Documentation

All students are required to maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents accompanying them to the U.S. Medical care in the U.S. is expensive. In the event of an unexpected accident requiring professional care, insurance will make the experience less stressful.

Notre Dame of Maryland University requires all international students to have insurance coverage that must include at least the following minimal levels:

• Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per person per accident/illness
• Deductible cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
• Medical evacuation coverage of $10,000

More information about the University's student health plan can be found in the Office of the Vice President for Student Life.

How to Obtain a Driver’s License 

In the United States, you must have a valid driver's license to drive a vehicle legally. You can obtain this license through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Alternatively, individuals can apply for a state ID card, which serves as an official photo identification but does not grant driving privileges. 

Public Transportation 

Collegetown Shuttle 

The Baltimore Collegetown Network (often referred to as “Collegetown”) is a network of fourteen colleges and universities in the Baltimore area. 

It works to connect Baltimore college students to the city of Baltimore through a variety of events, internships, and a free shuttle service. 

Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) 

The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) includes local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service, and a comprehensive a paratransit (mobility) system. 

There is an MTA bus stop on North Charles Street right by campus. MTA Route 11 Northbound heads toward Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC)/Goucher College, and Route 11 Southbound heads to Downtown Baltimore. 

• Buy a Pass Online 
• Plan Your MTA Trip 

Road Conditions 

If you would like to check Maryland Road Conditions before driving to campus, the State of Maryland provides various resources for you.  

Maryland 511 provides information regarding current driving times and any traffic highlights that travelers should be aware of. 

The Department of Transportation’s Coordinated Highways Action Response Team has a variety of information, including live traffic cameras, interactive maps, and other route restrictions. 

Commuter Resources 

Eligibility

All individuals who will be working legally in the U.S. must obtain a Social Security Number. F-1 students must establish that they either are approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training or have secured an on-campus job before being eligible to apply for a SSN.

What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number assigned to an individual to identify his/her record of earnings while employed in the United States. Through this number the employer will make contributions to the employee's Social Security accounts which provide for future retirement and disability benefits. The SSN is also used to track wages and report taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf 

Apply for a Social Security Number 

We suggest that you wait for 48 hours after reporting to your school before you apply for a Social Security number. This waiting will help ensure that your immigration status is verfied with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

How to Apply for a Social Security Number

Applications for an SSN must be submitted in person to a Social Security Office.  To find the office closest to you, please go to the Social Security Administration Office Locator.

Required Documents

There is no fee for applying for an SSN. However, you must present original documents to establish your identity, immigration status, eligibility to work in the United States, and your  current U.S. address. Notarized photocopies are not accepted and the originals will be returned to you once they are reviewed by the interviewer.

You should bring the following documents with you:

• A birth certificate or a passport to prove your age and identity.
• Copy of your I-94
• Your I-20 or DS-2019 to prove immigrations status and work eligibility.
• F-1 students who will engage in on-campus employment must also present a letter from the hiring department and a letter from the OIP confirming the job offer (on NDMU letterhead). 
• F-1 students authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must be sure to present the third page of the I-20 where CPT is authorized
• F-1 students authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must present an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

• F-1 students who will engage in on-campus employment must also present either a pay stub or a combined letter from the hiring department and OIP confirming the offer of the job. Please note this must be printed on the letterhead of the hiring department.

As a student in F status in the United States, you and your dependents are required to file tax forms with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service each tax year that you are present in the country. You may also be required to file state income taxes.

To determine which form or forms are appropriate for you to file, you must first determine your residency status under U.S. tax laws. Information in the next section will help you determine your residency status.

Note: Residency status under tax laws differs from residency status under immigration law, which considers you to be a nonimmigrant or nonresident alien.

For individuals considered to be residents for tax purposes, tax forms must be filed for each dependent in their own name. There are many resources available to help you determine your tax obligations in the U.S. It is ultimately your responsibility to file the necessary tax forms and to comply with tax regulations. Failure to do so may have significant implications for any future plans you may have to remain in the U.S. and obtain permanent residency.

Determining Residency Status

The U.S. recognizes three different residency statuses for tax purposes:

• Resident Aliens for tax purposes are subject to the same tax filing requirements as U.S. citizens. (1040 or the 1040EZ and are taxed on worldwide income).
• Nonresident Aliens for tax purposes – individuals who have been in the U.S. for less than 183 days according to the substantial presence test and exclusive of any days that may be considered exempt from the Substantial Presence Test.
• Dual Status Aliens are individuals who at different times in a single tax year are both a nonresident alien and a resident alien for tax purposes. Refer to Publication 519 for discussion of dual status and the tax filing options available to them.

Resident and Dual Status aliens are subject to many of the same tax laws as US citizens. Nonresident aliens are not.

State Taxes

If you earned income last year, you may also be required to file tax forms with the where you live.

Maryland

You must file a Maryland State tax return if:

• You lived in Maryland for six months or more, and
• Have earned at least $7,000.
• Maryland tax forms are available at post offices and libraries in Maryland or online.

Deadlines for Filing Tax Forms

There are two different deadlines for filing Federal tax forms:

• April 15 tax returns are due for anyone who received wages.
• June 16 tax returns are due for anyone whose only income was in the form of scholarships or other income not subject to withholding.

IRS Office

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Fallon Federal Building Office
31 Hopkins DHS Plaza
1^st Floor, Room B03
Baltimore, MD 21210
Phone Number: 1-200-829-1040

Walk-In Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

To Obtain an ITIN Number

1. Complete a W-7 Form
2. Bring original copy of at least one of the following items:

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Drivers License
• Identity Card
• DHS Document (I-20, I-94)

If you do not receive your number within 14-20 days, please call 215-516-4846.

For more information:

• International Students Tax Return Information 
• IRS Resources for International Students and Scholars