Information for International Students

Office of International Affairs

Web: internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu
E-mail: international-affairs@uchicago.edu

International House, Room 291
2-7752
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

If you are an international student looking for advice on United States government regulations, University rules and policies, related personal problems, or just about any other concerns, take advantage of the Office of International Affairs (OIA).

OIA offers information about:

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions from F-1 or J-1 international students.

How can I find other international students?
The International Student Association helps new students get accustomed to life in the U.S. and in Chicago. You can learn a lot from others' experiences with insurance, shopping for inexpensive clothes and food, banking, telephone companies, travel, cultural activities, work, housing, schools for children, ethnic neighborhoods in Chicago, or buying a used car.

E-mail international-affairs@uchicago.edu to find out more. There are also many cultural/ethnic organizations at the University. (See Student Life, Student Organizations for more information on student organizations.) And International House has social and cultural events throughout the year (see Real Life, Living Space, for more information on I-House).

Do I need a State of Illinois driver's license?
No. You can drive with a valid driver's license from your home country.

Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN)?
You need an SSN if you plan to work. In fact, actual employment is the only circumstance under which F-1 students can qualify for an SSN. If you aren't eligible for an SSN, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For more details, visit internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/students/prospective/social_security.shtml.

Can I get an SSN for my F-2 or J-2 spouse?
Those with F-2 status won't be able to get an SSN, because they aren't allowed to get a job. However, they can obtain a Temporary Illinois Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) by following the instructions at www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/ drivers_license/tempvisitordl.html. Employment is the factor that determines whether or not a spouse with J-2 status can obtain an SSN. For details on J-2 employment, visit the OIA Web site.

Do I need to file income tax returns?
You must file some document each year that you are in the United States, whether or not you are employed and have income. Your individual circumstances determine which document is required. OIA can't provide tax advice, but software is available at OIA that you can use to file the federal tax return that is due on April 15. You'll be sent more information about this software each February.

Am I allowed to work?
Most F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to work on campus. For specifics, refer to the OIA Web page or handouts, or come to an OIA workshop.

Can my spouse work?
If your spouse is an F-2, he or she may not work, even in a job such as baby-sitting. If your spouse is offered a job at a professional level, he or she should work with the prospective employer to change from F-2 to an immigration status that allows employment.

J-2 dependents may apply by mail to USCIS for authorization to work. The process can take up to four months. A J-2 dependent may not legally work to support a J-1 student, or to pay any of the expenses of a J-1's program of study. Applications for authorization to work are available at OIA.

Is there anything I need to know about traveling outside the United States?
Yes. Go to OIA's Web site for a complete list of documents you need to reenter the United States.

How can I keep up to date about issues that affect international students and about SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)?
OIA sends a monthly e-mail message to all international students. It has reminders, announcements, and information about maintaining status and applying for work permission. It is very important that you maintain your @uchicago.edu email account, as this is the only way in which OIA communicates with international students collectively. For details, see the Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations.

Is there a place where my spouse or family can meet other families?
International House welcomes the families of international students and is a convenient and casual place to gather, study, and adjust to life in America. Through informal and friendly activities, spouses and children often improve their English skills, find friendships, and develop a sense of membership in the University community. (The ability to speak English is not required.) See Real Life, Living Space, for details.

What kind of ESL programs are available?
Basic, intermediate, and advanced English as a Second Language classes are held at International House. For each quarter's class schedule, look at the I-House bulletin boards or visit the I-House Web site at ihouse.uchicago.edu. For more information, contact I-House (753-2270).

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