Douglas Olsen
International students are generally not eligible for social benefits, as accepting them may cause them to lose their legal status in certain countries. In the United States, international students are prohibited from accepting public benefits from federal, state, or local government agencies, including Medicare/Medicaid, Supplemental Social Security Income, and food stamps. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, most international students are unable to claim welfare benefits, as doing so may breach their immigration conditions. However, international students in the US and UK may still be able to apply for certain benefits, such as a driver's license or a Social Security Number, if they are authorized to work or drive in the respective countries.
Characteristics and values of international students receiving social benefits
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in the US | Should not accept public benefits from federal, state, county or local government agencies |
| Examples of public benefits | Medicare/Medicaid, Supplemental Social Security Income, food stamps, subsidized housing |
| Impact of accepting public benefits | Loss of legal status in the US, bar to re-entry |
| International students in the UK | Unable to claim welfare benefits |
| Examples of welfare benefits | Child Benefit, maternity benefits |
| Impact of claiming welfare benefits | Breach of immigration conditions, removal from the UK, difficulties with getting an immigration extension |
| Exception | May be able to claim benefits based on National Insurance contributions, e.g., statutory sick pay, maternity allowance |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Required for employment in the US, obtained from Social Security Card Centers |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in the US cannot accept public benefits
- International students in the UK cannot claim welfare benefits
- International students in the US can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
- International students in the UK can access the National Health Service
- International students in the US can apply for a driver's license
International students in the US cannot accept public benefits
International students in the US are not eligible for public benefits. 'Public funds' is a term that refers to a specific list of benefits and other payments outlined in the Immigration Rules. International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are not permitted to accept public benefits from federal, state, county, or local government agencies. This includes programmes such as Medicare/Medicaid, Supplemental Social Security Income, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, food stamps, and subsidised housing. Accepting such benefits can result in the loss of legal status in the US and create barriers to re-entry.
It is important for international students to understand what constitutes a 'public fund' to avoid accidentally applying for them and breaching their immigration conditions. In the US, public funds do not include access to the National Health Service, education, or education funding. However, international students who intend to work in the US must obtain a US Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes. The process for obtaining an SSN may vary, and international students should consult their institution's international student office for guidance.
In some cases, international students may be encouraged to apply for benefits by agencies or individuals who are unaware of their immigration status. For example, a midwife, hospital, or social work staff may suggest that an international student with a baby in the UK apply for Child Benefit, which the student is typically not permitted to claim. Similarly, a well-meaning social service agency, hospital, or public housing administrator may offer assistance without realising that non-immigrants are ineligible for such benefits.
International students should be cautious and seek advice before applying for any benefits to avoid breaching their immigration conditions. They can seek guidance from their institution, the Students' Union Student Advice Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, or a Law Centre. Additionally, international students experiencing financial hardship are advised to speak with their international student adviser for support.
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International students in the UK cannot claim welfare benefits
Public funds refer to a specific list of benefits and other payments in the Immigration Rules. These include a Council Tax reduction, Social Fund maternity expenses payment, and Universal Credit. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, you might be able to claim a maternity benefit such as maternity allowance or statutory maternity pay. However, this is not considered a public fund. If you have worked in the UK, you might also be able to claim a benefit based on National Insurance contributions, such as statutory sick pay.
It is important to understand what counts as a public fund to ensure you do not accidentally apply for them and breach your immigration conditions. If you are struggling financially, you should first talk to your international student adviser or visit your institution's page on unexpected financial hardship. There are also charities, such as the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), that provide advice and support to international students in the UK.
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International students in the US can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
To apply for an SSN, international students must first obtain valid employment authorisation. Authorisation can be based on one of the following:
- Lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorisation for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).
- J-1 students must be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and show evidence of employment.
- For J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organisation, a Social Security letter from the sponsor is required.
Once the necessary employment authorisation has been obtained, students can complete the social security application online and then visit a local Social Security Administration office to show their documents in person. It is recommended to apply no earlier than 30 days before the scheduled employment start date. The following documents may be required when applying for an SSN:
- ISS On-Campus Employment Authorisation/SSN Eligibility Letter.
- I-94 card or a copy of the J-1 admission stamp in the passport, along with a printout of the electronic I-94 information.
- Employment offer letter from the department or hiring office.
- Documentation for employment authorisation from the ISS adviser or sponsoring agency.
It is important to note that international students who do not work on campus but receive a taxable scholarship should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes instead of an SSN. Additionally, while an SSN can be convenient for opening bank accounts, telephone accounts, or utility accounts, it is not required for these purposes.
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International students in the UK can access the National Health Service
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK's state healthcare system, providing a wide range of health care services, including appointments with a doctor, hospital treatment, and dental care. International students in the UK can indeed access the NHS, but there are certain requirements and procedures that must be followed.
Firstly, international students must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) as part of their student visa application. This fee is £470 per year of their intended stay in the UK. If their visa duration includes a part of a year that is six months or less, they will be required to pay £235 for that portion of their stay. This fee is non-refundable, even if the student does not end up using the NHS during their time in the UK. Once this fee is paid, international students are eligible for NHS services.
It is important for international students to register with a local General Practitioner (GP) as soon as they arrive in the UK. To register, students will need to visit a local doctor's surgery, clinic, or medical centre during consulting hours and provide the following documents: a letter from their university proving enrolment, their passport, and any relevant immigration or visa documents. The university may be able to advise and recommend a GP practice. Once registered with a GP, students will receive an NHS number, which proves their eligibility for NHS services.
International students' spouses, civil partners, and dependent children are also entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if they are dependants with their own visas. Each dependent must pay the immigrant health surcharge individually and register with a GP to access full NHS services.
While most healthcare services under the NHS are free, there may be additional costs for certain procedures, such as dental and optical treatment, as well as prescribed medication. It is advisable for international students to consider taking out health insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
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International students in the US can apply for a driver's license
International students in the US are not eligible for social benefits. Accepting such benefits can cause them to lose their legal status in the country and create a bar to their re-entry. However, they can apply for a driver's license.
To apply for a driver's license, international students must bring original copies of the following documents to their local DMV:
- A valid passport and their most recent student visa.
- I-94 card (if issued paper I-94) or I-94 printout (if issued electronic I-94).
- Proof of residence, which can vary from state to state but may include a rental agreement, bank statement, paycheck stub, current, unexpired license or ID, vehicle registration, auto insurance card, or utility bill with the same name and address.
- If their state requires it, an SSN card or a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA), stating that they are not eligible for a Social Security card.
- If they are on OPT, their EAD card.
- An Enrollment Verification Letter from the Office of Records and Registration, which may be required by their state.
It is important to note that the required documents may vary by state. Additionally, international students should wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US to apply for a driver's license to ensure that their Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record," indicating F-1 non-immigrant status, has been updated in all government systems. Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is not required for applying for a driver's license, but it may be necessary if they plan to work in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US are advised not to accept public benefits from federal, state, county, or local government agencies. Accepting such benefits may cause them to lose their legal status in the US.
Examples of public benefits that international students in the US should not accept include Medicare/Medicaid, Supplemental Social Security Income, food stamps, and subsidized housing.
Yes, international students in the US can apply for an SSN if they are authorized to work in the country. They will need to provide evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment.
Most international students in the UK are unable to claim welfare benefits. They are advised not to claim 'public funds' as it may breach their immigration conditions, which could lead to serious immigration problems.
Examples of 'public funds' that international students in the UK should not claim include Child Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. However, they can access the National Health Service without breaching their immigration conditions.
