International students are eligible to receive Social Security numbers under certain conditions. Mainly, those conditions require the student to be maintaining their immigration status and to be eligible to accept employment. Students with F1 visa status are also required to have a job offer prior to applying for their Social Security number.
International students meet with representatives from the US Social Security Administration and apply for numbers during the fall orientation. Cards may also be applied for throughout the year at the Social Security office.
Please contact ISS for additional information or consult the following websites:
Social Security Administration, How to apply for a Social Security Card.
Local Social Security office. Type 54911 for ZIP code.
Wisconsin State Identification Cards
International students may find it helpful to get a Wisconsin State Identification Card for use during their time at Lawrence. State ID cards are useful for proving one’s identity at when cashing checks or providing proof of age. Many students prefer to carry a state ID around instead of their passport. ISS provides opportunities for international students to get state ID’s during the first term. Students may also apply for cards on their own at the local Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Obtaining a State ID Card
Driver licenses
International students can obtain a Wisconsin driver license. Please follow the link below to find out what requirements international students must meet.
How to get a Wisconsin driver license
Students who already have a foreign driver license should follow the link below to find out whether their license is recognized and for how long it is valid.
Driving in Wisconsin with a foreign driver license
