F-1 Benefits

Driver's License

F-1 students are permitted to drive with a valid out-of-country driver's license for 30 days after arriving to the US. After this period, F-1 students must go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to obtain a Florida Driver's License.

BEFORE going to the FLHSMV:

1. Complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education exam.

- Only F-1 students who DO NOT have an out of country driver's license are required to complete this exam. The FLHSMV website provides a list of approved organizations that offer the exam. The results are automatically sent to the FLHSMV, but please print a confirmation/certificate to bring with you.

2. Study for the written knowledge test.

- Download a copy of the Florida Driver Handbook.

3. Schedule online appointments for the written knowledge and Class E driving exams.

BRING to the FLHSMV:

Form I-20 (endorsed within the past 12 months)
Passport and visa
Electronic I-94 record
Valid out of country Driver's License (if applicable)
Proof of residential address (2 forms)
Social Security Card OR Social Security Denial Letter (obtained from the Social Security Office)

- If living on-campus, please contact the Residence Life Office to obtain a residency letter.
- Other forms of proof include: utility bill, paycheck stub, credit card statement or bank statement.
Check made payable to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Vehicles. Cash is also accepted. Debit/credit cards are NOT accepted.
Print-outs of your appointment confirmations.

Upon arrival at the FLHSMV, applicants will complete the written knowledge test and a driving test for a Class E License. Applicants must bring their own car or a friend's car with proof of insurance and registration.

Taxes

F-1 students are required to file the following documents:

Form 8843 with the IRS (ALL F-1 students)
Form 1040NR-EZ with the IRS (F-1 students who have received a scholarship from PBA OR have an on-campus position)

F-1 students who do not have a social security number must also apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). To apply for an ITIN:

Complete Form W-7 .
Gather copies of: passport bio page, I-94 electronic record, page 1 of current I-20 and current F-1 visa.
Obtain status verification letter from the Admissions Office.
Attach Form 1040NR-EZ to W-7, copies of immigration documents and status verification letter. Mail all documents to:

     Internal Revenue Service
     Austin Service Center
     ITIN Operation

PO Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

Please note that this address differs from the one listed on the Form 1040NR-EZ since the tax return is being filed as an attachment to the ITIN.
Please keep a copy of ALL documents filed with the IRS.

The ISS Office recommends that every F-1 student consult with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to file their taxes.

Social Security Number

A Social Security Number is issued by the US Social Security Office for the purpose of reporting employment wages. F-1 students authorized for one of the following types of employment are eligible to apply for a social security number:

- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)

To apply for a social security number:

1. Meet with the ISS Office to confirm eligibility and gather required documents.

- If authorized for on-campus employment, 2 letters confirming F-1 status (from the ISS Office) and employment (from the hiring department) are required.

- If authorized for CPT or OPT , an updated I-20 (from the ISS Office) and an employment confirmation letter (from employer) are required.

2. Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).

3. Gather required immigration documents.

- Passport
- Electronic I-94 record
- Form I-20

4. Take completed Form SS-5, immigration documents and confirmation letters to the local Social Security Office. You must apply in person.

Please bring a copy of the card to the ISS Office AND for on-campus employment, the Human Resources Office.