Essential Document Application Guide for International Students in the U.S.: SSN, Bank Account, and Driver’s License | 赴美留学生重要文件申请指南：SSN、银行账户与驾照

📚 Essential Document Application Guide for International Students in the U.S.: SSN, Bank Account, and Driver’s License | 赴美留学生重要文件申请指南：SSN、银行账户与驾照

Navigating the U.S. administrative landscape as an international student can be daunting. Among the many tasks on your to-do list, applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), opening a bank account, and obtaining a driver’s license are three foundational steps that will significantly ease your daily life. This guide walks you through the eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step processes for each, helping you build a stable financial and practical identity during your studies.

作为国际学生，适应美国的行政体系可能让人望而生畏。在诸多待办事项中，申请社会安全号码（SSN）、开设银行账户和考取驾照是三项基础任务，它们将极大便利你的日常生活。本指南将为你梳理每项文件的资格条件、所需材料以及分步流程，助你在留学期间稳稳建立起财务与实践身份。

1. Understanding the Social Security Number (SSN) and Its Importance | 理解社会安全号码 (SSN) 及其重要性

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It is primarily used to track individuals’ earnings and eligibility for Social Security benefits. However, it has become a de facto national identification number required for many everyday activities, such as opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, renting an apartment, or getting a driver’s license. For international students, obtaining an SSN is often a crucial step in establishing a financial identity in the United States.

社会安全号码（SSN）是由美国社会安全局颁发的九位数身份识别号码。它主要用于追踪个人的收入和享受社会安全福利的资格。然而，它事实上已成为一种国民身份识别号，许多日常活动都离不开它，例如开设银行账户、申请信用卡、租房或申请驾照。对国际学生而言，获得 SSN 往往是在美国建立金融身份的关键一步。

Without an SSN, some services may be unavailable or may require additional paperwork. Even if a bank allows you to open an account without one, building a credit history becomes nearly impossible. A good credit history is essential for future loan applications, renting without extra deposits, and even employment background checks. Thus, international students who are eligible should apply for an SSN as soon as possible.

没有 SSN，某些服务可能无法使用，或需要额外证明文件。即使银行允许无 SSN 开户，建立信用记录也几乎不可能。良好的信用记录对于日后申请贷款、无需额外押金租房甚至求职背景调查都至关重要。因此，符合条件的国际学生应尽早申请 SSN。

2. Eligibility Criteria for International Students to Obtain an SSN | 国际学生获取 SSN 的资格条件

Not all international students can apply for an SSN immediately. To be eligible, you must have valid F-1 or J-1 status and be authorized to work in the United States. Typically, this means you need a job offer or an on-campus employment opportunity. Under F-1 regulations, you may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks. A job offer letter from your university’s department or an authorized employer is required as proof.

并非所有国际学生都能立即申请 SSN。要符合资格，你必须拥有有效的 F-1 或 J-1 身份，并且获得在美国工作的许可。通常这意味着你需要有一份工作邀请或校内工作机会。根据 F-1 规定，你可在校内每周工作不超过 20 小时（学期中），假期可全职。需要提供来自大学院系或授权雇主的录用函作为证明。

Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are also eligible once they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or CPT authorization on their I-20. J-1 students must obtain work authorization from their program sponsor. It is important to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. and registering in SEVIS before applying, as the Department of Homeland Security’s system must be updated.

参加选择性实习训练（OPT）或课程实习训练（CPT）的学生，在取得工卡（EAD）或 I-20 上注明 CPT 授权后也有资格申请。J-1 学生必须从其项目担保人处获得工作许可。请务必在抵达美国并在 SEVIS 系统中登记后至少等待 10 天再申请，因为国土安全部的系统需要更新时间。

3. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an SSN | 申请 SSN 的分步流程

Once you have secured a job offer, gather the required documents: your valid passport, most recent I-94 arrival/departure record (printable from the CBP website), your current I-20 or DS-2019 form, and the job offer letter from your employer. Additionally, you need to bring a completed Form SS-5, which is the Application for a Social Security Card. This form can be downloaded from the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or filled out at the local SSA office.

获得工作邀请后，请准备以下材料：有效护照、最新的 I-94 出入境记录（可从 CBP 官网打印）、当前的 I-20 或 DS-2019 表，以及雇主提供的工作录用函。此外，你还需要携带填写完整的 SS-5 表格，即社会安全卡申请表。该表格可从社会安全局（SSA）网站下载，也可在当地 SSA 办事处现场填写。

Locate the nearest SSA office using the SSA office locator online. It is advisable to call ahead and confirm whether they require an appointment or accept walk-ins. Arrive early and bring all original documents. The SSA officer will verify your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. If everything is in order, you will receive a receipt, and your SSN card will be mailed to your U.S. mailing address within two to four weeks. Do not forget to update your address with your university and the post office.

使用 SSA 在线办事处查询系统找到离你最近的办事处。建议提前致电确认是否需要预约或可直接前往。请尽早到达并携带所有原件。SSA 官员将核实你的身份、移民身份和工作资格。如果一切顺利，你将收到一张回执，SSN 卡片将在二至四周内邮寄到你的美国通讯地址。记得向学校和邮局更新你的地址。

4. Opening a U.S. Bank Account: Why You Need One | 开设美国银行账户：为何你需要一个

A U.S. bank account is essential for managing your finances safely and conveniently. It allows you to deposit your paychecks, pay bills, transfer money, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Having a local account also helps you build a banking relationship, which can be beneficial when applying for credit cards or loans in the future. Moreover, many services, such as mobile phone plans and utility accounts, require a U.S. bank account for automatic payments.

开设美国银行账户对于安全便捷地管理财务至关重要。它可以让你存入工资、支付账单、转账，并避免携带大量现金。拥有本地账户还有助于建立银行关系，这对日后申请信用卡或贷款十分有益。此外，许多服务，如手机套餐和水电账户，都需要美国银行账户进行自动付款。

International students often face the challenge of establishing a financial history from scratch. A checking account is the first step toward creating a record of financial responsibility. Some banks offer student checking accounts with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, specifically designed for college students. These accounts often come with a debit card, online banking, and mobile check deposit features.

国际学生常面临从零开始建立财务记录的挑战。支票账户是创建财务责任记录的第一步。一些银行提供免月费、无最低余额要求的学生支票账户，专为大学生设计。这些账户通常附带借记卡、网上银行和手机支票存款功能。

5. Choosing the Right Bank and Account Type for Students | 为学生选择合适的银行和账户类型

When selecting a bank, consider factors such as location convenience, ATM access, fees, and student-specific perks. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have extensive ATM networks and online tools, but they may charge maintenance fees unless you meet certain criteria. Online-only banks like Ally or Chime offer high-yield savings accounts and minimal fees but lack physical branches. Credit unions are another option, often providing lower fees and community-oriented service.

在选择银行时，需要考虑位置便利性、ATM 网络的覆盖范围、费用以及学生专属优惠。大通银行、美国银行、富国银行等大型全国性银行拥有广泛的 ATM 网络和在线工具，但若未达到特定条件，可能会收取账户管理费。Ally 或 Chime 等纯网上银行提供高收益储蓄账户和较低费用，但没有实体分行。信用合作社也是一个选择，通常费用更低，且服务更贴合社区需求。

For most international students, a basic student checking account is sufficient. Ensure the account offers a no-fee structure for students, a free debit card, and a user-friendly mobile app. Some banks even offer sign-up bonuses or referral rewards. It is wise to read the fine print regarding overdraft fees, foreign

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