Tips for International Students,
from International Students
Obtaining a Driver's License:
If you have a license from another country
- Go to the ISS office and pick up a copy of the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicles Laws. Read it in detail since it a very useful guide if you are going to take the Written Driving test.
- Go to the local exam station. It is the one on Mayfield Heights in the Golden Gates Plaza. The last few pages of the Digest have a detailed list of the different BMV locations and their phone numbers. You need to take your Passport with Visa, I-20 form, I-94 card, Social Security Card and License of the other country.
- At the station you will first be made to take a vision test, which will then be followed by the computerized theory test. You will need to answer 30 of 40 questions to pass this test. As soon as you answer 30 questions the test stops.
- After you have finished the test and if you have passed it, you will be given a receipt which is valid for 60 days with which you can take the actual driving test.
- You need to schedule a time for this driving test before you take it. You can do this either on http://ohiodrivingtest.com/ or calling them on the numbers available for different testing stations. Ex: The Mayfield number is 216-787-5880.
- If you need a car for the test go to http://www.drivingclass.com/prices.html. They have the option where they provide a car for your test for $85.00. If you are new to driving they have classes available or if you just need a refresher you can select that option. You can look up other driving schools by googling Cleveland driving schools.
- You take the test which in Ohio is divided into two parts 1) The maneuverability test and 2) The road test. You need to pass both to get a license. After you have passed both they will process and give you the license in the same day.
- If you have any further questions feel free to contact a member of the I-Club or the ISS office.
Obtaining a Social Security Number:
- The very first step you need to do to obtain a social security number is to get a campus job.
- Once you have a campus job you must obtain a letter from your employer which certifies that you are indeed working for them.
- Now with this letter you must get documents from student services and the ISS office certifying similar things.
- Now with these documents along with these documents in hand along with your passport, I-20 and I-94 you can make your way to the Social Security Administration.
- You can go to the office located on 11601 Shaker Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120-1913 which is fairly close by. If you do not have a car it is fairly simple to get there by bus. You just need to look up the route on google maps. Similarly there are also other offices that you can get to by using google maps.
- Go to the social security office that you have selected and show the documents. They will check them and you will be able to receive your social security card within a week or two.
- If you have any further questions feel free to contact a member of the I-Club or the ISS office.
Getting a Credit Card:
Most international students find it difficult to get a credit card in the U.S. because they have not established a credit history and because they are not U.S. residents. As an international student, you face a few more challenges than other first-time credit card applicants because of your lack of credit history, income, and residency. But this doesn't mean that your situation is hopeless. Just follow the strategies below and you will likely get your first credit card in a few weeks.
Strategy 1 - Apply for a student credit card
- A few credit card issuers offer credit card programs specifically to target college students. These credit cards do not require cardholders to have income or employment. They are generally approved for relatively low initial lines of credit. Most student credit cards carry no annual fee, and the APR is comparable to the standard credit cards from the same issuer. Despite the lower initial credit line, student credit cards offer you the same benefits as standard major credit cards, which make it a good starting point to build your credit history.
- It is a good idea to include a copy of your student ID card as proof of your student status
- Some of the popular student credit card issuers are:
- American Express Credit Card for Students
- AT&T Universal
- Bank of America
- Capital One
- Discover/Greenwood Trust Co.
- Chase
Strategy 2 - Open a premium banking account or an investment banking account that includes credit card as a feature
- Some financial institutions such as American Express, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo offer complete banking services including checking, investment, credit card, and bill payment service all in one
- If you can maintain a high balance, it may make better financial sense to look into opening an investment banking account rather than a standard checking account. An investment account provides you with more options to better manage your financial assets.
Strategy 3 - Get a secured credit card
If you still could not get your first credit card with the above strategies, you may want to apply for a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you are required to make an initial deposit into a bank account held by the card-issuing institution to secure your line of credit. The secured card can be used in the same way as a credit card with the same convenience and payment flexibility. It's a great "starter card" and helps you establish a credit history.
Strategy 4 - Start with department store or other single purpose cards such as gas cards
Many retail stores such as Sears, Macy, Circuit City and others offer their own credit cards. A good way to apply for a retail store credit cards is to buy a major ticket item and put it on credit. Your application can be approved in minutes for enough credit to cover your purchase, and usually you also get some additional discount on your first transaction with your newly activated credit card. Responsible use of these cards can also help you build a credit history.