Campus Arrival Procedures
Find a Place to Live
Attend New International Student Orientation
Meet with an Academic Advisor
Register for Courses
Get a Mason Student ID Card
Pay Tuition and Health Insurance by the Deadline
Update Your Address
Present Your Immunization Documents to the Student Health Service
Getting Your Driver's License or Social Security Number: Timing is Everything
Open a Bank Account
Family/Dependents
The Following Documents Are Required When Enrolling a Child in a Schoo |
One of the first things new F or J nonimmigrant students typically want to do after entering the
United States is get a driver’s license or, where appropriate, an SSN. Like many things, however,
correct timing is everything. Following these six simple tips makes the process go much smoother and saves a lot of time in the end:
 1. Wait 10 days after you arrive in the United States.
You may want to apply for a driver’s license or SSN right away, but be patient. The 10-day wait allows time for all the government databases to update with your arrival information.
2. Know what you are applying for and if you are eligible.
While you are waiting, talk with your International Student Advisor to learn more about Virginia driving rules
and regulations. If you want an SSN, have your Advisor confirm that you are eligible before you apply.
3. Make sure your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status.
SEVIS is the database that contains information for all F and J nonimmigrants in the United States. International Student Advisors manage international students’ SEVIS records. They must place your record in
Active status when you report to the school or program. Talk with your advisor
before you apply for a license or SSN to make sure your record is Active in SEVIS. If
your record is not Active when you apply, your application will be rejected.
4. Check your forms.
Check all your forms to make sure your information is correct. This is data integrity. Data integrity is very important because if you have different information on different forms, it will cause delays. Specifically, check your Form I-94,“Arrival/Departure Record,” for handwritten information. If the information on your
Form I-94 is different than on your passport or Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for
Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for
Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” please see the DMV Fact Sheet for more information.
5. Wait two days after your Advisor activates your record in SEVIS.
After your Advisor activates your record in SEVIS, you should wait at least two
federal business days before you apply for a driver’s license or SSN. This gives all the
databases time to update with your new information.
6. Bring all your paperwork.
When you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – the common name for a state government office that issues driver’s licenses – or to the Social Security office, remember to bring all your paperwork. For most states, the paperwork includes these documents:
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
- Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record”
- Passport (with visa, if applicable)
- Proof of legal presence or residence (ask your Advisor what is required for the state of Virginia)
For an SSN, you must also bring a letter of employment and an endorsed Form I-20 (for F students). Exchange visitors should consult with their J-1 Advisor first to make sure the Social Security Administration requires a letter of employment for the J category.
These six tips should help you get your driver’s license or SSN without having any major
problems. If you are interested in specific details about F-2 or J-2 dependents, please see
page 8 of the DMV Fact Sheet. Always talk with your Advisor before you try to apply. Safe travels!
Learn More
Driving in the United States
Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN)
DMV Fact Sheet
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