Life at OCC

It is important to remember that while studying in the United States you are expected to follow all laws and policies. 

• The U.S. has multiple types of law including federal, state and local community laws. 
  
  
• International students who violate a U.S. law can have different consequences than American students and unlawful activity can negatively impact your immigration status. 
  
  
• Non-immigrants (including F and M visa holders): You have certain constitutional rights in the U.S. when confronted by local or federal authorities. Please connect with International Student Services to discuss any specific interaction with local or federal government, or general concerns about rights as a non-citizen.
  

You should connect with International Student Services if any criminal issues arise. For general information on immigrant/nonimmigrant rights there are several resources available including: 

American Immigration Lawyer Association

• • Know Your Rights if ICE visits

American Civil Liberties Union

• • Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Rights
  • Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police
  • Video: Immigrants’ Rights: What To Do If Stopped

National Immigration Law Center

• • Know Your Rights

F-1 / F-2 visa holders need several documents to apply for a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, including: 

• Proof of Social Security Number OR proof of ineligibility for a number (Form SSA L-676). 
  
  
• I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) student of (F-2) dependent.
  
  
• Driver's License letter from OCC: request in the F-1 Student Portal.
  
  
• Two documents to prove Michigan residence. This can 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
  • US government document
  • Vehicle registration and title
    

Secretary of State resources

• More details on the driver's license process can be found at the Michigan Secretary of State.
  
  
• You can schedule a meeting at the nearest Secretary of State office up to six months in advance.

Eligibility for a Social Security Number

As of Oct. 13, 2004, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will only give F-1 international students a Social Security Number only when they can show proof of a job offer either on campus at OCC or approved Curricular Practical Training. 

On campus employment

You must provide SSA with a letter from the OCC employer a letter from OCC International Student Services. You can request this letter within the F-1 student portal. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

If you have an approved CPT authorization, you must provide a copy of the I-20 and verification of employment from their employer. 

Processing time

It may take up to two weeks to receive the Social Security card by mail. However, you can obtain a receipt from the SSA office showing the number within 24 hours of their official request. Please remember to ask about returning the next day for the second receipt with the Social Security Number printed on it. 

Social Security Administration Letter of Ineligibility (Form SSA L-676)

The Social Security Administration issues a letter of ineligibility for those individuals who are unable to apply for the SSN. For people who are not eligible for an SSN, this letter is called a Form SSA L-676 letter. This can be helpful to show government agencies that normally require an SSN.

Eligibility for SSA L-676

People in the following visa statuses need an SSA L-676 to apply for a Michigan Driver License or State Identification Card:

• • F-1 students without employment
  • F-2 dependent family members
  • J-2 dependent family members without employment authorization
  • H-4 dependent family members without employment authorization

Required application materials for SSA L-676

• • Photocopy of passport biographical page
    
    
  • Additional immigration document:
    • F-1 or F-2: Photocopy of I-20
      
    • J-2: Photocopy of DS-2019
      
    • H-4: Photocopy of I-797C Approval Notice
      

Note: SSA L-676 letters are only valid for 30 days! If the date on your letter from SSA and the date of your appointment with the Secretary of State’s office is more than 30 days apart, you must request a new letter from SSA.

As an F-1 student attending school in the United States, you may need to file taxes with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State of Michigan. 

The International Student Services team is not able to provide tax advising and recommend that students speak with a certified tax professional. Another resource is to contact the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for additional assistance.

NOTE: All F-1 students and their F-2 dependents must complete Form 8843 and send it to the Internal Revenue Service, even if they did not work.