Ham license for non-american?

[N467RX]

Is it possible to obtain a Ham license in the US if I am not a US Citizen (F-1 Student visa / B1/B2/BCC tourist visa)?

 

[bna92]

It's no problem at all. You only need to pass the test and follow the rules. You should bring appropriate ID to the testing session, too. A passport may be enough, ask first.

 

[WA4MJF]

As long as you do not represent a foreign guvment.

 

[N467RX]

Ok, so the testing is on October 11, the flyer distributed says that we need
Photo ID
$14
Social Security Number
pencils, paper, etc

I don't have an SSN, and my email hasn't been answered. Is there a particular reason for asking the SSN? like identity verification or something like that? I'll probably call this week, but wanted to see if someone knows more about it.

 

[SAR923]

FCC Form 605, which you fill out to get your license, has no place of an SSN. It states you cannot be a foreign government or representative of such government. No citizenship requirement I can find so you should be able to take the test using your visa as identification.

 

[N467RX]

Alright, thanks Jim.

 

[BaLa]

I took the test, not a Citizen either.

 

[N467RX]

and no problems at all? what documents did you take?

 

[NB0B]

Frn

The preferred method is to use your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and NOT your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Please go to the FCC site https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do and click on the Register button. Follow the instructions and you can have your FRN assigned before any other transactions with the FCC.

Bob/NBØB

 

[N467RX]

I'll register later on.

The FRN form actually asks for a reason for not having an SSN (if applicable) and one of them is being a foreigner

 

[NB0B]

FRN vs SSN

I'll register later on.

The FRN form actually asks for a reason for not having an SSN (if applicable) and one of them is being a foreigner

Just so long as you do it before the testing session for your license. If you have an FRN, the Volunteer Examiners won't care about an SSN. You'll still need the other items listed on the flyer, just not an SSN. The following is from the ARRL/VEC manual (other VECs have similar requirements):

Amateur Radio license/upgrade applicants should be advised to use their FRN

ARRL/VEC urges all Amateur Radio license and upgrade applicants to use their FCC Registration Number (FRN), if they have been assigned one, when completing Form 605, not their Social Security number. The FCC asks applicants to register via the FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES) https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do, to obtain an FRN, and it requires applicants to use their FRNs when filing Form 605. The FRN uniquely identifies an applicant in all transactions with the FCC and avoids the need to continually provide a Social Security number on the application form. ARRL/VEC staff reports that when license data is submitted to the FCC using a Social Security number when the applicant already has an FRN, the FCC rejects the data file because an FRN already exists.

As for presenting an ID, the ARRL VE manual states, "The candidate must present a legal photo ID. This requirement is usually met with a driver's license, but it can be a passport or other legal identification card with the candidate's photo on it." It doesn't have to be a US ID, but that usually makes the VEs feel better if you have one.

One final suggestion ... if you're paying cash for the exam, it really helps the VEs if you bring the exact amount.

Bob/NBØB

 

[N467RX]

Ok, I have my Mexican issued passport and US issued Visa, so that should be enough.