Obtaining A Social Security Number
The United States has a nationwide pension supplement system known as Social Security. A nine-digit number, which is referred to as a Social Security Number or SSN, is assigned to all US citizens, permanent residents, and some international visitors. The SSN is used as a means to keep a record of income for tax purposes.
Please note that the SSN itself is not work authorization. Work authorization is required in order for an international student to qualify for an SSN. International students who are unemployed do not qualify for a SSN.
NOTE: Students who have been hired to work on-campus are required to fill out a Request for Social Security Number Form before they contact the Social Security Administration. This is only necessary for students who are employed on-campus. Please stop by the ISSS Office to pick up this form; it can be found on the wall right outside of our office door.
The form has three (3) sections; you complete the top section, your campus employer completes the middle section, and then you bring the form to the ISSS Office for our completion. Please note that our turn around time is 5-7 business days.
You will receive an email when the form is ready to be picked up. You may then contact your local Social Security Administration office and make an appointment to apply for an SSN. You will have to bring certain documents to your appointment, so be sure to prepare in advance. The list of required documents is listed on the back of the SSN form and is subject to change at any time. Please contact the Social Security Administration for more information.