN letter issued by the International Center

For employment on-campus, you will need to make an appointment with the Payroll Office after applying for your SSN and bring the following original documents with you:

  • Current Passport
  • Prior Passports
  • Current Visa
  • Prior Visas
  • Current DS-2019
  • Any prior DS-2019s
  • I-94
  • Social Security Card or receipt from Social Security Administration for SSN
  • Department job offer letter

Take the packet information you receive from the Payroll Office to Human Resources where you will then complete the I-9 and required processing paperwork.

Note: After you receive your Social Security Card, take the card to the Payroll Office so that a copy can be made for their records.

Opening a Bank Account

There are many banks in the area that offer several types of savings and checking accounts. Many banks have checking and/or savings accounts designed specifically for college students.

The following is a list of nearby banks where you can open an account:

In order to open a bank account, you should bring the following documents:

  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • I-94 record
  • Personal Information (address, email, phone number)

Applying for a Driver's License

To acquire a driver's license, you must apply for one at the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To do so, you can make an appointment online. You will need to provide the following documents:

  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • I-94 record
  • Proof of address (e.g. housing contract, lease agreement, utility bill)
  • Letter issued by the International Center (serves as second proof of address)
  • Social Security Card (if you were issued one for employment purposes) or letter of ineligibility issued by SSA Office

Please check the requirements for obtaining a Florida driver's license before visiting the DMV office. The nearest DMV office is the Tax Collector's office located at 12220 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 102.

Applying for a Florida Identification Card

If you do not need a driver's license, but would like another form of identification, you can apply for a Florida ID card. You are required to apply in person at a local DMV office. To do so, you can make an appointment online. You will need to provide the following documents:

  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • I-94 record
  • Proof of address (e.g. housing contract, lease agreement, utility bill)
  • Letter issued by the International Center (serves as second proof of address)
  • Social Security Card (if you were issued one for employment purposes) or letter of ineligibility issued by SSA Office

The nearest DMV office is the Tax Collector's office located at 12220 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 102.

Employment

As an international student there are strict regulations regarding employment. Before accepting any type of work, be sure that it is allowed. Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of your J-1 status. Please check our employment page for information on working in the United States as an J-1 student.
Back to J-1 Students Overview