Life at OCC

As an international student at Oakland Community College, you will need to understand the specific requirements for living in the United States, and it is also helpful to know the resources that are available at OCC and in the surrounding community. See the sections below for more information about each of these areas. 

  • Academic support: At OCC we have a dedicated Academic Support Center that provides programs and services to help you succeed in achieving your academic goals. 

  • Live on campus at Oakland University: In partnership with OCC and Oakland University, OCC students are eligible to sign up for on-campus housing. 

  • Campus and community resources: See OCC’s Student Services page for more information on resources that are available to you. 

  • Things to do in metro Detroit: Review this helpful resource to learn more about how to explore the city and surrounding communities.  

OCC Student Systems

As an International Student at OCC, you will use two main portals:

1.  MyOCC is your student portal. You can use MyOCC to: 

    • Search for classes, register, add or drop classes
    • View and print your schedule
    • View your academic progress
    • Print an unofficial transcript
    • View your grades
    • Make a credit card payment

2.  F-1 Student Portal is where all student visa processes and requests are accessed. For example: 

    • Requesting I-20 documents
    • Program extensions
    • Reduced Course Load
    • Status verification letters
    • Transfer requests

Life in the U.S.

Know your rights in the U.S.

It is important to remember that while studying in the United States you are expected to follow all laws and policies. 

  • The U.S. has multiple types of law including federal, state and local community laws. 

  • International students who violate a U.S. law can have different consequences than American students and unlawful activity can negatively impact your immigration status. 

  • Non-immigrants (including F and M visa holders): You have certain constitutional rights in the U.S. when confronted by local or federal authorities. Please connect with International Student Services to discuss any specific interaction with local or federal government, or general concerns about rights as a non-citizen.

You should connect with International Student Services if any criminal issues arise. For general information on immigrant/nonimmigrant rights there are several resources available including: 

American Immigration Lawyer Association

American Civil Liberties Union

National Immigration Law Center

Michigan State ID or Driver's License 

F-1 / F-2 visa holders need several documents to apply for a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, including: 

  • Proof of Social Security Number OR proof of ineligibility for a number (Form SSA L-676). 

  • I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) student of (F-2) dependent.

  • Driver's License letter from OCC: request in the F-1 Student Portal.

  • Two documents to prove Michigan residence. This can include: 
    • An apartment lease or housing rental agreement
    • Utility bill
    • Bank or other financial institution statement, credit card statement
    • School account records
    • Insurance policy
    • Pay stub
    • US government document
    • Vehicle registration and title

Secretary of State resources

Social Security Administration

Eligibility for a Social Security Number

As of Oct. 13, 2004, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will only give F-1 international students a Social Security Number only when they can show proof of a job offer either on campus at OCC or approved Curricular Practical Training. 

On campus employment

You must provide SSA with a letter from the OCC employer a letter from OCC International Student Services. You can request this letter within the F-1 student portal. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

If you have an approved CPT authorization, you must provide a copy of the I-20 and verification of employment from their employer. 

Processing time

It may take up to two weeks to receive the Social Security card by mail. However, you can obtain a receipt from the SSA office showing the number within 24 hours of their official request. Please remember to ask about returning the next day for the second receipt with the Social Security Number printed on it. 

Social Security Administration Letter of Ineligibility (Form SSA L-676)

The Social Security Administration issues a letter of ineligibility for those individuals who are unable to apply for the SSN. For people who are not eligible for an SSN, this letter is called a Form SSA L-676 letter. This can be helpful to show government agencies that normally require an SSN.

Eligibility for SSA L-676

People in the following visa statuses need an SSA L-676 to apply for a Michigan Driver License or State Identification Card:

    • F-1 students without employment
    • F-2 dependent family members
    • J-2 dependent family members without employment authorization
    • H-4 dependent family members without employment authorization

Required application materials for SSA L-676

    • Photocopy of passport biographical page

    • Additional immigration document:
      • F-1 or F-2: Photocopy of I-20
      • J-2: Photocopy of DS-2019
      • H-4: Photocopy of I-797C Approval Notice

Note: SSA L-676 letters are only valid for 30 days! If the date on your letter from SSA and the date of your appointment with the Secretary of State’s office is more than 30 days apart, you must request a new letter from SSA.

Income tax requirements of F-1 international students

As an F-1 student attending school in the United States, you may need to file taxes with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State of Michigan. 

The International Student Services team is not able to provide tax advising and recommend that students speak with a certified tax professional. Another resource is to contact the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for additional assistance.

NOTE: All F-1 students and their F-2 dependents must complete Form 8843 and send it to the Internal Revenue Service, even if they did not work.