Social security number

[rh4stc 0]

Ok, I've made an application at a college, looks like there'll be no problems being accepted by them, so it'll just be a case of persuading the immigration dept to give me the F1.

Assuming that I do get one, will I get a social security number for my time in the States? I ask, because I'd want to open a bank account and obviously you can't open a bank account up without a social security number.

Also, the person I had my interview with at the college wasn't sure what happens after they have issued me with the I20. She has only recently started the job and is still finding her feet (think I knew more about the procedure than she did).

How does the US Embassy (the one in Paris in my case), know that I'm applying for an F1 visa? Do I contact them for an appointment or is a duplicate I20 sent to them automatically?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

You'll need permission from your school to get a SSN. You'll have to go to your DSO to get the paperwork organized before you go to the SSN. You can only work on campus part time. Not full time or anywhere off of campus.

Because you'll have an I-20, they will know you are applying for an F-1. If, by chance, they ask you what visa you are applying for...tell them an F-1

Good luck

[rh4stc 0]

Ok, thanks. I don't think having a social security number is that important, I can use my bank in Australia if I have to.

So, when I receive my I20 when I'm back in France, I simply phone the US Embassy in Paris and make an appointment? They are not advised of the application any other way?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Once your I-20 is generated, you'll have a SEVIS number which DHS uses to track you and your visa. So yes, they'll know. But that doesn't mean they won't ask you as well

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html#5

Take a look at the steps involved for getting an F-1 visa.

Good luck

[rh4stc 0]

Thanks CW. I remember seeing that page a while back, forgot it existed and struggled finding it again.

[meijie 9]

If you are F-1, I do not believe you need a SSN to open a bank account. Especially for banks in the area, they are used to dealing with international students. I went to Chase my first day in the US and opened a bank account with my passport. I didn't get a SSN till about 6 months in the US, after a got a job offer from my school. You will need a job offer before they will let you get a SSN.

[Harsh_77 718]

yep Meijie is correct, you dont need ssn to open a bank acount, they can do it without that.

Getting a credit card would be hard without ssn, but you can work with debit card in meantime.

You will need a job offer, before you can get a ssn.

[Harsh_77 718]

Another, yea once you have I20 from school where you would like to join, get appt with embassy.

When you fill our your DS-160 you do mention your purpose of visit and which will say you are applying for F1.