What Is A Social Security Number, And How Can I Obtain One?

Social Security Numbers are used to report wages to the US government for income tax purposes. This means, if you are not employed during your time in the US, you do not need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). 

All J-1 Scholars are allowed to obtain a SSN, but if you are not employed, it is rarely required. Please review this information provided by the Social Security Administration to help you decide if obtaining an SSN would benefit you. 

You cannot apply for an SSN before checking in with ISSO. If you are interested in applying for one, we will give you further information regarding the process during check-in.

How Do I Get A Driver’s License Or Iowa Identification Card?

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) issues driver licenses and Iowa identification cards to qualified individuals. The documents that you will need to obtain a license or ID will vary. 

The Iowa DOT website provides information to assist in determining what you should bring with you in order to apply for identification. A step-by-step guide can also be found at their website.

Can I Work While I Am a J-1 Exchange Visitor?

You may be employed at ISU only if your DS-2019 was issued, or later amended, for that purpose. 

  • All J-1 scholar employment in the US must be directly related to your J-1 program activity shown in DS-2019 Block 4. 
  • Changes in your employment situation require advance approval by the ISSO to verify compliance with J-1 regulations. 

If you will be an ISU employee, you must:

  • complete an I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) in ISSO on or before your first day of work. ISSO will assist with the I-9 form as part of your New Scholar Check-in process.
  • apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) - see above

What Tax Requirements Do I Need To Know About And Pay Attention To?

All J-1s and J-2s present in the United States at any time during the calendar year must file a tax report with the U.S. government whether or not they were employed in the United States during that year. 

J-1s and J-2s who were not employed must file Form 8843 with the U.S. tax authorities to report their physical presence in the U.S.  

J-1s and J-2s  who were employed must file a form called a tax return with the U.S. government between January and mid-April of the year following the year in which they worked in the United States whether or not their income was covered by a tax treaty.

Tax rules in the United States are many and complicated. You may wish to consult U.S. Internal Revenue Service Publication 519 for additional background information. 

Key points be aware of if you are an ISU employee or a student intern receiving a stipend:

  • Your income from ISU is subject to US taxation, including state income tax and federal income tax, and in some cases, the FICA (Social Security and Medicare) tax as well.
  • All "Current Program Sponsor" amounts shown on your DS-2019 Block 5 are pre-tax. 

Please see ISSO’s Tax Helps for more details. The ISSO scholar unit staff will also be glad to help you find answers to tax questions. Please direct your questions to issotax@iastate.edu.

How Can I Set Up A Bank Account?

Bring to the bank:

  • Your passport or U.S. issued driver’s license
  • Your SSN or ITIN if you have one (it is not required)
  • Your ISU ID number