International FAQs

If your question is not below, send us an email at cis@kean.edu

Questions:

1. When am I eligible for a Social Security Number?

2. How do I apply for a Social Security Number?

3. How do I obtain a Driver's License?

4. Do I need a Tourist Visa to visit Canada?

5. Do I need a Tourist Visa to visit Mexico?

6. How do I apply for a job on-campus?

In order to be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number, you must:

• Maintain legally F-1 status

• Enroll as a full-time student throughout your course of study

• Be legally eligible to work as authorized by DHS. Employment has been offered to you on-campus, be enrolled in an off-campus Internship or participating in practical training.

• Information can be found at: https://www.ssa.gov/

• Once you have read the information above completely, please contact Center for International Studies at cis@kean.edu to get a letter certifying your eligibility for a Social Security Number. You also need to get an application for a Social Security Number at your Social Security Office or visit https://www.ssa.gov/forms/

• Go to your local Social Security Office. You will need to bring the following documents with you:

  • The letter from the university authorizing you to work

  • Valid passport

  • Your most recent Form I-20

  • Your I-94 record that indicates your current immigration status

                     The application takes about 3-4 weeks to be process.

For International students at Kean University, contact Center for International Studies at cis@kean.edu and ask for instructions on how to obtain a letter for your application to take the permit test without a Social Security Number.

Information on how to apply for a Driver's license can be found here: https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/firstlic.htm

Six Point ID Verification System 
Identification Verification Applicants will be required to prove their identity through a prescribed combination of documents. Each type is assigned a point value, and the total point value of all documents presented must be at least six (6) points. 

Canada requires citizens from many countries to apply for a visa before traveling to Canada. 

More information can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html

Mexico requires citizens from many countries to apply for a visa before traveling to Mexico. A complete list of citizens from countries that are required to have visas can be found at: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/nuevayork/index.php/en/visas-foreigners

An international student who is in lawful F-1 status is eligible to apply for a job on campus. Students interested in on campus employment can fill out an application by visiting Human Resources located on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building. In addition, some departments may have their own application process and conduct private searches for student assistants. Networking with particular departments of interest is recommended.