Hello everyone, I'm an international student on F1 visa. I'm trying to buy a shotgun to continue my training in shooting ranges for upcoming competitions. I did my hunting safety course and I believe I also need a hunting license to be able to buy a gun. So my question is, Can I buy a shotgun being on F1 visa? I've been reading and researching a lot but couldn't find a clear answer. Can I get a hunting license if I don't have a SSN?

You do NOT need a hunting license to purchase a weapon of any kind.

Your Visa status and home country may be bigger issues. Even though you may be able to buy a weapon, some vendors might chose not to sell to you.

I had a client come in from out of the country, we were able to get him a fishing license with his passport number. We didn't try for the hunting license but I'm sure he could have gotten it too. As far as buying a firearm, I could not tell you if it's even possible for you to purchase one.

Why don't you just call Texas Parks and Wildlife or your local law enforcement office and ask them what you need?

The Hunting License is a State issue.
A foreign national purchasing a firearm probably has overlapping State and Federal issues.

Tread lightly my friend.

I don't think he can buy a gun....

Read the 4473 specifically definition provided in 11.1b

This is what I found: So I guess the only exception I could probably fall within is the first one which needs a hunting license.

Question 12 on ATF Form 4473
An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is not prohibited from purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm if the alien falls within one of the following exceptions:
(1) is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued by the Federal Government, a State, or local government, or an Indian tribe federally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is valid and unexpired;
(2) was admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes;
(3) has received a waiver from the prohibition from the Attorney General of the United States;
(4) is an official representative of a foreign government who is accredited to the United States Government or the Government’s mission to an international organization having its headquarters in the United States;
(5) is en route to or from another country to which that alien is accredited;
(6) is an official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor who has been so designated by the Department of State; or
(7) is a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business.

This is directly from the TWPD license website... so you don't have a social but do you have one of those other criteria?




Sorry should have explained this is what you would need to get a hunting license... so it seems if you were able to get that then you would fit under category number 1

had this come up with a girl in the office trying to by a hand gun here on a work visa, was told to go buy a hunting license

I don't believe that you can buy a gun in the US on a student visa, which is a temporary visa.
You can buy a gun in the US as a gal alien if you are here on a long term visa and have established a permanent resident Ina state and can supply the necessary documentation such as six months utility bills, state drivers license or official ID orUS military ID.

Hmmm Im gonna try to get a hunting license and try to by a shotgun and see how it goes. Thank's everyone and will let you informed if they let buy one or not

I'm surprised that Question 12 subpart #5 is allowed. The hunting license loophole seems mighty ambiguous to me. Interested in how you are handled.

I wonder if the op will post an update to their conumdrum? Sounds more like a baited question, instead of anything legit. Otherwise, wouldn't they just call the experts for their answers?

do what the gang bangers do ---------- go to a gun show.

You can buy from a non FFL.

Incorrect, most do need a hunting license per ATF

You WILL likely need to purchase a hunting license first, I have a friend in a similar situation and a hunting license is needed if you are on certain visa(perm) types.

Remember, FFL dealers still have to do background checks even at gunshows. The only non-background check is from individual to individual... and that doesn't have to be at a gun show, can be through any means of contact.

On the original question, it looks like a personal sale would be prohibited to a non-resident:

From the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms (ATF) website, "Frequently asked Questions"
(link below quote)

2. May I lawfully transfer a firearm to a friend who resides in a different State?

Under Federal law, an unlicensed individual is prohibited from transferring a firearm to an individual
who does not reside in the State where the transferee resides. Generally, for a person to lawfully
transfer a firearm to an unlicensed person who resides out of State, the firearm must be shipped to a
Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) within the recipient’s State of residence. He or she may then
receive the firearm from the FFL upon completion of an ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background
check. More information can be obtained on the ATF website at www.atf.gov and
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html. The GCA provides an exception from this
prohibition for temporary loans or rentals of firearms for lawful sporting purposes. Thus, for
example, a friend visiting you may borrow a firearm from you to go hunting. Another exception is
provided for transfers of firearms to nonresidents to carry out a lawful bequest or acquisition by
intestate succession. This exception would authorize the transfer of a firearm to a nonresident who
inherits a firearm under the will of a decedent. See 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(5).

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/0501-firearms-top-10-qaspdf/download