Help & Resources for International Students

These OCU offices are here to help you succeed academically, personally, and professionally. Don't wait until you have a problem — get to know these resources early.

International Office - Your first stop for immigration questions, I-20 updates, CPT/OPT, and general support

Counseling Services - Free confidential counseling for stress, anxiety, culture shock, and adjustment challenges

Student Health Clinic - Primary health care is available on campus; your SHIP insurance is accepted here

Academic Advising - Help with course selection, degree requirements, and understanding U.S. academic expectations

Financial Aid Office - Tuition billing, payment portal, installment plans

Financial Services Office - Bank statement or sponsor letter showing adequate funds, same document submitted to OCU (or most recent)

Student Life / Campus Activities - Ways to get involved on campus -student organizations, cultural clubs, events

An SSN is a U.S. government identification number used for employment and tax purposes. You only need one if you are working or have income - but it is often required to open a bank account too.

Who needs an SSN?  
You need an SSN if you have on-campus employment, CPT, or OPT. You do not need one just to be an enrolled student.

When can I apply?  
You must wait at least 10 days after your SEVIS record is activated and you have a job offer or authorization. Do not go before you're eligible - SSA will turn you away.

What to bring to the SSA office  
Passport, F-1 visa, I-20, I-94 arrival record (print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov), offer letter from your employer or CPT/OPT authorization, proof of OCU enrollment

How long does it take?  
Your SSN card arrives by mail in approximately 2–4 weeks. Keep the number private - treat it like your passport.

📌 Your SSN is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information in the U.S. Never share it over email, phone, or with anyone who does not have a clear, legitimate need for it.

You do not need a driver's license to live in Oklahoma City, but it makes daily life much easier. A state ID (non-driver) is also available if you do not plan to drive.

Can I drive with my home country license?  
Oklahoma allows you to drive with a valid foreign driver's license for up to 30 days after establishing residency. After that, you need an Oklahoma license.

What do I need to apply?  
Passport, valid F-1 visa, I-20, I-94 record, proof of Oklahoma address (lease agreement or utility bill), Social Security Number (or SSN denial letter if not eligible)

Where to apply  
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Services. 

Written test 
You will need to pass a written knowledge test. Study the Oklahoma Driver's Manual at dps.ok.gov.

International Driving Permit  
If you plan to drive during your first 30 days, getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country before you leave is a good idea.

Opening a U.S. bank account early makes paying tuition, receiving paychecks, and managing daily expenses much easier. Here is what you need to know:

• Most major banks accept an F-1 visa, I-20, and passport to open a basic checking account. Some also require an SSN - call ahead to confirm requirements.
• Banks near OCU campus include Bank of America, Chase, etc. 
• Consider a bank with no monthly fees and a large ATM network. Some banks offer student checking accounts with no minimum balance.
• Avoid check-cashing stores and money transfer services for regular banking - fees are high. Use a licensed bank or credit union.
• For sending money home, Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Remitly are popular options with lower fees than traditional wire transfers.

All international students at OCU are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) through United Healthcare Student Resources. Here is what you need to know:

• Your SHIP coverage begins on the first day of each semester and covers medical, mental health, and prescription costs.
• Your insurance card will be mailed to your address on file - update your address in Bluelink as soon as you arrive.
• You can use the OCU Student Health Clinic for primary care. 
• To waive SHIP (opt out): you may waive coverage if you have comparable private insurance that meets OCU's requirements. The waiver deadline is typically within the first few weeks of each semester. Contact the International Office to confirm the waiver process.
• Mental health is covered. The campus Counseling Center and telehealth options are available - do not hesitate to use them. Adjusting to life in a new country is hard, and asking for help is a sign of strength.

Whether you are living on campus or searching for your own apartment, here are your main options:

On-Campus Housing 
First-year and new international students - easiest option for arrival

Off-Campus Apartments (near campus) 
Students who want more independence; popular areas include Uptown 23rd, Midtown, and The Plaza District

💡 If you are arriving for the first time and have not arranged housing yet, contact the OCU International Office as soon as possible. We can help connect you with temporary housing options or current student contacts while you search.

For a full list of OCU Emergency Resources, visit the Emergency Resource page. 

• OCU Campus Security / Police: 405-208-5001

• OCU Emergency Line: 405-208-5911

• Oklahoma City Police (non-emergency): 405-235-7300

• 911: For any life-threatening emergency — police, fire, or ambulance

• Nearest Emergency Room: SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital

• Campus Clinic: 405-373-2400

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

• National Crisis Line (mental health): Call or text 988

• USCIS Student & Exchange Visitor Info: studyinthestates.dhs.gov
• I-94 Arrival Record: i94.cbp.dhs.gov
• U.S. Travel State Department (visas): travel.state.gov
• Glacier (tax filing): glaciertax.com
• EMBARK OKC (public transit): embarkok.com
• Oklahoma DPS (driver's license): dps.ok.gov
• Social Security Administration: ssa.gov
• Oklahoma Tax Commission: tax.ok.gov

1. February

   • Receive your W-2 or 1042-S - If you worked on campus or received a scholarship, you will receive a tax form from OCU by early February. Check your student email and OCU Bluelink portal.

2. March (recommended)

   • Access Glacier and begin filing - OCU provides access to Glacier, a tax filing software designed specifically for international students. Use the OCU-provided access code - do not use TurboTax or H&R Block, which are for U.S. residents only. Check out the Glacier Guide and Glacier Information Sheet.

3. April 15

   • Federal tax return deadline - IRS Form 1040-NR (or 1040-NR-EZ) must be filed by April 15 for most international students. If you had no U.S. income, you still need to file Form 8843.

4. June 15

   • State tax deadline (if applicable) - Oklahoma state tax return deadline for some filers. Glacier can also help with state returns.

5. By June 15

   • Form 8843 (if no income) - If you had no U.S.-source income at all, you are still required to file Form 8843 with the IRS. This is a simple informational form, not a tax return. 

OCU provides students with access to Glacier, a tax preparation platform designed for international students and scholars. Here is how to use it:

1. Access
2. Account Creation
3. Answer the questionnaire - Glacier will ask about your visa type, time in the U.S., income sources, and tax treaties. Answer every question accurately - the software uses your answers to choose the correct forms.
4. Upload or enter your tax forms - Enter information from your W-2, 1042-S, or other tax documents. Have these forms ready before you start.
5. Review and file - Glacier generates your completed tax return. Review it carefully, then e-file (federal) or print and mail (state returns, if applicable). Keep a copy of your records.
6. Keep your filing confirmation - Save proof that you filed. You may need this for future visa renewals, OPT/CPT applications, or USCIS inquiries.

Do I have to file taxes even if I didn't work?  
Yes. All F-1 students who were in the U.S. for any part of the tax year must file Form 8843, even if they had zero income. Failing to file can cause immigration problems in the future.

Can I use TurboTax or H&R Block?  
No. These tools are designed for U.S. residents, not nonresident aliens. Using them could result in filing the wrong tax return. OCU provides access to Glacier, which is built for international students.

Am I a 'resident' or 'nonresident' for tax purposes?  
Most F-1 students are considered 'nonresident aliens' for tax purposes for their first 5 years in the U.S. This is different from your immigration status. Glacier will determine your tax residency status automatically. 

What is a tax treaty? 
The U.S. has tax treaties with many countries that reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. Your home country may have a treaty that lowers your tax bill. Glacier will check this for you.

I made a mistake on a prior year's return. What do I do?  
Contact the International Office - we can connect you with resources to file an amended return. Do not ignore prior-year errors, as they can affect visa renewals and future immigration applications.

I got a letter from the IRS. What should I do? 
Contact the International Office immediately and do not ignore the letter. IRS notices have deadlines. Bring the original letter with you.

Filing taxes accurately and on time each year is important for your immigration record. Failure to file, or filing incorrectly, can cause complications when you renew your visa, apply for OPT, or adjust your immigration status in the future.

State taxes: Oklahoma has a state income tax. If you earned income in Oklahoma, you may owe state taxes in addition to federal taxes. Glacier can also prepare your Oklahoma state return.