Life in the US

Social Security Number

International students must have a job before applying for a Social Security number. After a student is hired, she or he should visit the International Office to pick up a Social Security number application form and list of other documents required. It takes approximately two weeks after the date of application to receive a Social Security card in the mail.

Bank Account

Two banks near North Park’s campus--the Chase Bank on Kedzie north of Lawrence and Foster Bank at the corner of Foster and Kedzie—allow F-1 students to open bank accounts and get ATM cards without a Social Security number. International students should bring their passport and I-20 form when they go to the bank.

Driver’s License

International students with a Social Security number can apply for an Illinois driver’s license at the Motor Vehicle Facility on Elston Avenue north of Foster Avenue. For more information visit the Cyber Drive Illinois website. Click on “Driver’s License Information” on the right side of the screen to learn about the documents you must present when you apply.

International students without a Social Security number may drive using a valid driver’s license from their home country. Students should stop by the International Office for more information about driving on a home country license.

The State of Illinois does not issue an “International Driver’s License.” International students without a Social Security number who need a card for the purposes of identification may apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL). For more information visit the Cyber Drive Illinois website. Enter the letters TVDL in the search box at the top of the screen to learn about requirements.