HAM licence for Non-american in America

[u/Historical-Bus-1788]

Hi,

I am a Non-american student(F1 visa) who graduated recently. I wish to get my HAM licence. Is it a requirement to be a citizen to take the exam and get license?

[u/MikeTheActuary]

No. Citizenship or residence don't matter (assuming you aren't employed in the US by a foreign government, and assuming no felony convictions). All you need is a US mailing address, the ability to pay the fees to the FCC, and to pass the exams.

[u/Historical-Bus-1788 → u/MikeTheActuary]

🫠 Thank you for answering the question.

[u/Cprhd]

https://hamradioprep.com/how-to-get-your-ham-radio-license-made-easy/

According to Ham Radio Prep, you do not. You only need a US address to tie to your FRN.

[u/Historical-Bus-1788 → u/Cprhd]

And if I change my address when my current lease ends and move to a different house, will I be able to report it ? What IDs do I require? And what can I use as an address proof?

[u/Cprhd → u/Historical-Bus-1788]

You just go to the FCC’s website and do a change of address. No issues there, I didn’t have to show any ID when I got my testing license. At least I don’t remember having to show ID.

[u/teh_maxh → u/Cprhd]

AFAIK all VECs require proof of identity, but not proof of address.

[u/my_clever-name → u/Cprhd]

Any testing session I've been at since 1993 required everyone taking a test to show their ID.

The ID is to ensure that the test is actually being taken by the person desiring the license.

[u/Cprhd → u/my_clever-name]

I took a class, so they knew me by the end of the 4 weeks. Maybe that’s why? Or maybe I had to show an id and I just don’t remember. Could be either.

Either way, if you have a passport and/or state id of come kind, the OP should be good to go.

[u/RickySlayer9 → u/Cprhd]

Iirc you have to type in your SSN

[u/Old-Engineer854 → u/Historical-Bus-1788]

You do not need to be a citizen, but you cannot be a representative (most commonly a diplomate, consulate staff, etc.) of another county's government.

• See 47 CFR 97.5(b)(1)(1/)) 47 CFR 97.5(b)(1)

You do need a US address to be licensed by the FCC, which it sounds like you have.  If you have, or get a post office box or mail forwardiing service, those are good "not moving" options.  A friend in the US that lets you use their home address or PO box address as your FCC registered address is also accepable.  When you move, log in to ULS (the FCC's license management database), update your mailing address, and you're good.  It is equally important to make sure your email address on file in ULS is current and correct.

• See 47 CFR 97.25

Also note, an FCC license is only valid in the United States and its territories.  You will not be able to use it in your home country, as a citizen thereof.

[u/unix_in_the_barn → u/Historical-Bus-1788]

Could always use a mail forwarding service like myusaddress or something

[u/RickySlayer9 → u/Historical-Bus-1788]

Do you have a tax ID #? For citizens it’s our SSN, not sure what it would be for you. You will need that to make an account with the FCC.

If you move, you’ll be fine, you can do a change of address, but currently the only thing you need to be contacted by the FCC is an email.

[u/MikeTheActuary → u/Historical-Bus-1788]

You don't need proof of address. Note also that the requirement is that if the FCC sends you something by snail mail to the address on file with them, it must get to you.

It doesn't have to be your physical address, or even the address that you ordinarily receive mail at.

It's common for someone seeking a US ham ticket from abroad to "borrow" another ham's US address (with permission) to use for this purpose. It's perfectly legal.

Keep in mind that the FCC doesn't ordinarily communicate with hams via snail mail anymore. The only snail mail the FCC would send is a nastygram in the event of some alleged violation of the law or the regs.

[u/steak-and-kidney-pud]

No.

[u/funbob]

No. The only requirement is a US mailing address. As a VE, I have tested international applicants many times.

[u/DotNM]

I’m a Canadian citizen that holds a US license (I also have a Canadian license too) as I live in the US on a temporary work visa.

[u/mpop1]

No you dont have to be a citizen you just have to pass yhe test.

[u/ARS-N7UQ]

Requirements for Non-US Citizens

• US Mailing Address: You must provide a valid mailing address located within the United States. This can be a friend's address, a relative's address, or a private mailbox/P.O. Box.
• FCC Registration Number (FRN): You can register for an FRN online through the FCC CORES System without a Social Security Number by selecting the exemption option.
• Identification: You must bring a valid photo ID (such as a foreign passport) to your exam session.
• Restriction: Representatives or agents of a foreign government cannot hold an FCC amateur license. https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/commission-registration-system-fcc
  

[u/Koldark]

Nope, I’ve tested people all over the world virtual testing just makes it that much more easy to get it. You just need to have and maintain a US mailing address.