US · Arrival
Your first month in the US
SSN/ITIN, banking, health insurance, drivers license — the operational tasks every F-1 student has to clear.
- Estimated time
- ~35 min
- Region
- United States
- Total guides
- 6 guides
In this track
- 01
International student SSN application
How F-1 and J-1 students apply for a Social Security number, including work authorization, school letters, SSA documents, timing, and common mistakes.
Read guide
- 02
International student ITIN application
ITIN application for international students: Form W-7 requirements, supporting documents, acceptance agents, processing timeline, and how an ITIN differs from an SSN.
Read guide
- 03
International student banking: best banks
How international students should compare U.S. banks, including IDs, fees, SSN issues, wire transfers, campus branches, credit cards, and fraud prevention.
Read guide
- 04
International student credit history
Credit history for international students: how to build US credit from zero, ITIN vs SSN, secured cards, authorized user strategies, and credit score factors.
Read guide
- 05
International student health insurance requirements
Health insurance requirements for international students: F-1 and J-1 coverage rules, school plans vs private insurance, waivers, and what your policy must include.
Read guide
- 06
International student driver's license by state
International student driver's license by state: which states accept foreign licenses, written and road test requirements, document checklists, and REAL ID rules.
Read guide
Official sources
Verify rules and forms on first-party government sites as you work through this track.
Start with the legal hub
- US student visas hub
F-1, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT procedural guides in one place.
- F-1 document checklist 2026
What to assemble for I-20, DS-160, and the consular interview.
- OPT & STEM OPT complete guide
Post-completion work authorisation after you graduate.