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Welcome, Willkommen, Benvenuti, Bienvenidos and Bienvenue

John Carroll University has students, faculty and staff from many countries around the world. We would welcome you to study at JCU as well. The Center for Global Education is responsible for administering the visa paperwork for students on J-1 and F-1 visas.

International students from one of our partner universities who are interested in studying at John Carroll University as an exchange student should refer to the application procedures. Student who want to learn more about our exchange program should visit our page for exchange students.

International students interested in coming to John Carroll University for a full Bachelor’s or Masters degree should visit the Office of Admission’s web pages.

If you are an international student and have a question concerning your visa, please contact the Center for Global Education at 216.397.4320 or global@jcu.edu.

How to get your Ohio Driver’s License for those who have never had a driver’s license:

  1. Make sure that you are in active status in SEVIS by checking with the Center for Global Education.
  2. Wait ten days from when you arrive in the US and two days when you started being in active status in SEVIS.
  3. Provide proper documentation to prove your birthday and SSN (if you have one).
  4. Bring proof of residency, your passport, I-94, and I-20. You can look at the list of acceptable documents here.
  5. Take the written exam and vision screening (no need for an appointment).
    • The test has 40 multiple choice questions and you have to get a 75% to pass
    • The written test will cover information including: Rules of the road, traffic signs and what they mean, motor vehicle laws, and highway warnings
  6. Purchase a temporary permit package ($22).
  7. Take the driving and maneuverability test. You’ll need to make an appointment two weeks prior to the test, which you can do here. You can also contact your local BMV to schedule an appointment.
  8. Pay for your new Ohio license, which is around $20.

How to get your Ohio driver’s license for those who have a current foreign driver’s license:

  1. Present foreign license.
  2. Bring proof of Social Security Number if applicable, as well as your proof of residency. You can look at the list of acceptable documents here.
  3. Take the written exam and vision screening. This does not require an appointment.
    • The test has 40 multiple choice questions and you have to get a 75% to pass
    • The written test will cover information including: Rules of the road, traffic signs and what they mean, motor vehicle laws, and highway warnings
  4. Take the driving and maneuverability test. You’ll need to make an appointment two weeks prior to the test, which you can do here. You can also contact your local BMV to schedule an appointment.
  5. (You may need to purchase a temporary permit package ($22) depending on where your foreign license it from)

How to get an Ohio state ID:

Note: A person may not have both an Ohio state ID and an Ohio driver’s license at the same time

The Ohio BMV issues non-U.S. citizens identification cards (non-renewable/non-transferable) with an expiration date based on the documents from USCIS.

Apply in person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

  1. Apply in person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
    • Bring: most current Form I-20, copy of I-94, current passport with F-1 visa, and the fee of $8.50

F-1 student must complete the below steps to be employed on campus but need not seek further authorization from Center for Global Education for on-campus work. F-1 students may work on-campus part-time (20 hours or less) while class is in session and full-time (21 hour or more) during any breaks including summer break.

  1. Receive an on-campus employment offer. Job openings can be found on Handshake.
  2. After you receive an employment offer, you will receive documents that JCU will need from you before you start working. You will receive the following documents:
    • W-4 form
    • Employment Eligibility Form
    • Direct Deposit Authorization Form
    • Student Employment Application
    • Foreign National Information Form
  3. Visit The Center for Global Education to get a Work Authorization letter and to schedule a time to visit the Social Security office. Allow two hours for your Social Security trip.
  4. Have your on-campus employer complete the Work Authorization letter.
  5. Bring the following documents to your appointment with Social Security:
    • Passport with visa
    • I-20
    • I-94 – print the version that has all your entries into the US for the past three years
    • Completed Social Security Application
    • Completed Work Authorization letter issued by the Center for Global Education and completed by your on-campus employer
  6. After your Social Security interview, you will be given a letter and told how long it will take for your card to arrive in the mail.
  7. Return the five employment documents you received to Human Resources for summer employment or Student Enrollment and Financial Services for employment during the academic year. Also bring with you:
    • Passport with visa
    • I-20
    • I-94
    • Letter from Social Security Office
  8. Once you receive your Social Security card in the mail, you must provide it to Human Resources for summer employment or Student Enrollment and Financial Services for employment during the academic year. You may not begin to work until you have received your Social Security card and provided a copy of it to the University.
Students at Boler

Applying for Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is, “temporary employment for optional practical training related to the students major area of study.” F-1 students may apply for OPT for either before or after program completion.

Students in computer lab

Using Curricular Practical Training

F-1 students may apply and be approved for off-campus training/internships related to their academic major through the use of Curricular Practical Training (CPT.)

Need more information?

Make an appointment with the Center for Global Education to discuss any international student support questions.