State of Michigan Driver’s License / Identification Card of Michigan Driver’s License / Identification Card Eligibility International students and scholars and their dependent

OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS Phone: 517.353.1720 | Fax: 517.355.4657 E-mail: [email protected] | Web: http://www.oiss.msu.edu

State of Michigan Driver’s License / Identification Card

Eligibility

International students and scholars and their dependent family members who will be in Michigan for a semester or more are considered Michigan residents and are therefore eligible to apply for a Michigan Driver’s License or Identification Card. All Michigan residents must obtain a driver’s license as soon as possible after arrival in order to legally drive. There is no grace period during which you may use your home country license to drive. Short-term visitors who will be in Michigan for less than one semester are not considered to be Michigan residents and are therefore not eligible for a Michigan Driver’s License or Identification Card. However, you are eligible to drive in Michigan with your home country’s driver’s license and a certified English translation1 as long as your country appears on the attached document titled “International Drivers’ Licenses and Reciprocity Update.” The International Driving Permit by itself does not grant permission to drive in Michigan; however the combination of the home country’s driver’s license and the International Driving Permit does indeed grant permission to drive in Michigan for your short-term visit. Driver’s License Applications

Step One: Present your identification at the Secretary of State Branch Office. Please consult the attached “Checklist of Required Documents…” to see which identification documents are required for F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 applicants. To start the application process, show the necessary identification documents to the local Secretary of State branch office. Information on where to find the East Lansing branch office is included on the next page of this handout. Step Two: Take tests on written knowledge, road signs, and vision. When you visit the branch office to show your identification documents, you will schedule your tests. In order to prepare for the written knowledge and road signs tests, please review the “What Every Driver Must Know” handbook, which is available at the branch office, at OISS, or online at www.michigan.gov/sos. The vision test is a simple test to ensure that your visual abilities are adequate for driving. When you are at the branch office for the tests, you will also pay the $25 license fee. Step Three: Take driving skills test. You can prepare for your driving skills test by reviewing the “Driving Skills Test Study Guide,” which is available at the branch office or online at www.michigan.gov/sos. Ordinarily you would receive a temporary driver’s license after passing the tests in Step Two and would be required to wait 30 days before taking the driving skills test. During that 30 days you would not be able to drive without a licensed driver above the age of 18 in the passenger seat. However, if you can provide your home country’s license with a certified English translation1, you can be exempted from this 30-day waiting period and will be allowed to take the driving skills test immediately after passing the tests in Step Two. Your driving test must be conducted by an organization appearing on the following list: http://www.sos.state.mi.us/bbos/3rdpt/counties/ingham.html. Some of the listed organizations will allow you to rent a car to use for your driving skills test (no car is provided to you for the test). Step Four: Return to the branch office to finalize your license application. Once you pass your driving skills test, take your proof of legal presence documents (the same documents you provided in Step One above), Temporary Instruction Permit, and Skills Test Certificate back to the branch office. You will receive a temporary valid driver’s license to use until your actual license arrives in the mail.

1 Translation required if no English appears on the license. Translation templates are available on the OISS website: http://www.oiss.msu.edu/students_license.php

Renewing your Driver’s License

Approximately 45 days prior to the expiration of your license, a renewal notice will be mailed to the address on your license. If the renewal notice says that you are eligible to renew your license by mail, you may do so if you wish, but you are not required to do so. If you wish to renew by mail, simply follow the instructions on the notice. If you do not wish to renew by mail, if your notice says that you are not eligible to renew by mail, or if you do not receive a notice, then you should renew your license in person at the local branch office. When you apply for your renewal, you will pay the $18 renewal fee, be asked a few general health questions, and be given a vision screening test. You may also be asked to provide the following documents:

Proof of Social Security (one of the following): • Social Security card • Social Security Number Verification letter (NUMI) • Pay stub showing SSN • W-2 form showing SSN • If no SSN, letter of ineligibility (Form SSA L-676)

Proof of legal presence (all of the following): • Passport • Visa stamp • I-94 card • I-20 or DS-2019

State of Michigan Personal Identification Card (State ID card)

Many students and scholars who do not plan to drive while in Michigan apply for the state ID card. It can be quite convenient to have one, as it allows you to prove your identity, age, address, etc. without the need to risk carrying your passport with you. (The MSU ID card only shows your name, picture, and identification number and is therefore not as useful for identification purposes outside of campus.) In order to apply, visit the branch office, pay the $10 application fee, and show all of the documents listed on the attached page titled “Checklist of Required Documents…” Replacing a Lost Driver’s License or State ID Card

If you lose your driver’s license or state ID card, you must apply for a replacement at a branch office. The fees are $9 to replace a driver’s license and $10 to replace a state ID card. You will be asked to provide the documents listed in the box above (i.e. proof of Social Security and proof of legal presence). The East Lansing Secretary of State Branch Office

Address: 400 Albert Ave East Lansing, MI 48823

Phone: (888) 767-6424

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am – 5pm Wednesday: 11am – 7pm

MSU Campus

Secretary of State


Checklist of Required Documents for F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 Students and

Scholars seeking Michigan IDs and Driver’s Licenses

Proof of a Social Security Number (Social Security card, pay stub, W-2, non SSA 1099) or proof of

ineligibility for a number (Form SSA L-676). Note: Providing proof of ineligibility will trigger an additional identity verification process which may take several days to complete.

Valid, unexpired foreign passport, visa (may be expired), and I-94 stamped with entry date indicating duration of status (D/S) or a specific future date for proof of legal presence and identity verification. Note: Providing an expired visa stamp or an I-94 card issued more than one year ago will trigger an additional identity verification process which may take several days to complete.

I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) student or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) status indicating enrollment in a Michigan school, college or university (needed for both the student and the spouse or any other dependents). Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) must provide supporting evidence from the school.

Two documents are needed to prove residency: acceptable documents include an apartment lease or housing rental agreement, utility bill, bank or other financial institution statement, credit card statement, school account records, insurance policy, pay stub, government document, or vehicle title and registration. Note: Family member documents may be used if the relationship can be substantiated.

● A letter from the school, college or university Designated School Official (DSO) confirming

enrollment and current address can be accepted as one of the residency documents. (OISS can do this if none of the above-listed residency documents can be obtained.)

If the student has a driver’s license from his/her home country, it must be translated into English or have English subheadings (please use university letterhead for the translation). It can be used as evidence of driving experience, waiving the 30-day practice period before taking a driving skills test. It is not accepted for identification purposes.

APPENDIX

M

International Drivers’ Licenses and Reciprocity Update There are different sources of authority, including international treaties and state and federal laws, which govern the operation of commercial and non-commercial vehicles by persons licensed in foreign countries. The licenses of residents of foreign countries that are considered valid are listed below. An international driving permit is not required. For licenses that are not in English, an interpreter may be required to determine the license’s validity. Courts and law enforcement should not seize and destroy foreign drivers’ licenses pursuant to section 625g of the Michigan Vehicle Code.

1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic Residents of countries that are signatories to the 1943 Convention may drive in this country if they have a valid non-commercial or commercial driver’s license issued by their country of residence or an authorized political subdivision of that country. These countries include: Mexico Honduras Brazil Nicaragua Colombia Panama Costa Rica Uruguay El Salvador 1949 Convention on Road Traffic

Residents of countries that are signatories to the 1949 Convention may drive in this country if they have a valid non-commercial driver’s license issued by their country of residence. These countries include: Albania Central African Rep. France Italy Algeria Chile Gambia Jamaica Argentina China (Taiwan) Georgia Japan Australia Congo Ghana Jordan Austria Congo Democratic Rep. Greece Korea Bahamas Cote d’Ivoire Grenada Kyrgyz Rep. Bangladesh Cuba Guatemala Laos Barbados Cyprus Guyana Lebanon Belgium Czech Rep. Haiti Lesotho Belize Denmark Hong Kong Luxembourg Benin Dominican Rep. Hungary Macao Botswana Ecuador Iceland Madagascar Bulgaria Egypt India Malawi Cambodia Fiji Ireland Malaysia Canada Finland Israel Mali

Appendix M i

Malta Poland Singapore Trinidad & Tobago Mauritius Portugal Slovak Rep. Tunisia Monaco Romania South Africa Turkey Morocco Russian Federation Spain Uganda Namibia Rwanda Sri Lanka United Kingdom Netherlands St. Lucia Suriname Vatican City New Zealand St. Vincent & the Grenadines Swaziland Venezuela Niger San Marino Sweden Vietnam Rep. Norway Senegal Syrian Arab Rep. Western Samoa Papua New Guinea Serbia and Montenegro Tanzania Yugoslavia Paraguay Seychelles Thailand Zambia Peru Sierra Leone Togo Zimbabwe Philippines Commercial Drivers’ Licenses Issued by Canada and Mexico If a driver has a valid commercial driver’s license issued by Canada or Mexico, the license must be honored as required by federal law (see 49 USC 31301 et seq.and 49 CFR 383.23). Special Reciprocity Agreements with France and Germany Pursuant to MCL 257.302a(2) of the Michigan Vehicle Code, the Secretary of State has determined that the standards for licensing operators in France and Germany correspond substantially to those of the State of Michigan. Therefore, reciprocal driving privileges were extended to France, effective January 4, 1991, and to Germany, effective November 10, 1997. Persons holding valid driver licenses issued by France or Germany may operate passenger vehicles in Michigan on such licenses, if they are not receiving compensation for such operation. The privileges extended to France and Germany have not been withdrawn. If you have any questions, please contact the Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Regulatory Services at (517) 241-8322. Rev. 04/17/2006

Appendix M ii

English as a Second Language Programs

Trinity Church ESL No fee Trinity Church on Dunckel Rd Contact: 517-337-5004 www.leslie2k.com Monday 7-9 pm Michigan State University English Language Center (MSU Students Only) Fee charged, please call A-714 Wells Hall Contact: (517) 353-0800 www.elc.msu.edu/ ESL Program Wells Hall Contact: (517) 353-0754 - Dr. Patti Spinner Email: [email protected] http://www.msu.edu/course/llt/896/ESL_Course.html East Lansing English School Fee charged, please call Welsey Foundation 1118 S. Harrison Rd East Lansing, MI Contact: (517) 337-8353 Volunteer English Tutoring Program No fee Contact: (517) 351-2821 - Dottie Schmidt Email: [email protected] http://www.isp.msu.edu/vetp

Friendship House International Student Ministry No fee: conversational groups 929 Sever Dr East Lansing, MI 48823 Contact: (517) 332-8050 Email: [email protected] www.msu.edu/~intlstum/index.htm Lansing Community College Tuition: fee charged per credit hour Department of Academic Enrichment Services Arts and Sciences Building 253 Lansing, MI Contact: (517) 483-1061 www.lcc.edu/langskills/ Capital Area Literacy Coalition No fee English Language Learning/Citizenship 1028 E. Saginaw Lansing, MI 48906 Assessment necessary, also free Contact: (517) 485-4949 www.thereadingpeople.org/esl.html Individual Tutor No fee Assessment necessary, also free

The Family Resource Center cannot endorse any program. This list is meant as a reference only. August 2008


J-1 VISITING SCHOLAR NOTICE OF DEPARTURE

Family Name:

Given Name(s):

ZPID (on MSU ID card):

SEVIS ID (on DS-2019):

MSU Email Address:

Alternate Email Address:

FUTURE PLANS:

□ Departing with no immediate plans to return (i.e. your current program is finished and your SEVIS record will be completed)

If you are in the Research Scholar or Professor category, you will not be able to begin a new program in the Research Scholar or Professor category for the next two years. Date of departure from MSU: ____/____/____ Date of departure from the US:____/____/____

□ Departing the US for one year or less (i.e. your current program is ongoing and your SEVIS record will remain active)

Date of departure from US: ____/____/____ Date of return to US: ____/____/____ IMPORTANT: If you choose this option, this form must be accompanied by a letter from your MSU department (on department letterhead) confirming the continuation of your program and the date of your expected return. You must maintain health insurance at all times, even while outside the US. If your return date changes, notify OISS immediately via email (Krista Smith: [email protected])

□ Transferring J-1 visa status to another US institution

If you choose this option, this form must be accompanied by the MSU “Transfer Out” form.

□ Changing visa status

I am applying / have applied for _________ visa status. Date of application: ____/____/____ OR Date of approval: ____/____/____

SIGNATURE: ________________________________________________ DATE: ________________

FEB 07


Important Information for Visiting Scholars

1. Social Security Number: If you will be employed by Michigan State, you must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Please let us know if you plan to apply for an SSN so that we can prepare an eligibility verification letter to include with your application. You will also need to bring your valid passport, I-94 card (received at the port of entry) and the original copy of your DS-2019 to the local Social Security Administration office located at 5210 Perry Robinson Circle. For more information, see the instruction sheet and map provided in this folder (blue sheet). 2. MSU I.D. Card allows access to the library and other university facilities. To obtain your identification card, go to Room 50 in the Administration Building. Bring your passport, DS-2019, and the MSU I.D. Card sheet (Z-PID information) that was sent to you along with your DS-2019. 3. MSU Email Account: Once you have your MSU ID Card, go online to http://help.msu.edu/netid. Click on "2. Request my PIN (Lost PIN or New PIN)". Then click on "Postdoc/Visiting Scholars". Under "Employment Status" choose the option that describes your situation: If you are being paid by MSU, click the dot next to "Postdoc/Visiting Scholar with Appointment". If you are not being paid by MSU, click the dot next to "Postdoc/Visiting Scholar without Appointment". Next, choose your preferred NetID. It must be between two and eight characters long and use letters or numbers. Under "MSU ID Number", use the 9-digit ID number on your MSU ID Card. Follow the remaining instructions and your MSU email account will be activated within 24 hours. You can choose to pick up your information in Room 220 of the Computer Center or receive the information by mail. **NOTE** If you are being paid by MSU, you must also fax your appointment papers to (517) 353-2006. 4. Medical Insurance Information:

A. MSU Employees must choose medical insurance within the first 60 days of employment. You can visit Staff Benefits Office at 140 Nisbet Building or telephone the Personnel Office (353-4434) to arrange an appointment for orientation to university benefits.

B. Part-time employees or those on a contract for less than 9 months must purchase major medical insurance. Policy information is available at orientation and in this packet.

C. All J-1 scholars and dependents must present proof of major medical insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State requirements. See Insurance Requirements for J-1/J-2 participants in this packet (purple sheet).

5. Keep your address current! J scholars sponsored by MSU must inform the Office for International Students and Scholars of your local address upon arrival and any time your change your local address in the future. For J scholars not sponsored by MSU, please contact both your program sponsor and the OISS regarding any address change. If you are not sure who your program sponsor is, look under #2 on your DS-2019 form. If you are not in J visa status, you must comply with federal address reporting regulations – contact the OISS for more information. 6. Dependents arriving later will need to have their own DS-2019 form in order to obtain a J-2 dependent visa. Please contact an advisor in our office regarding the paperwork necessary to bring a dependent in J-2 visa status. 7. Traveling out of the U.S. and returning during your program: In order to leave the U.S. and re-enter in J-1 scholar status, you will need a valid passport, valid J-1 visa stamp and a current travel endorsement signature on your DS-2019. Scholars sponsored by MSU may obtain a travel signature by visiting the OISS. Scholars sponsored by other organizations must contact the sponsoring organization regarding travel signatures. For short trips (30 days or less) to Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean islands, you may re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa stamp, however a valid passport and current travel signature are still required. If you are traveling to Canada, information about visa requirements is available in our office or on our web site: www.oiss.msu.edu. 8. Information concerning extending your stay or transferring to another university can be found at the OISS web site. Questions and advice are available by consulting an advisor. You may take advantage of the “Walk-in” hours for students and scholars on Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. For more in-depth concerns, please schedule an appointment by calling 353-1720. 9. Departure Information: When you are ready to leave Michigan State University at the end of your program, you must inform the OISS. Please fill out a Notice of Departure Form and return it to our office.


J-1 SCHOLAR / J-1 STUDENT and J-2 DEPENDENT

HEALTH INSURANCE DISCLOSURE FORM

Name:

SEVIS ID:

Health insurance coverage is a requirement of all Exchange Visitors in J-1 or J-2 visa status. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has established the following minimum insurance requirements:

1. Medical insurance must cover the entire period of participation in the Exchange Visitor program. 2. Medical benefits must provide a minimum of $50,000 per accident or illness. 3. Medical evacuation must be covered in the amount of $10,000, minimum. 4. Repatriation must be covered in the amount of $7,500, minimum. 5. The deductible must not exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Please report how you are meeting the above requirements:

I am an employee of MSU and am receiving PHP or Community Blue health insurance coverage as a part of my employee benefits package.

I have purchased the optional Aetna Student Health coverage available from the MSU Benefits Office.

Coverage start date:

Coverage end date:

I am using a health insurance provider that is not affiliated with MSU.

Check one and fill in the company’s information below:

I have purchased a health insurance policy in my home country which is effective in the United States and meets the above requirements.

I have purchased a health insurance policy from a private company in the United States which meets the above requirements.

Name of Insurance Company: Telephone Number:

Email:

Website: Coverage start date: Coverage end date:

Your Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Dear International Scholar, Welcome to Michigan State University! We value our international community and are happy to welcome you to East Lansing as an Exchange Visitor. The purpose of the Exchange Visitor program is to foster a better understanding of U.S. culture and assist the Exchange Visitor in achieving his/her academic and professional goals. Michigan State University is proud of its long tradition of hosting visiting scholars and professors from around the world. The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) is here to help you as you begin your stay. We provide an orientation program for all newly arrived scholars each Thursday morning. Your orientation program is scheduled for: Thursday, ___________________ ____________ at 10:00am. (month) (day) If you have immediate needs which can not be addressed at the general orientation meeting for new scholars, please inform our office right away. If you have any further questions or concerns during your visit to Michigan State University, please feel free to make an appointment to see me. You can arrange the appointment in person at the OISS front desk or by calling 353-1720. Best regards, Brooke H.M. Sokdyk International Student and Scholar Advisor Office for International Students & Scholars

Revised 4/25/2010 1

OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS Phone: 517.353.1720 // Fax: 517.355.4657 E-mail: [email protected] // Web: http://www.isp.msu.edu/oiss

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Please Read Carefully

As a J-1 scholar sponsored by MSU, you should be aware of how federal immigration regulations will affect you. Please read the following information to prepare yourself for your upcoming visit to the United States and MSU.

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• You should check in with OISS within 20 days of your program start date. This includes all J-1 scholars (paid or unpaid by the university). If your SEVIS record is not activated within 29 days of the program start date, you are out of status. The start date is found under section 3 on your form DS-2019. Note: If you are unable to make the arrival date listed on your DS-2019, the host department must contact OISS so that your entry date can be deferred in the SEVIS system. If this is not done, and you check in beyond the 29 day grace period, there will be no way to activate your record in SEVIS. It is, therefore, critical for you to be in contact with your host department and OISS to confirm your arrival date.

• To check in, come to OISS during walk-in hours, Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Please tell the front desk that you are here for “scholar check in.” Upon check in, you must provide OISS with your U.S. address. This address must describe a residence. It cannot be a P.O Box or an office address. It can be a “care of” address or hotel address. Bring your DS-2019, your I-94, and your passport to check in. You will also be asked to complete an I-9 if you are employed by the university.

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• You and your dependents must have current passports at all times. If your passport expires, you are out of status. When a J-1 scholar loses his/her visa status, any J-2 dependents are automatically out of status as well.

• You must always be in possession of a valid DS-2019, which accurately reflects your purpose for being at MSU. If it is close to expiring, you should request an extension from your host department.

• You must come to OISS to have your DS-2019 signed if you will travel outside the United States. Signatures are valid for 6 months.

• You must also report any life event that may affect your immigration status such as marriage, change of legal name, or divorce. This rule also extends to J-2 dependents.

• You must report any change of address to OISS within 5 days. Email [email protected] to report address changes.

• If you are working at MSU you will need a Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, ask OISS for further information.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice. You should contact the Office for International Students and Scholars at [email protected] if you need to make any changes to your program plan or if you have questions or concerns related to your legal status in the United States.

Revised 4/25/2010 2

• J-1 scholars, students and dependents (J-2’s) are required to have major medical insurance for the duration of the program.

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• When your program is finished, you must complete a Departure Form for OISS. OISS is required to report your program end date to the federal government. This could be the end date on your DS-2019 or it could be a prior date if you complete your program early.

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• Request for extension must be made by your host department using the J-1 Extension Request form which can be downloaded at www.oiss.msu.edu .

• Your program must be extended before the end date on your current DS-2019. If the DS-2019 expires, then no extension is possible.

• To ensure that this process runs smoothly, ask your host department to send OISS any extension paperwork at least one month prior to the program end date. OISS will then verify that you are eligible for an extension and process the paperwork.

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• If you plan to transfer your J-1 visa sponsorship to another institution, you must inform OISS of your intent to do so prior to departing MSU so that proper SEVIS transfer arrangements can be made with the receiving institution. Please complete the J-1 Scholar Transfer Out Form available at www.oiss.msu.edu or in 105 International Center. Your MSU department supervisor must also sign this form to confirm that the department is aware of your transfer.

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• Please remember that OISS is the best place for advice concerning your visa status in the US. Other parties at the university may give advice based on only a partial understanding of visa regulations. Please verify any advice you receive with OISS before taking any action that may affect your visa status.

• J-2 dependents may request work permission from OISS or attend school at any educational level while they are in the United States.

• If you are being paid in the United States, you must file tax forms no later than April 15th of the following year. (For example: Tax forms for income earned in the 2010 calendar year are due no later than April 15th, 2011.) Please watch your email and the OISS website for information on how to attend a seminar on how to file taxes. These free seminars are held each year during February and March and are conducted by the MSU College of Law Tax Clinic.

o If you earn income but will depart the US prior to the tax filing deadline, you are still required to file tax forms. It is possible to file electronically from outside the US. In order to get free help with this process, please contact the MSU College of Law Tax Clinic to make arrangements at least two weeks prior to your departure. Website: http://www.law.msu.edu/clinics/tax

ATTENTION

MSU INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES

FOR YOUR TAX OPTIONS!!!

Please bring the following information to MSU Payroll Office located at 350 Administration Building

PASSPORT I-94 CARD I-20 or DS-2019 SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

o IF YOU HAVE JUST APPLIED FOR YOUR SSN: PLEASE WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR ORIGINAL SSN CARD IN THE MAIL. (This could take up to 4 weeks)

Please allow 30 to 45 minutes for processing paperwork

********** OFFICE HOURS ARE MONDAY – FRIDAY 10:00AM TO 4:00PM

(PROCESSING TIME)

OFFICE PHONE 355-5010 (8:00AM – 5:00PM)


Social Security Number – Applying at the SSA Branch Office

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique, 9-digit identification number, issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals - including those in F and J status who meet the requirements as indicated below.

Who is eligible to apply for an SSN?

Please consult the following chart for SSN eligibility:

Eligible for a Social Security Number Not eligible for a Social Security Number F-1 Students with on-campus employment F-1 Students without employment F-1 Students with CPT (Curricular Practical Training) authorization

F-2 Dependent family members

F-1 Students with OPT (Optional Practical Training) authorization

J-2 Dependent family members without EAD (Employment Authorization Document

J-1 Students

NOTE: If you are ineligible for an SSN, you may still visit the SSA office and obtain a letter proving your ineligibility for an SSN (called Form SSA L-676). This letter can be used as part of an application for a Michigan Driver’s License / ID Card.

J-1 Scholars J-2 Dependent family members with EAD (Employment Authorization Document)

How do I apply for an SSN?

Step One: As soon as possible after your arrival in the US, check in with OISS. (Note: If you attended International Student Orientation, you have already checked in.)

Step Two: Wait at least 10 days from the date of your arrival in the US and at least 2 days from the date you checked in with OISS. (Applying earlier could result in unnecessary delays.)

Step Three: Consult the list of required documents below. Go to the Social Security Administration office in person with all required documents to submit your SSN application.

What documents are required to apply for an SSN?

F-1 Students with on-campus employment • Passport • I-94 card • I-20 • F-1 SSN letter completed by on-campus employer

and signed by OISS (Template available from OISS) Note: SSN Applications may be submitted no more than 30 days prior to the employment start date.

F-1 Students with CPT • Passport • I-94 card • I-20 with CPT endorsement on page 3. ) Note: SSN

Applications may be submitted no more than 30 days prior to the employment start date.

F-1 Students with OPT • Passport • I-94 card • I-20 • OPT Card (Employment Authorization Document)

J-1 Students • Passport • I-94 card • DS-2019 • J-1 Student SSN Letter signed by OISS Note: J-1

students not under MSU program sponsorship should obtain the letter from the program sponsor.

J-1 Scholars • Passport • I-94 card • DS-2019 • J-1 Scholar SSN Letter signed by OISS

J-2 Dependents • Passport • I-94 card • DS-2019 • EAD (Employment Authorization Document)

How long does it take to obtain my SSN? Once your application has been approved, the SSA will send a Social Security card to the address you provided when you submitted your application. Usual processing time is 2-4 weeks. If additional security procedures are necessary, processing times may range from 4-6 weeks. If your card takes longer than 6 weeks to process, please contact OISS.

Can I start working without a SSN? In some cases at MSU, you may begin your employment without an SSN as long as your other hiring forms have been completed. When you receive your Social Security card, please provide a copy to your hiring department and/or the Payroll Office. Please make sure you consult your hiring department administrator before beginning any employment.

What if I lose my Social Security card? Applications for replacement Social Security cards are exactly the same as applying for a new SSN, except you must disclose your existing SSN. All documents required for a new SSN application are also required for a replacement card application.

What if my name is incorrect on my Social Security card? If your name is incorrect, please return to the SSA office with your passport, I-94 card, and related documents to request a correction. If you experience difficulty correcting your name, please contact OISS.

Security and Identity Theft Your Social Security card should be kept in a safe place and your SSN should be given out only as needed to guard against "identity theft." See http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft for more information on identity theft, or the SSA's information on Social Security fraud at: http://www.ssa.gov.

Where to find the Social Security Administration – Lansing Branch 5210 Perry Robinson Circle Local Phone: (517) 393-3876 Lansing, MI 48911 National Phone: (800) 772-1213 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am – 4pm Website: www.ssa.gov

From MSU via CATA Bus: Take Bus #1 to the Lansing Bus Station and transfer to Bus #5 going south to the corner of Jolly and South Cedar. Estimated travel time is 45 minutes, as Bus #1 runs every 10 minutes and Bus #5 runs every 20 minutes.

From MSU via Car: Take I-496/127 South to Exit #11 toward Jolly Road. After exiting the highway, turn right onto Dunckel Road, then right again onto Jolly Road. After crossing over Cedar Street, turn left onto Perry Robinson Circle.