Anyone?

Does anyone know the documentary requirements applicable to foreign nationals without social sec no?

Do tell. Citibank in my country can't comment on US requirements.

Thanx:)

I think you can get a social security # that only allows you to work with an authorization. I had a German exchange student attending college on a student visa who obtained such a social security card, which he used to open a bank account, get a driver's license, obtain auto insurance etc. Also, if you have a Citibank account in your home country, do you need to open a US account? Wouldn't you be able to make transactions, deposits and withdrawals, at the US branch of Citibank. When I travel overseas I use my credit and ATM card from my US bank without any problem.

Hi Richard

Many thanks. No, I can't use my Citi a/c at home as there will be a transaction fee for every $-denominated transaction I conduct. Also, I won't get a check book where I can write checks denominated in $s. Therefore, it will be both inconvenient & expensive to use my home a/c.

I'll try to google for it of course, but if u can, could u elaborate a little on this category of social secy no. which allows u to work only with an authoriztn? I think a lot of ppl on this board will find it very useful information. Thanks:)

I recall it being rather simple. When you arrive in the US you go to the local Social Security office with your documentation and fill out an application. You will then be issued a #. You will need a Social Security # to work while attending school (you can work part-time on campus with a student visa), or to work in the US after you graduate (you can get a one year work visa after you graduate). The card looks exactly like a regular Social Security card except that it clearly states on the front: "Not vaild for work in the United States without authorization."

Ok, I just found this link on the subject.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10181.html

It looks like Social Security is now requiring that you have a job in the US before it will issue you a number. This was not the case when I had my exchange student. Sorry for the bad info.

Thanks Richard. Very useful link. Its still 'good' information. Its always good to know whether you are eligible/ineligible to apply for something.

Therefore, the question is open: a foreign national on a F1 visa without social sec no and with little chance of getting one during the course of the LLM prog (I suppose most use the OPT after the LLM) - whats she/he to do to open a US student checking a/c for paying the fees/rent etc?

I may have misunderstood here, but I had no issues getting a checking account without a social security number. I can also pay bills online or with checks. I know both Bank of America and Wachovia allow it, and all the LLMs in my class had regular accounts in US banks. Was that the question? You can also get your driver's license without a SS.

You will however get your SS if you get a part time job while doing your LLM (or if you research for a professor or something like thtat). SS might be very convenient to have for i.e. phone companies.

hannenyh,
not anymore u cant. at least not in North Carolina. They need a ss # for a driver's licence.

Hi Hannenyh

Do you remember what documents u were asked to submit by the bank where u opened the checking a/c during yr LLM year?

I will just have my passport, I-20, I-94 card and an admission letter (from columbia) --- my question essentially is: What docs do int'l llm students [non-US citizens and without a social security no] submit to the bank to get an a/c? Its just a procedural/technical pt really but I just want to mk sure I carry the requisite documentation to open the a/c for my LLM year starting next month.

Thanks:)

They just passed a new law in NC, so you can get it with a F1 visa (but not J visa) without a SS. A lot of DMV'sdon't know this though, so you might need to show them the law. My school did this for me. Everyone got their license without a problem after this, however they had some issues with how long they are valid. But I think this has been fixed with a new law too. Your school's international office should know this.

As to questions abt the bank account. I don't think I brought anything but my passport, but I am not sure. It is a year ago.

Hey thanks a lot. I know it mite be hard after the long efflux of time, but any chance u could jog yr memory a little? :)

Hi there,
I'm an international LLM, and also opened my checking account without problems. All I needed was my passport and a second identification document (my driver's license from my country). I think you should talk to a manager at any branch of the bank that you have chosen.

Hi

Thanks Varnieri. I will take a copy of my driving license then. Your school didn't issue a letter to you for this purpose? I was told I might need one in NY... I'll have to go and see

Thanks again

As far as I remember, if you want to open a commission-free checking/ savings account at a bank here you will probably need: a) 2 proofs of identification (may be passport and university ID); b) proof of enrollment in university (the Bursar office usually issues it); and c) some confirmation of address (your lease agreement or a certificate issued by the Housing department of your university).

Bottom-line being: don´t worry too much about what to bring, you will be able to gather all the documents here in the US.

Thanks Ivan. Appreciate it. I guess nothing much to worry, but its always good to know.

Thanks again