Obtaining Important Documents

Social Security Card

• Driver's License

  You may want to obtain a Tennessee driver's license so you can drive legally while studying at Bethel. To obtain a Tennessee driver's license, you will need:

  
  

  1. Legal Immigration Status
     1. Bring documents to prove your identity and legal presence:
        1. Valid passport
        2. F-1 or J-1 visa
        3. I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
        4. I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
  2. Proof of Residency (Local Address)
     1. Most states require 2+ documents showing you live in the state. Acceptable proof might include:
        1. Lease/rental agreement
        2. Utility bill
        3. Bank statement
        4. Official mail from your school
  3. Social Security Number (SSN) or Denial Letter
     1. If you have an SSN, bring your SSN card.
     2. If you don’t have an SSN, visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) and request a letter of ineligibility (SSA-L676). Many DMV offices require this.
  4. Pass Tests
     1. You'll typically need to:
        1. Pass a written knowledge test
        2. Pass a vision test
        3. Pass a road (driving) test (after getting a learner’s permit, if required)
  5. School Enrollment Verification
     1. Some DMVs ask for a letter from your university verifying full-time enrollment.
  6. Go to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles):
     1. You’ll need to:
        1. Make an appointment (strongly recommended in most states)
        2. Bring all your documents
        3. Pay any applicable fees
        4. Possibly take a photo

• Financial Hardship

  Eligibility Requirements

  
  

  To qualify, you must:

  
  

  -Be in valid F-1 status for at least one full academic year.

  
  

  -Be in good academic standing at your school.

  
  

  -Show that your economic hardship is severe and unforeseen, such as:

  
  

  -Loss of financial support from family or sponsor

  
  

  -Unexpected medical expenses

  
  

  -Substantial currency devaluation

  
  

  -Natural disaster in home country

  
  

  -Unexpected tuition or living cost increases

  
  

  Steps to Apply

  
  

  -Talk to Your DSO (Designated School Official)

  
  

  -Explain your situation.

  
  

  -If they agree you qualify, they'll endorse your Form I-20.

  
  

  -Prepare Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)

  
  

  -File under category: (c)(3)(iii) for economic hardship.

  
  

  -Gather Supporting Documents

  
  

  -A letter explaining your hardship.

  
  

  -Evidence (bank statements, letters from sponsor/family, news articles, etc.).

  
  

  -Copies of I-20, I-94, passport, visa.

  
  

  -Pay the USCIS Filing Fee

  
  

  -Currently $470 online (as of May 2025 — check USCIS fee page to confirm).

  
  

  Submit to USCIS

  
  

  You can apply online or by mail (Online is quicker and cheaper).

  
  

  Wait for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) approval before working.

  
  

  ⚠️ Important Notes

  
  

  You cannot begin working until you receive your EAD card from USCIS.

  
  

  You may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.

  
  

  This does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

  
  

  
  

• Social Security Card

  A social security card may be issued to F-1 Visa status students IF the student has a job or the promise of a job. To request a social security number, the Social Security Administration requires:
  

  
  

  • Passport
  • An I-94 Arrival/Departure printout
  • An F-1 student visa
  • Letter to prove employment status when applicable