Other Questions

How can I get an official IELC grade report?

If you need an official IELC Grade Report/Transcript, please complete the grade report/transcripts request form.

Where can I take TOEFL exam? How can I register?

Online registration is the easiest method. Registration is available 3-4 months before the test date. Register early as seats fill up quickly.

What is the weather like in Reno?

Reno has a mild, dry climate with four distinct seasons. The summer months (June-August) are typically hot and dry and the winter months (November-February) are cold and snowy. However, nights in the summer are cool and you may need to wear a sweater or jacket sometimes. It does not rain very often; however, there are some occasional summer and spring storms. The air is very dry and students are recommended to drink plenty of water during the day. Also if you have sensitive we recommend that students use moisturizing creams on a daily basis. In the winter there is a lot of snowfall that remains on the ground for many days and you will need winter clothing to keep warm.

What should I bring from my home country?

You must be aware that the voltage and current used in the U.S. is different from many countries (120V, 60Hz). Therefore many electrical devices such as hair dryers, electric shavers, electric kitchen devices, etc., will not work correctly in the U.S. To use these items in the U.S. you will have to purchase a voltage/current converter. However these devices can be very costly and have limited amounts of power consumption. In such cases it is advisable to leave those items at home and purchase new ones when you arrive in the U.S. Other items such as notebooks and digital cameras will work in the U.S. but you may have to purchase some plug adapters when you arrive in order to connect them to an outlet.

Where can I find additional information on different government agencies?

The Office of International Students ans Scholars has a page with links directly to different government agencies.

Driver's License

How can I get a Nevada Driver License?

What you must take with you to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

• Passport and Visa Document
• I-94 card (small white card stapled in your passport)
• I-20 or DS-2019
• Previous licenses or ID's

What will the test be like?

If you have never been licensed in the United States, you will have to take vision, written and driving skills tests. You can pick up a free paper copy of the drivers handbook to study for the written test at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or you can get a free copy online.

Can I make an appointment for the written and driving test?

No, you must go to the DMV in person with your documents. The written test is given on a 'first come, first served' basis. After you have completed the vision and written test, they will schedule you for a driving test.

Does the DMV provide a car for the driving skills test?

No. You must bring a vehicle to take the test. The examiner will perform a safety inspection on your vehicle and check its registration and insurance. You do not have to use your own vehicle, but you must have a vehicle in the same license class as you are applying for. You may not use a rental car. Vehicles must be properly registered and insured.

How much does it cost?

$22 for a drivers license
$12 for a Nevada ID card
You may pay by cash, check or credit card.
$25 for the written test ($10 retest fee will apply to all retakes)

What is a Nevada ID Card?

This is an identification card with your picture and information on it. It can be used as legal identification in the United States for proof of age, but not for driving a vehicle. In many cases such as cashing a check at the bank, it can be used instead of a passport for identification purposes. The minimum age for an ID card is 10 years. If you have a driver license you do not need an ID card.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a license or ID card?

Non U.S. Citizens who have applied for, but not received, a Social Security number may attest to this on the driver license application. They are not required to provide proof of a Social Security number.

Can my dependent get a drivers license or ID card?

(F-2 or J-2 wife/husband/child) Yes, they must bring the documents listed above. They can get a drivers license or ID card without a social security number, the DMV will use their passport number.

How often is the driver’s license renewed?

The driver's license is issued for the period that your I-20 is valid for up to one year. It must be renewed every year or if you have your I-20 extended. Each time you renew, you will need to bring a new letter from the IELC regarding your continued status as a full time student in good academic standing. You will also need to go to the DMV in person to renew your driver's license. However, you will not need to take the written and driving tests again. You cannot renew your driver license on-line.

Can I buy my own car while in the US?

DMV Location and Contact information:
Department of Motor Vehicles
305 Galletti Drive
Reno, Nevada 89512
Phone (775) 688-2368
Directions from university: Go down N. Virginia Street and turn left onto E 4th Street. Follow E. 4th Street until it intersects with Galletti Drive (look for sigYes. If you have a Nevada Driver License or an International Driver License you can purchase a car for personal transportation. You must register your vehicle at the DMV with the title of the vehicle, proof of emissions test and insurance. You may be required to provide additional information and payment for registration will depend on the year and make of the car. To find out more about this process, visit http://www.nevadadmv.state.nv.us/nvreg.htm. Buy or sell a used car and/or a used book www.UNRLAZYDAY.com

Where is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)?

DMV Location and Contact information:
Department of Motor Vehicles
305 Galletti Drive
Reno, Nevada 89512
Phone (775) 688-2368
Directions from university: Go down N. Virginia Street and turn left onto E 4th Street. Follow E. 4th Street until it intersects with Galletti Drive (look for signs directing you to the DMV). Turn right onto Galletti Drive, go about 1 kilometer. The DMV will be on your right. (Bus 11 from CitiCenter can drop you off about 2 blocks away near the corner of 4th/Prater and Galletti Streets)

Working In the United States

Can an international student work in the U.S.?

An international student using an F-1 or a J-1 visa document issued by UNR can work but there are many restrictions. Eligibility to work is based on full-time student status. International students generally hold either F-1 (student) or J-l (exchange ~visitor, scholar) visas while studying in the United States. F-1 and J-1 students in good standing are eligible for any on-campus employment at their university while they are enrolled. They can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and up to 40 hours a week during breaks.

Where can I find a job on-campus?

Many departments or offices on-campus publish job-openings on flyers that are posted on bulletin boards across campus. Another good source for jobs is the career development's job web site http://www.unr.edu/career/Jobs.html. You must be registered as a student at the University of Nevada, Reno to sign up and create a login and password. Then you may use the search engine to find on-campus jobs. International students may not be eligible for all of the jobs posted. You must make sure that you are eligible for the work position before applying. Also, you may be required to provide additional information such as a resume or letter. It is the student's responsibility to provide all required information and go through the application process. The work schedule depends on the job; however, you may not work during IELC class hours.

Can I work off-campus?

F-1 students in good standing are only allowed to work on-campus at the university they are attending. J-1 students may be allowed to work off campus, but many restrictions apply. See the J-1 Work Authorization site for more information.

If a student is interested in working on-campus, it is his/her responsibility to find a job and apply for it. More information about On Campus jobs can be found at Human Resources: Student Employment.

Do I need a social security number to work on campus?

Yes. Students working on campus must have a social security number. In order to obtain the number refer to the social security FAQ section. If the employer is ready to hire the student for a job and the student does not have the social security number, the university payroll office will issue a temporary number while he/she applies for a permanent social security number. Once the international student has applied for their social security card and receives confirmation, the hiring department or international student can request a temporary number from the Payroll Office. This temporary number will be released to the employing department and can be used to complete the hiring paperwork, but it can only be used for 12 weeks. The employer should update the paperwork once the social security card is received

I am an international student and I do not know if I need to submit a tax return?

Everyone residing in the U.S. needs to submit some form of tax return (including international students)! If you have not earned any money or received any scholarship, it is very simple. Otherwise, it can be very complicated. However, the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at UNR offers workshops in February and March each year to help international students and faculty learn a bit about their tax obligations.

Social Security Number

What is a Social Security Number?

A social security number is used to track payroll taxes in the USA. Many schools, businesses and organizations may use this number to identify you. It is not necessary to have a social security number in the USA if you do not want to work. At the IELC, your Student I.D. number ('R' number) can be used for all identification purposes, except for work. Download instructions on obtaining a social security number.

What will I need to apply for a social security number?

• Passport
• I-20
• I-94 card (small white card stapled in your passport.
• Letter from IELC showing that you are a full-time student and authorized to work on campus.

Who can apply?

• Anyone authorized to work in the USA
• Those on F-1 or J-1 visas
• Resident Aliens (those with a 'green card')
• US Citizens

Who can NOT apply?

• Anyone not authorized to work in the USA
• Students attending on a B-1 or B-2 Tourist/Visitor visa
• Those who entered the USA on a Visa Waiver (you have a green I-94 W card)

How long does it take to get a Social Security number?

Approximately 15 - 20 business days. It will come to the mailing address you wrote on the application. If you have not received it within 25 days, come to the IELC office and we will help you track it. It is best to apply for a social security card immediately upon obtaining a job offer. It will be necessary to personally visit a Social Security Administration Office to apply.

Now that I have my card, what do I do?

• Sign it with your usual signature
• Do not laminate it
• Bring it to the IELC office so we can photocopy it and update your University records
• Notify your bank of your new number, they need it for your checking and other account information
• If you live in the dormitory, show it to the Residential Life and Housing office

Oh no! My name is not spelled correctly!

You must apply for a new card. The new card will have the same number, but your name will be spelled correctly. It is important that your name on your passport and the name on your social security card be spelled exactly the same.

Oh no! I lost my card!

You must apply for a new card. The new card will have the same number.

Health and Medical Assistance

Will I have access to health services in the US?

All international students at University of Nevada, Reno are required to pay the health center fee and supplemental health insurance plan. If you would like to know the costs, see our "dates and fees" web page.

I don’t have my immunization records what do I do?

If you have not had your immunizations we recommend that you wait until arriving at the IELC. During the new student orientation session the IELC will set up a day to take you to the student health center to receive your immunizations. There will be an additional cost of approximately $25 that is paid at the health center after receiving the immunizations. If you already have immunization records from your home country, bring them with you (it will be more helpful if they are in English). These records may or may not be accepted by the student health center and you may have to repeat your immunizations to be allowed to attend University of Nevada, Reno. All students must have immunizations to attend the University of Nevada, Reno. Required immunizations are TD/Diphtheria (1 dose in last 10 years) and MMR - Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 doses)

Where do I go if I have a health problem?

If it is not an emergency, the first place you should go is the University of Nevada Student Health Center. The health center fee will give you access to this center. This is not a hospital but you will be able to see a nurse and/or doctor. The health center can take car of most issues.

What if I have an accident?

If you have a serious problem such as an accident or you feel ill enough to require emergency assistance you can go to any hospital in the United States. Your supplemental insurance plan will not cover 100% of the costs, but it will cover a significant amount. The amount of coverage will depend on the hospital or clinic that you go to. When you pay for the supplemental insurance plan, additional information on coverage will be sent to you. You may also obtain more information at http://www.unr.edu/shc/writing/insurance.html.
Currently, Renown is the medical provider of the supplemental insurance plan. Therefore student should go to this hospital if possible.

Bank Accounts

Can I obtain a bank account while in the USA?

Yes, it is not mandatory, but we recommend it for students that will be staying for longer periods of time obtain a bank account. Bank of America offers checking accounts to international students free of charge. Many other banks may also offer free bank accounts.

How do I obtain a Bank Account?

During the new student orientation, you may sign up to be taken with other new students to Bank of America to set up an account. You may also go on your own to any bank and ask if you are eligible for a bank account

What are the benefits of having a Bank Account?

You may use it to deposit personal money safely, and make smaller withdrawals from ATM machines. In some cases your family may also wire funds to you directly to the bank account from your home country. You will also be given a check book that may be used for purchases. Also, a bank account helps create and build good "credit history" for you in the United States. If you plan on purchasing a car, cell phone etc, it will help to have a good credit history. A good credit history also allows you to obtain additional benefits with financial institutions in the US. After a period of time holding a bank account in good standing in the US, many banks may offer you additional services such as credit cards or savings accounts. You must also be aware that irresponsible use of the bank account will result in a bad "credit history".

I am ready to return to my home country, what should I do with my bank account?

If you are not planning to return to the US in the near future, you should always close any accounts with the bank or other financial institution. Before closing your account you will need to make sure that all pending transactions have been processed and cleared. This will avoid any problems if you decide to return to the US in the future. If you leave any unpaid debts when you leave the US, you may have serious problems when you return.

Housing

I am coming to the IELC, where do I live?

There are many housing options at University of Nevada, Reno. The first is the University student dormitories. The University has seven on-campus dormitories with option ranging from double rooms to apartment style living. You must sign up for housing ahead of time, before you arrive in order to make sure that you have a room reserved for you. See more info at Residential Life, Housing and Food Services. You may also find rooms or apartments for rent near campus at reasonable rates. It is your responsibility to find appropriate housing for yourself. However, at our offices we may help guide you in order to find housing information. To see more information on off-campus apartments see our Apartment List.

I am arriving soon and I don’t have a place to stay.

If you arrive early you may have to arrange for temporary housing until the dormitory is ready to accept new students or until you find an apartment. There are many hotels around campus and at downtown Reno. The IELC can assist you in reserving a room. Please contact us for assistance at ielc@unr.edu .

Where do I find off-campus housing?

It is important to know that many private renters require you to sign contracts for 6 to 12 months. If you are coming for a shorter period of time, it may be difficult to find off-campus housing. In such cases we recommend housing at the University dormitories. Otherwise, it is advisable to stay in a hotel during your search for rooms and apartments.