International MFA Students

Below is advice from several international students. The International Program Office has more detailed information and regulations.

International Student Tips:

Social Security Number: One major hurdle to setting up new accounts is that you have to wait until the third week of September to get your Social Security Number. Around that time you’ll get an email telling you when the SSN people will be on campus and what you need to bring, so be sure to drop by with your forms those days. The SSN comes in the mail very quickly after you’ve dropped off your documents.

More information about SSN.

Banks: To get a US bank account, bring your passport and a second form of ID (e.g. Driver’s License) into a branch that you would like to bank with. TD Bank offers a lot of options for international banking, which is especially convenient for Canadian students. The day you sign up they give you a few checks, which is helpful in setting up your direct deposit if you are teaching in the Writing Program.

Mobile Phones: You can not usually get a cell phone contract plan without an SSN or an American credit card. To start, you can buy a SIM card for your unlocked phone (or buy a cheap phone), and use a Pay as You Go Plan. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon can all help you with this.

Establishing Credit: If you’d like to establish credit in the states, you can apply for a secured credit card or ask your bank what your options are. CapitalOne.com has a secured Mastercard for those with bad or no credit (you pay a fee to “secure” the limit) which allows you to track your credit score.

Internet: You can set up your internet without an SSN and American credit card, but may need to go into the store to pay in cash and show your ID (Comcast/Verizon).

Writing Program: If you are teaching in the writing program as an international student, you can only teach 1 section per semester (2 total), but are paid the same as those teaching 3 total sections. To make up for the extra hours you are paid, you will be involved in special projects, research, or tutoring (someone in the WP will be in touch about this).

Employment Session for New International Graduates (This is a different session than the mandatory international student orientation)

• You will be given 2-3 possible dates to attend an August employment session. I strongly suggest going to the first one. This makes sure you are paid on time and helps you with any questions/bumps in the road.
• The auditorium where this is will be extremely cold. Bring a sweater!
• You can print off the packet/forms you need ahead of time, but they will also have copies there.
• Don’t forget to bring your passport/visa information (DS 2109 for J Visas, I-20 for F Visas)
• You have to bring direct deposit information (a void check from a new US bank account works)