A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine digit unique identification number assigned by the U.S. Social Security Administration to monitor and tax wages earned by those who work in the United States. A SSN is required for all individuals employed in the U.S., including international students, but it does not grant employment authorization. International students and scholars must follow the laws and regulations for their F or J class of admission.
Eligibility
F-1 Students are eligible to obtain a social security number if they have been offered or are approved for:
- On-Campus Employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Notes:
- Students cannot apply more than 30 days before their employment start date.
- To qualify for an SSN through CPT or OPT, employment must be off campus.
- OPT applicants can apply for a Social Security Number as a step in the OPT application (Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization) instead of applying in person. We advise applying through the Form I-765.
- OPT students who did not apply through the Form I-765 cannot apply for an SSN until their employment start date.
F-2 Dependents do not qualify for a Social Security number as they are not permitted to work while in F-2 status.
J-1 Students and Scholars are eligible to obtain a social security number if they are in valid J-1 status.
Any student or scholar who is eligible for a social security number must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 10 business days before applying in person at the Social Security Office. New students must have completed the immigration check-in process with the Principal Designated School Official or Responsible Officer and be registered in SEVIS. Students should talk with their international student advisor before applying for a social security number to ensure their record is Active in SEVIS. Once a record is activated in SEVIS, students should wait two weeks before applying for a SSN to ensure the relevant government database is current.
In order to apply for a Social Security Number, you must have a qualifying employment offer or federally-issued employment verification. Review Working in the United States for more information on F-1 regulations regarding employment. Once you receive your letter of offer, collect the appropriate employment verification to provide to the Social Security Administration. What you use for verification depends on the type of employment you’re pursuing:
| Qualifying Employment | Proof of Employment Authorization Documents |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Employment |
|
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) |
|
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | (See note above and follow the remaining steps only if applying in person and not through the Form I-765.)
|
| Off-Campus Employment with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
|
F-1/J-2 Applicants: How to Obtain Your SSN Support Letter
The SSN Support Letter from your Designated School Official or Responsible Officer. This will be used by the Social Security Administration to verify that your employment does not violate your nonimmigrant student status.
When submitting your request to the DSO/RO for this letter, provide:
- Letter of offer for your employment with job duties, expected work hours, and supervisor details.
- A summary of the following information:
- Job title
- Job duties
- Company’s name and address
- Supervisor’s name, title, phone number, and email address
- Starting date of employment
- Location of where the job duties will take place:
- if your position is on-campus, just state “on campus” as your location,
- if your position is on location at a non-HPU office, list the address of your office,
- if your position is virtual, provide your intended location to complete your virtual duties (e.g., on-campus or home address), or
- if your position is hybrid (some virtual and some on location), list the address of the office and the intended location where you’ll complete your virtual duties, then estimate how much of your duties will be completed virtually (e.g., 50% virtual).
IMPORTANT: Please allow a minimum of 7-10 days for the SAVE system to update your registration in SEVIS before you apply for a Social Security Number. This will help the Social Security Administration verify your immigration status with the DHS.
Step 1: Complete the Application
To apply for a Social Security Number, you’ll need to complete is the Form SS-5: Application for Social Security Card. If you are in the United States, you can complete an online application form or download and complete a paper application form. You are not able to submit your supplementary materials online or apply via post. You will need to appear in person to a Social Security Office to complete the process. Access your form:
- Online Form SS-5: Application for Social Security Card
- Paper Form SS-5: Application for Social Security Card
Read all instructions carefully, then complete the application form. If you’re applying with the paper form, print a copy to take to the Social Security Office and save a copy of the completed form for your records.
Note: For Question #5 Citizenship, select “legal alien allowed to work” if you are an F-1 or J-1 student applying for a SSN with an on-campus job offer or with off-campus employment authorization (i.e., CPT, OPT, AT).
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
- Application for Social Security Card (if using the paper form)
- Valid Passport & Visa Foil/Stamp. Note: Your photo ID must be at least one year old. If your passport is new, take another photo ID with you. If your F-1 visa is affixed to an expired passport, take both passports with you.
- Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or Form DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status
- Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record
- Verification of Employment (refer to the Employment Verification tab for more information)
Step 3: Apply In Person
Take your materials to the Social Security Administration office to submit in-person with an Social Security Administration official. The three nearby offices are:
- Greensboro Office: 6005 Landmark Center Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407
- Asheboro Office: 157 Dublin Square Rd, Asheboro, NC 27203
- Kernersville Office: 1370 Lockland Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Offices are open for SSN application Monday through Fridays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, however you should verify the hours of operation before you plan your visit as their hours may change or be affected by local, State, or Federal holidays or events. Appointments are not required but, if you’re applying online, you may be able to make an appointment through the online system.
We strongly recommend that you try to be at the Social Security office no later than 8:45 am in order to be near the front of the line and that you avoid going towards the end of their office hours. Walk-in applicants are seen on a first-come, first-served bases. Prepare for long wait times, even a couple hours long–take some homework or a book to keep you entertained.
The Greensboro office is the second most busy office in the state, so be prepared for a long wait there. The Asheboro office is a bit further to drive, but usually the wait is not too long if you get there early.
Await your Social Security Card
You can expect your Social Security Card to arrive within 10 days of application. If it does not, you may check the status of your application using the my Social Security account.
You may not be able to begin working until you receive verification of your SSN. Keep your employer, supervisor, and human resources staff up to date on your SSN application, and follow all laws, regulations, policies, and rules set by state and/or federal governments as well as your employer when it comes to employment practices.
Secure Your Social Security Number
It is important not to share your Social Security Number with anyone else as this can lead to “Identity Theft, i.e. someone can use your SSN to perform illegal transactions or activities that will be attributed to you without your knowledge. Below are some tips that will help you to secure your Social Security Number:
- Memorize your SSN. The best place to keep your SSN is in your mind.
- Do not carry around your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, keep it in a safe, secure and secret place and keep it forever. You are issued one SSN for life.
- Do not give out your SSN to anybody, including your family members or friends, unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are required to do so, don’t hesitate to ask the reason they need your SSN.
- Beware with on-line transactions. Normally you are not required to give out your SSN. If you are told to do so, be sure that the site is trusted and secured. In some cases, you may have to give the last four digits of your SSN.
- As a customer, when you are talking with customer service agents requiring information or filing a complaint, avoid telling them your SSN.