A Social Security Number is often required to open a bank account, obtaining car insurance, etc. Only certain non-U.S. citizens can obtain SSNs. Others should apply for an ITIN.
Instructions are given here for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. If you hold a different visa, you should consult International Affairs for more details.
F-1 visa holders and J-1 visa holders
Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued to F-1 and J-1 visa holders only if they actually have an on-campus job, or if they have a firm promise of a job on-campus which will begin soon. The Social Security Office can be found at 391 34th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33713
To obtain an SSN:
1. Secure employment with USF,
2. Obtain an employment offer letter from employer. This should state:
a. the name of the student,
b. the name of the employer,
c. the start date of employment.
3. Bring your employment letter to International Affairs for a supporting letter. It may take up to a week to produce this letter.
4. Take the following documents to the Social Security Office:
a. Valid passport
b. I-94 card
c. I-20 ID or DS-2019
d. Employer's letter
e. Letter from International Affairs
f. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - if appropriate
Driver Licenses |
New Driver licenses may be obtained from one of the following locations in Pinellas County:
1900 62nd Ave N,
St Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 893-2573
4827 34th St S,
St Petersburg, FL 33711
(727) 893-2749
6855 62nd Ave N,
Pinellas Park, FL 33871
(727) 547-7684
As a non-immigrant, you will need to bring
- your passport, visa and I-94. As always, F-1 and M-1 visa holders should bring their I-20, and J-1 and J-2 visa holders should bring their DS-2019, and
- it is a good idea to also bring additional evidence of identification such as identification from your home country, your social security card, etc., and
- if you have one, bring your existing driver license from your home country, and
- cash or check. The current fee for a new license is $20.
In exceptional cases, you may substitute other information for (1) above. For example, if you have an Employment Authorization Document from the Department of Justice, you can bring this. More details are available at Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
In addition to providing the correct documents, you must prove your competency to drive.
Counseling & Career Center |
USF St. Petersburg has an excellent Counseling and Career Center. Their staff will be able to help you with homesickness, and adjusting to life in the United States.
| Local Immigration Attorneys |
We cannot recommend a specific lawyer.
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision. You should be comfortable talking to a lawyer before retaining their services. A further listing of attorneys can be found in the Yellow Pages.
Immigration Attorneys:
Pamela Chesebrough,
12551 Indian Rocks Road,
Suite 15, Galleria,
Largo, FL 33474
(727) 517-2400
Ellen Gorman,
2600 9th St. N,
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
(727) 897-9084
Alberto Lense,
233 3rd St. N #100,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 822-6621
Fowler White Boggs Banker P.A.
501 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1700
Tampa, FL 33602
(813)228-7411
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Academic Affairs | International Student Services 