Financial Arrangements and Employment (including SSN and Driver's License)
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Financial Arrangements
It is important that you review all cost estimates listed on your Rockhurst I-20. These estimates are the minimum projections in most cases; actual costs will vary according to your lifestyle.
Do not expect or depend on financial aid or part-time employment to meet your educational expenses.
Payment of Fees
You can email studentaccounts@rockhurst.edu for any inquiries regarding your bill, or go to https://www.rockhurst.edu/payonline for further information.
Please note: University funded financial aid is limited and the aid that does exist is exclusively for undergraduate students.
Employment
On-Campus
On-campus employment must not exceed a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session. During official breaks and holidays of more than one week in duration, you may work up to 40 hours per week. Studets do not need authorization from International Services for on-campus employment.
Off-Campus
As an F-1 student, you are not allowed to work off-campus unless authorized by the Director of International Student Services. Any other kind of off campus employment is illegal. If the Director of International Student Services does have sufficient evidence of illegal work, they will terminate a student's I-20.
Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows an international student in F-1 immigration status to work off-campus and gain practical experience in their field of study. The employment must be in the student’s field of study and have a curricular requirement. Only a Primary or Designated School Official (P/DSO) in International Services can authorize CPT. You cannot start employment on CPT until you receive a CPT I-20.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study. There are different types of OPT, but the most common type of OPT is Post-Completion OPT. Post-Completion OPT is employment authorization after a student completes their program of study. A student can apply for Post-Completion OPT up to 90 days prior to their program end date. If a student has a certified STEM major, they may be eligible for an additional 2 years of OPT after completing Post-Completion OPT. This is called a STEM extension or STEM OPT. While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.
Severe Economic Hardship
USCIS makes case-by-case decisions for off-campus employment for students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond their control have created severe economic hardship. These may include the following:
- Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (if the student is not at fault)
- Large increases in tuition or living costs
- Substantial decrease in the relative value of currency the student depends upon to pay expenses
- Unexpected changes in the financial conditions for a student's sources of financial support
- Unexpectedly large medical bills not covered by insurance
- Other substantial, unexpected expenses
Speak with the Director of International Services for more information.
US Social Security Number
In the United States a Social Security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job on campus and off campus. Many other businesses, such as cell phone companies, banks and credit companies, also ask for your SSN. You can not apply for a SSN until you have a job offer and an employer cannot pay you until you provide them with your SSN.
To apply for a SSN, bring the following documents to the Social Security Office, located at 6320 Euclid Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 64132:
- A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, indicating the job title, work hours, start date and rate of pay.
- A letter from International Services confirming your eligibility to work. You can request this online via the Document Request Form.
- Your passport and visa.
- Your SEVIS 1-20.
The SSN application, can be downloaded online from: Social Security Forms
Missouri Driver's License
When you apply for a Missouri driver's license, state Id card or instruction permit you must have documentation to prove your lawful presence in the United States, identity and place of residence.
For more information about obtaining a Missouri driver's license, please consult the Missouri Driver's License Guide. In order to obtain a Missouri driver's license, you must take a four-part test:
- Written Test on Traffic laws and rules for safe driving
- Vision test
- Road sign test
- Driving test
If you are in a non-immigrant visa status, you will receive your license by mail four to six weeks after successfully completing the required tests.
Documentation required for Missouri driver's license, state ID card or instruction permit
1. Proof of lawful presence
*F-1 students must provide the following:
- Passport
- I-94
- Visa
- I-20
- Certification of enrollment*
*Certification of enrollment - Request a "Letter in Good Standing" from the International Student Services online via the Document Request Form. Please note that the letter must be current when making your application (dated within the past 30 days).
2. Proof of identity
- Provide Social Security number if you have received one.
- If you do not have a SSN, contact the Social Security Administration to receive a letter verifying that you are not eligible for one.
3. Proof of residency (provide one of the following)
- Utility bill (most recent).
- Bank statement (most recent).
- Pay stub (most recent).
- Housing/rental contract of current residence.
- Official letter/document from another state or local government agency, on the agency's letterhead or containing the official seal of that agency, issued with the last 30 days.
- Other government document that contains your name and address, issued within the last 30 days.
To take the required tests, go to the testing office, which is located at Missouri State Building: 615 E. 13th Street, Room G1. Test hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once you have passed the test, you will go to the Independence Licensing Services Office at 16643 Est 23rd Street, Independence, MO 64055. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Driver's License Fees
