Are you an F-1 student who has completed a program of study and is waiting to begin a new program of study? If so, you are in a program gap and will not be able to receive a driver’s license or Social Security number until 30 days before your new program start date – the earliest at which a designated school official (DSO) can set your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to Active status.

You will be in a program gap if you are in the United States beyond your program end date in SEVIS but more than 30 days prior to your new program start date, regardless of your SEVIS record’s status.

A program gap may occur when you do the following:

• Change education levels
• Enroll in another program of study at the same education level
• Transfer to another school to finish your degree

The Social Security Administration and most state departments of motor vehicles use the Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to verify your documents. During a program gap, SAVE will be unable to verify your status, even though you are lawfully present in the United States.

Your best option if you enter a program gap and need either of these benefits is to follow these five steps:

1. Wait until 30 or fewer days before your new program start date.
2. Check in with your DSO at your new program so your DSO can put your SEVIS record in Active status.
3. Tell your new DSO you would like to apply for a Social Security number or a driver’s license so your DSO can ensure you know all the requirements.
4. Wait two business days after your record is in Active status to apply for a benefit.
5. Apply for your benefit.

Remember, timing is everything when applying for a Social Security number or driver’s license. Plan ahead, and either apply to obtain your Social Security number or driver’s license several weeks before your program end date or expect to wait until your program gap is over after your new program start date.

If you have questions, call the Student and Exchange Visitor Program Response Center at 703-603-3400 or contact us by e-mail at sevp@ice.dhs.gov.