Social Security Number

Before coming to the US, I asked myself: Do I need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), and if so, how fast do I have to apply for one?

The good news first: When you move to the US to study, you don’t necessarily need an SSN. But first of all, what is an SSN?

The SSN is a nine-digit tax ID number the Social Security Administration issues. International students must apply for an SSN if they work in the US. But, be cautious! F-1 students are not allowed to work off-campus during the first academic year. Under certain conditions, they can accept an on-campus job, however they must wait until after the first academic year for an off-campus job. Generally, there are three different types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT).
So, back to the explanation about an SSN. While you need the SSN for taxes, you do not need it to apply for the on-campus jobs. However, the students must apply for one once they start their job. A general requirement for the SSN application is the authorization to work in the US. Sometimes, it’s also mandatory that the applicant already has an actual job to apply for an SSN. Additionally, the SSN is a lifetime, permanent number. So, if you already received one in the past, there is no need to apply for a new number. Companies (e.g., banks, cell phone companies, rental agencies) can request the SSN for their business purposes. Last, you must be inside the US when applying for an SSN. You can only apply for an SSN within the US and 30 days before starting your program or employment, whichever comes first.

Besides the SSN, there is also the Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN), which is similar in format. Contrary to the SSN, it is a temporary tax ID number issued to persons NOT working but receiving US income through other sources, called “non-compensatory” income. Non-compensatory income includes income from a scholarship or fellowship covering expenses such as food and housing or other costs outside required tuition and fees. So, if you receive non-compensatory income and don’t have an on-campus job, you need to apply for an ITIN.

How do I apply for an SSN? Please be aware that the following application process is only for F-1 students with an on-campus job. The process is different for other visa types and those starting an off-campus jobs.

First of all, you need to apply for an on-campus job. This is mandatory before you can start the application process. Once the job has been secured successfully, you can begin collecting all necessary documents, which are:

1. A valid, unexpired passport identity page
2. The Form I-94 admission record showing your status or your I-797 change of status approval notice.
3. A completed Social Security Form SS-5: You can complete the Form SS-5 application online, but you must go to a Social Security Office within 45 calendar days with all of the required documents on this list to complete the application process. My tip: bring a printed copy to the appointment; sometimes, the online submission doesn’t work.
4. Your visa certificate. For F-1 students this is the most recent Form I-20
5. Some supporting documents: For F-1 students, this is the signed and completed F-1 Evidence of On-Campus Employment Letter. The letter is a fillable PDF form that can be downloaded. Your on-campus job supervisor or manager must sign and complete the letter. Once your on-campus employer completed it, bring it to the International Center at your University to be signed by an International Center advisor.

Once all your documents are collected and filled out, you can go to the Social Security Office and apply for an SSN. Many SSA offices allow walk-in services, but you should double-check the corresponding SSA office website from the office near you. You may have to book an appointment, or you may want to book one.

When you submit your SSN application at the SSA office, request a receipt confirming your application. If necessary, you can provide your department hiring manager with a copy of the receipt. Otherwise, keep it for your records. When you apply for the SSN card, they will tell you how long it will take until your card arrives. The SSN card should normally arrive in the mail within 3-4 weeks after the application at the SSA office. However, this can also be faster, depending on the number of applications. When I applied for my SSN, I only had to wait two weeks. If the card doesn’t arrive during the indicated time, you should ask the SSN office for any updates. Since the SSN is confidential, it shouldn’t get into other people’s hands.