Arrival and Maintaining Status

Social Security Number

If you will be paid by Boise State University, you will need a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).  Therefore, if you do not have a SSN from prior work in the U.S. you will need to apply for your SSN after checking in with an advisor in the Center for Global Engagement.  It is highly recommended that you wait several days after arriving in the U.S. to apply for the SSN so that the government databases have time to sync up.

You can take your receipt that shows you applied for a SSN to Human Resources for I-9 purposes before you begin work.

Search this page with your zip code to find the up-to-date address and phone number for the local Social Security Office.  Please visit the link below for further general instructions and what documents to bring with you.

SSN Application Information

Driver’s License

You may need or want to apply for an Idaho Driver’s License.  You should take documents such as your valid passport, visa, DS-2019, proof of local address, Social Security Number (SSN) or letter from the Social Security Office saying you do not qualify for a SSN to the local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Please note you may be required to take and pass a written skills test and/or a driving test.

The local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office is located at: 400 N Benjamin Lane, Boise, Idaho 83704; phone: 1-208-577-3100.  Please visit the link below for further information.

DMV Website

Banks

If you would like to open a U.S. bank account, please contact the individual bank to find out what documents you will need to bring with you; documents can vary but may include your passport, DS-2019, and proof of U.S. address.  A list of major banks near to campus can be found on the following site.

Living in Boise

U.S. Taxes

Even if you receive no U.S. income, J visa holders are required to file certain tax paperwork with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annually.

Tax Basics