International Student Support

To watch the narrated slide deck, click here.

To view a file of the slide deck click below.

Pre-Departure Slide Show International compressed

2026-2027-ACADEMIC-CALENDAR_02.20.26

What-To-Bring-2025

You are accepted to Nichols and made a deposit, now what?

The P/DSO will receive all your information from admissions so we can provide, to you, an I-20. The I-20 IS NOT your visa, it is your ticket to apply for a visa.

Below is an example of an I-20 with each part labeled.

On the back of your I-20, you will see a space for the following: Employment authorizations, Change of Status/Cap-Gap Extension, Authorized Reduced Course Load, Current Session Dates and Travel Endorsement. NONE of this will be filled out at this point. In the future, we may/may not utilize some of those sections on the back. 

• You will need to pay the SEVIS fee, which you can do here using your SEVIS number on your I-20 form. For additional help, see this video.
• You will also need to fill out the online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and print to bring with you to the interview.
• Upload a photo while completing the online form DS-160.
• Schedule your interview at a U.S. Embassy in the country you live. Here is a link to the embassy’s in your country with wait times.
• Prepare for your visa interview. Here’s a video to help you understand what you might expect.
• Pay the non-refundable fee

Woohoo! You do not need a visa if you are Canadian!

Once you receive your I-20 from the International Programs office, please make sure of the following:

• The P/DSO signed the front page
• You sign the front page

On the back of your I-20, you will see a space for the following: Employment authorizations, Change of Status/Cap-Gap Extension, Authorized Reduced Course Load, Current Session Dates and Travel Endorsement. NONE of this will be filled out at this point. In the future, we may/may not utilize some of those sections on the back. 

It is highly recommended that you keep the University Health Plan from Nichols College. The state of Massachusetts requires Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant insurance. While ISO or other insurances may be cheaper, they are only ACA comparable and not compliant. Purchasing comparable insurance may have future tax implications and could result in higher costs overall.

• Medical History Form- this is an online form on the BisonCare Health Portal. Be prepared to add information about your own medical history, family medical history, medications, and any health problems.
• TB Risk Screen Questionnaire- this is an online form on the BisonCare Health Portal.
• ALL required immunizations
  • Tdap within 10 years (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
  • Documented immunity to Varicella: Series of 2 vaccinations OR positive titer OR physician certified history of chicken pox.
  • Documented immunity to measles, mumps, rubella: series of 2 MMR vaccinations OR positive titers for ALL 3 (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella titers)
  • Documented Immunity to Hepatitis B: Series of 3 vaccinations OR positive titer
  • Either a Meningitis A vaccine given AFTER the 16^th birthday OR the signed Meningitis Waiver Form
• Physical Exam that is within 1 year from the start of the semester HOWEVER, Athletes’ physicals must be within 6 months. The Physical Exam Form must be completed, signed/dated by the physician and/or stamped with their office information.

• Physical Exams are required to be within 6 months to meet NCAA standards
• Negative sickle cell test results
• Front and Back of the insurance card, in addition to signing an “Insurance & Consent Form” on the BisonCare Health Portal
• There may be additional consent/safety forms required on the BisonCare Health Portal 
• To access the BisonCare Health Portal, you will need your OneLogin from Nichols. If you have trouble with this, please contact IT at: helpdesk@nichols.edu

https://www.universityhealthplans.com/Nichols

Please contact Student Life at student.life@nichols.edu if you plan or need to arrive early to make arrangements.

Once you arrive, you have 30 days to see your P/DSO and verify your presence on campus. The office will then update your I-20 and print a new one. Please use the following link to set up an appointment to do this the first few weeks of school. **NEGLECTING TO CHECK IN WITH P/DSO WITHIN 30 DAYS WILL RESULT IN A CANCELLATION OF YOUR I-20 AND YOUR AUTHORIZATION TO BE IN THE US AS A STUDENT**

Please click the link below to see current visa wait times for your country or city.

Visa Wait Times

Schedule an Appointment

Link for information about the DS-160

This is 24/7 assistance with emergencies and non-emergencies.

Parking decals, access to campus facilities if you happen to forget your key or ID, and emergency response is just a few things they can assist with.

Contact:

publicsafety@nichols.edu

508-213-2298

Located on the lower level of Daniels Auditorium

Find Pub Safety on the Hub!

For help with billing, health insurance, payments, scholarships and all things money, please contact Student Financial Services.

Contact:

SFS@nichols.edu

508-213-2288

3rd Floor, Conrad Hall, Offices 311-315.

Find SFS on the Hub!

Transcripts, course registration, Enrollment verification (for your home country if you are provided tuition assistance from your government), withdrawal, course request and anything having to do with enrollment and courses.

Contact:

registrar@nichols.edu

508-213-2290

Academic Building Room 223

Find Registrar on the Hub!

Advising helps with choosing courses, majors, course selection and potential careers. If you need accommodations, you can also discuss this with the advising team.

Contact:

advising@nichols.edu

Advising Suite 217-221

Find Advising on the Hub!

Residence halls, policies and living on campus can be found in Residence Life.

Contact:

508-213-2092

reslife@nichols.edu

FELS Student Center, 3rd Floor

Find Residence Life on the Hub!

Student life has a wealth of knowledge, resources and information for all things about being a Bison on campus.

Contact:

508-213-2480

student.life@nichols.edu

FELS Student Center, 3rd floor

Find Student Life on the Hub!

Campus-Map-Parking-2023

International Handbook_5_26

This handbook is a quick guide for how to stay in status and manage your time in the United States. What you cannot find in the guide, you can find on this site.

In order to maintain F1 status, you must do the following:

• Enroll in the required number of credit hours each semester, which is 12 credits.
• Ensure your I-20 form has a current travel signature and reflects any changes to your program or status.
• Maintain good academic standing
• Report any addresses changes promptly to your P/DSO
• Follow work authorization rules
• Obtain proper authorization for off-campus work
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an internship related to yoru major.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) is working post graduation in a field related to your major.
• Communicate with your P/DSO about any concerns or changes impacting your F1 status.
• Understand the “five-month rule”
  • Generally, you can temporarily leave the US for up to five months without jeopardizing your F1 status. Speak to your P/DSO if this might pertain to your specific situation.

In general, on-campus employment for international students means that you are working:

• On Nichols campus;

• For a Nichols property or department and are on payroll such as The Bison Den, Golf Course or Nichols Consulting Group;

• Are working for a student facing third party vendor such as American Dining or Barnes and Noble.

If these conditions are not met–for example, you would be working on campus but a professor or organization other than NIchols College would be paying you, please speak with the Director of International Programs or your P/DSO.

As an F-1 student, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus without separate employment authorization, but you’ll need to get a social security number. 

• When you first enter the country in F-1 status, your first day of employment should be no earlier than 30 days before classes start.

• While school is in session, you can’t work more than 20 hours per week. During the summer and other breaks, you can work full time.

• You can’t continue employment after you’ve finished your program of study, unless you have a new I-20 for a new program of study.

• You can only work at the school that controls your SEVIS record. If you are attending 2 intuitions at the same time, you can only work on the campus that issued your I-20.

• F-1 students CANNOT work off campus without specific authorization.  Please see the Director of International Programs or your P/DSO to your advisor first. 

Tips

• You can search for on-campus jobs through Handshake.

• Look for the career fair held on campus at the beginning of each semester.

• Visit Nichols’ Career and Professional Development Center.

• International students aren’t eligible for Federal Work Study positions.

You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work on campus.

Before applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), you must first have either:

• An official on-campus job offer or
• An internship offer letter

Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment

You must make an appointment with a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You may choose any office located in:

• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island

Click here to schedule your appointment.

Step 2: Save Your Appointment Information

After scheduling your appointment, you MUST either:

• Take a screenshot of your confirmation page, OR
• Write down the following information:
  • Appointment date and time
  • Office location
  • Confirmation number
• Click here to make an appointment online

⚠️Important: Once you close the appointment window, you will NOT be able to retrieve this information again.⚠️

You must bring your confirmation number to your appointment. If you do not have it, the SSA office will deny your appointment, and you will need to restart the process.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Before attending your appointment, you must prepare your document packet.

You are required to meet with your P/DSO first to receive the remaining documents needed for your SSN application.

Do not attend your appointment until you have received the remaining documents needed for your P/DSO.

You will need to obtain a letter from your supervisor on campus. Current Supervisor Job Letter Offer for SSN Appt.

Need an SSN for a Non-Employment Reason?

If you need a Social Security Number for a reason other than employment–such as:

• Applying for a driver’s license
• Signing an apartment lease
• Opening a bank account

we can provide you with a support letter to apply for an SSN that does not authorize employment.

Please contact your P/DSO for additional information or make an appointment with your PDSO here.

1. Students can only be authorized for CPT during their degree program: F-1 students interested in working in the US after graduation may apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

2. Exception to one academic year requirement: The one academic year waiting period can be waived for students enrolled in a graduate program that requires a practicum during their first year. Or, transfers that have completed one academic year in the same degree level.  Therefore, if you are an undergraduate who transferred after one year in undergraduate studies in the US, you are eligible for CPT.

3. Leave of Absences and Other SEVIS Terminations: Students who have re-entered the US using a new SEVIS record after a previous record was terminated/completed will need to complete one academic year of full-time study under their new SEVIS record before becoming eligible for CPT. This rule applies to a student who was given an authorized early withdrawal for a leave of absence (gap semester/year) and returned to the US with a new SEVIS record.

4. Unpaid Internships: Financial compensation is not the only indicator of employment in the US. We recommend that students obtain work authorization for any activities with non-Nichols organizations. In the case of unpaid internships, the student should also obtain written verification from the organization’s Human Resources confirming the position does not violate any labor laws. 

5. Part-time or Full-time

• Part-time CPT is 20 hours a week or less

  • Students can participate in part-time CPT when school is in session. 

  • If the CPT will take place during your final semester, only part-time CPT is allowed.  

• Full-time is 20+ hours a week

  • A student may participate in full-time CPT during the summer or breaks unless the student is in their first or last term.

  • **Any student who is authorized for one full year or more (365+ days) of full-time CPT loses eligibility for OPT at their degree level.**

6. Employment Dates: If the CPT eligibility is based on enrollment in a course (option #2), the CPT authorization must fall within the semester dates as listed on the College’s Academic Calendar. 

• There are circumstances when employment dates can fall outside the academic calendar. These instances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

  • Students requesting an exception should be prepared to provide documentation that explains the reason the position must start before the “classes begin” date and/or after the “end of Term” date as listed on the calendar.

Documentation may include:

• An offer letter, supplemental offer letter, email from the hiring manager proving the start/end date.
• Official job posting that states the required start and end date for interns accepted into the program
• Other documentation explaining the medical or other extenuating circumstance
• CPT may not overlap semesters. 
• Please contact your P/DSO to discuss your situation if you have questions.

7. Multiple CPT authorizations with the same employer: For CPTs that are not required by a degree program, students may not receive multiple CPT authorizations for the same experience.

• In rare cases, a student may be eligible for a second CPT authorization with the same employer, provided that the experience is significantly different from the first CPT authorization. (ex. Student receives a CPT authorization for an internship in marketing with Company A, and then submits a CPT request for a second internship with Company A in the field of Accounting).

• A student may not receive a second CPT authorization to extend a practical training experience. If a student wishes to gain additional practical training in the same position, the student would need to apply for pre-completion OPT.

F-1 students engaged in paid internships must have CPT or another form of employment authorization. However, even for unpaid internships, we strongly recommend students to apply for CPT. By obtaining CPT authorization even for unpaid training or internship activities, a student:

• is able to demonstrate to US immigration authorities that the activities were reviewed and approved by the student’s academic department and the International Programs department, and certified as integral and appropriate to their academic program

• is given the flexibility to accept compensation or payment or other forms of material benefits that would not otherwise be approvable or allowed without CPT authorization

• will have reassurance that any activities carried out that could be considered employment under US labor definitions were authorized

**Note that in many cases internship providers will also require students to obtain CPT approval as a condition of participating in the unpaid internship, to demonstrate that the interns are engaged in academic activities rather than employment. **

Unpaid Internships Defined: It is also important to realize that the US Department of Labor has set out several criteria that identify when an internship may be legitimately unpaid. Employers who fail to meet the criteria for unpaid internships may be expected to offer paid employment instead, and the interns may be expected to have appropriate authorization. Because an unpaid internship may actually be employment under Department of Labor guidelines, CPT authorization is strongly recommended for the purposes as well. The main criteria that determine whether an internship may be unpaid include the following factors:

• The internship, even though it includes actual operations on the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;

• The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;

• The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff;

• The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;

• The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and

• The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship

If all of the criteria are satisfied then the internship may be considered a legitimate unpaid internship. However, in the event of any uncertainty, then obtaining authorization is recommended.

If you are planning to include an unpaid internship experience as a part of your employment history (i.e., on your resume or CV), then we strongly recommend obtaining a letter from your internship provider that verifies the dates and location of your internship, that your internship was unpaid, and a brief description of the duties and objectives associated with the internship. This information may be useful in the event that you are ever asked to document that the activities were appropriately structured as an unpaid internship.

CPT authorization is approved on a term-by-term basis and cannot automatically continue into a new semester or term.

This means:

• Your CPT authorization must match the dates listed on your I-20
• If your internship, practicum, or training experience continues into a new term, you must apply for and receive a new CPT authorization before continuing

Exception for Certain Graduate Students

Graduate students participating in:

• Multi-term internships or practicums, OR
• Research that is an integral part of an approved thesis or dissertation

may be eligible for CPT authorization that extends beyond one term.

However, students approved under this exception must:

• Continue registering for internship or research credits each term, AND
• Maintain full-time enrollment throughout the authorization period

Important: You Must Have an Updated CPT I-20

You cannot begin or continue any CPT opportunity unless you have received an updated Form I-20 showing:

• CPT approval
• Employer information
• Authorized start and end dates

⚠️ Your CPT dates must be active and listed on your I-20 before you begin working.⚠️

CPT Cannot Be Approved Retroactively

The International Center cannot issue retroactive CPT authorization.

This means CPT cannot be:

• Backdated
• Approved after you already started working
• Added to your I-20 after the internship has begun or ended

If you begin CPT before speaking with your P/DSO and receiving CPT authorization on your I-20, your employment is considered unauthorized and may place your F-1 status at risk.

When in doubt, always contact your P/DSO before accepting or beginning any off-campus internship or training opportunity.

You can be authorized to engage in CPT in your final term as long as the following requirements are met:

• You must still be working toward your degree requirements in your final term.

• Your CPT experience must either be required or optional training in your major (if the experience is optional, you must do the CPT for internship credit).

• CPT is limited to part-time (20 hours or less) if taking place during the fall or spring semesters.

  • For certain graduate programs full-time CPT may be permitted; see the section above on Part-time versus Full-time CPT.

Some students who are considering CPT may want to think about pre-completion OPT instead. Like CPT, pre-completion OPT allows for work related to your major. However, there some advantages and disadvantages, depending on each student’s plans. See the table below. While pre-completion OPT requires preparation well in advance, it does not need a job offer to get started and does not require registration for internship credit, which is a typical requirement for most CPT requests. 

CPT VS OPT

Step 1: Obtain an offer letter

To qualify for CPT, you must have a job offer from an internship provider. The internship site should provide a letter written on company letterhead that provides the following information:

1. 1. Name of the company or internship site

   2. Address where your training will take place (internship site address)

   3. Supervisor name and contact information

   4. Detailed description of internship or job duties

   5. Start and end dates of your internship

   6. Expected hours per week

   7. Salary information, if paid

   8. A statement from the employer declaring their support and cooperation to fulfill the curricular purposes of the employment/training

Step 2: Meet with your advisor and register through Handshake

Once you have an internship offer, it must be reviewed by an academic advisor or faculty member in your department. 

The academic advisor must determine if the training provides an appropriate learning experience in your major. If your department approves of the experience, they will assist you in registering for internship credit. If you are engaging in experiential learning and will not obtain credit, you still need approval from your advisor. 

You NEED to register for your experience through Handshake. Please contact CPDC if you are unsure how to do this. cpdc@nichols.edu or stop by the office on the 2nd floor of FELS.

Step 3: Submit CPT request to International Programs Office

You will need to use your Nichols email to complete the form.

You can also scan the QR code below to complete the form.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is meant to give F-1 students practical experience in their major field of study, and students can apply for it either during their program of study or after graduation. OPT generally lasts up to 12 months.

Before you can participate in OPT, you’ll need to get approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which usually takes around 90-100 days, but processing times may vary. Students should plan ahead, attend a workshop in a timely manner, and apply as early as possible.

You do not need to have a job offer when you apply, but you are required to begin working on post-completion OPT within 90 days of the start date on your OPT EAD card in order to maintain valid F-1 status.

When classes are in session, pre-completion OPT can only be part-time (up to 20 hours per week). It can be full-time during the summer and other breaks.

During Post-completion OPT, you must work 20 hours or more per week. You can work with multiple organizations, as long as each position is directly related to your major field of study and cumulatively add up to at least 20 hours per week.

If you are considering an unpaid internship or position, you may do so during the regular post-completion OPT period, but you should get written verification that your position does not violate any local, state, and federal labor laws from an HR representative at your organization. Financial compensation is not the only indicator of employment.  

You can apply for OPT if: 

• You currently hold F-1 status.

• You have finished at least one academic year as a full-time student at a US institution.

• You have not participated in full-time CPT for 12 months or more at your degree level.

If you re-enter the US using a new SEVIS record after your previous record was terminated, you need to complete another academic year of full-time study before you can apply for OPT.

Below is an overview of the steps for applying for OPT. See OPT Frequently Asked Questions for additional details about these steps.

1. Sign up and participate in a virtual OPT workshop.

2. Prepare documents for the I-765. You can access a draft form here.

3. Address in the US. 

*The local US Postal Service will not deliver US government mail if they are not completely certain that the individual lives at the address.  The address you supply must be a valid address that you will have for at least four months and your name must be on the mailbox. Also  note, the USPS will not forward US government mail. If you move subsequent to your filing the application and do not notify the SErvice  Center, the card will be returned to the Center by the post office. It is your responsibility to notify the USPS in the event of an address  change. 

4. Schedule an OPT Review Appointment.

During your meeting, you will be issued a NEW I-20 with OPT requested, which you must have BEFORE filing USCIS petition for work authorization. If you file for OPT without your new I-20 with OPT requested, you will be denied. 

OPT Planning Tool

Driver’s License and State ID Guide

As of July 2023, eligible residents in Massachusetts can obtain a standard driver’s license or State ID, regardless of immigration status, under the Work and Family Mobility Act. 

Please note that this information is provided for general guidance only. It is your responsibility to consult official Massachusetts State RMV information and to abide by all applicable state and federal laws. 

International students who have an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a driver’s license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), Class D License. 

1. Getting a Learner’s Permit

The learner’s permit written test fee covers the cost of processing your application and administering your test. If you fail the test or your permit expires, you will be charged this fee again for another test. You’ll need to study the Driver’s Manual in order to prepare for the written test.  

2. Driving Lessons and School

If you don’t know how to drive, you will need to contact a local driving school and arrange to take driving lessons.The closest driving schools to campus are LaPorte’s Driving School and AAA of Worcester.

A state ID card would provide you with another form of identification rather than relying on your passport. 

How to Apply

Begin online at the MA state Apply for a Massachusetts Identification Card (MASS ID) page, which will outline application steps. 

Depending on your situation, you may need to go to a Registry of Motor Vehicles location in Massachusetts to complete your application. Locations closest to us are Webster, Southbridge, Auburn and Worcester.

Please note that all services are not necessarily available at all locations. It is important to check with the individual branch ahead of time.

DOCUMENTATION YOU MAY NEED TO APPLY

• A completed application form

• Proof of identity (passport, foreign national ID card, etc.)

• Your social security card (you must have a card; knowing the number will not be enough), OR a social security administration form indicating that your application for a social security number was denied.

  • To request a “Social Security Denial Letter,” visit the Social Security Office in persona and you will be presented a denial letter the same day of your request. 

• Proof of Massachusetts residency: To obtain a letter confirming your Massachusetts residency, please email the office at ip@nichols.edu.

• For REAL ID

  • Your most recent I-94 (to prove your visa status)

  • Your current I-20

  • Your SSN card

You may notice differences in:

• Communication styles
• Classroom expectations
• Food and daily routines
• Personal space and social interactions
• Time management and punctuality
• Humor, slang, or idioms
• Academic participation and group work

It is common to feel:

• Excited and energized at first
• Homesick or frustrated later on
• More comfortable and confident over time

Adjusting takes patience, and asking questions is encouraged.

Communication

• Americans are often direct and informal in conversation
• Making eye contact is generally viewed as respectful
• People may smile, greet strangers, or make small talk in public spaces

• In the U.S., people usually prefer a bit of personal space during conversations
• Physical contact such as hugging may vary depending on the relationship

• Being on time is very important in academic and professional settings
• Arriving late to class, appointments, or meetings may be viewed as disrespectful

• Students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions
• Professors often expect students to speak up, share opinions, and seek help when needed
• Using AI or outside assistance without permission may violate academic integrity policies

• Friendships may develop differently than in your home country
• Joining clubs, sports, campus events, and activities is one of the best ways to meet people
• It is okay if building close friendships takes time

• Stay connected with family and friends back home
• Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things
• Get involved on campus early
• Ask for help when you need it
• Maintain healthy routines like sleep, exercise, and meals
• Remember that cultural adjustment is temporary

Many international students experience culture shock, homesickness, or uncertainty during their first semester. These feelings are normal and usually improve over time.

Nichols Collage offers support through:

• International Student Support Services
  • Kristen Malinowski-Paine Library, 306
• Academic Advising
  • Academic Building
    • Advising Suite 217-221
    • advising@nichols.edu
• Counseling and Wellness at Health Services
  • South Hall
  • Health.Services@nichols.edu
• Academic Center For Excellence and Support
  • Tutoring Services
  • 3rd Floor Library
  • aces@nichols.edu
• Student Life 
  • Fels 3rd Floor
  • student.life@nichols.edu
• Student Belonging
  • Fels Student Center
    • 3rd Floor – Suite 301
    • student.life@nichols.edu

Helpful Reminder

Different does not mean wrong. Cultural adjustment is a learning experience for everyone involved. Your background, language, and experiences are valuable parts of the Nichols community.

Many international students choose to open a U.S. bank account shortly after arrival. Having a local account can make it easier to:

• Get paid from an on-campus job or internship
• Pay bills
• Receive refunds or payments
• Use a debit card
• Avoid international transaction fees
• Build financial independence in the U.S.

Most banks will require:

• Your passport
• I-20
• Proof of U.S. address
• Student ID
• I-94

Santander

Webster 5

For global money transfers

Wise

Checking Account

Used for everyday spending, debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, and paying bills.

Savings Account

Used to save money and earn a small amount of interest over time.

Debit Card

• Connected directly to your bank account
• Money is withdrawn immediately when you make purchases

Credit Card

• Allows you to borrow money and pay it back with interest accrual
• Can help build a U.S. credit history if used responsibly
• Missing payments can negatively affect your credit score

Credit history is very important in the United States. It may affect your ability to:

• Rent an apartment
• Buy a car
• Obtain loans
• Sometimes get certain jobs

Tips for building good credit:

• Pay bills on time
• Do not spend more than you can afford
• Avoid missing payments
• Keep track of your spending

• Venmo
• Cash App
• Zelle
• PayPal
• Apple Pay

These apps are commonly used to split restaurant bills, pay friends, or make quick transfers.

Always be cautions when sending money electronically. Once money is sent, it can be difficult to recover.

Students typically use:

• Wise
• Western Union
• Bank wire transfers

Exchange rates and transfer fees can vary, so compare options before sending money internationally.

• Never share your banking password or PIN
• Be careful of scams or fake phone calls requesting money
• Review your account regularly for unusual activity
• Notify your bank if your debit or credit card is lost
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

If you work in the United States, you need:

• A social Security Number (SSN)
• To complete tax paperwork
• File taxes each year

International Student Support can help guide you through these processes.

It is normal to have questions about banking in a new country. Ask questions before signing documents or opening financial accounts. Understanding how the U.S. banking system works early on can help you avoid stress later.