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    • Applying for a Social Security Number

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Applying for a Social Security Number

International Student and Scholar Services | Applying for a Social Security Number

You should wait 10 business days after your arrival in the U.S. to submit your application. Ask the Social Security Office for a receipt confirming that you submitted your application. You will receive your U.S. Social Security Card by mail, printed with your SSN, within 4 to 8 weeks.

Applying for a Social Security number and card is free. In order to apply for your social security number, you will need:

  1. A completed Form SS-5
  2. Passport and one additional document establishing identity (health insurance card, student IDÖ)
  3. Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
  4. SEVIS Form I-20 (F-1students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students and scholars)
  5. If working on-campus als

A recently issued pay slip or pay stub from your on-campus employer and you will need to provide a letter from your supervisor on the SAIS letterhead that provides employment verification, namely:

  • Identity of student employee
  • Nature of job the student is, or will be, engaged in
  •  Anticipated or actual employment start date
  • Number of hours the student is expected to work
  • Employer identification number (EIN)
  • Employer contact information, including the telephone number and the name of the F-1 studentÃ_s immediate supervisor\
  • Original signature and signatoryÃ_s title
  • Date
  • The ISSS director needs to sign on the letter.

If working  off-campus:

  • Proof of eligibility for employment (OPT card, CPT authorization on page 3 of your I-20, Academic Training AuthorizationÖ). For more information on off-campus employment and various types of proof of eligibility, please refer to our employment section (on the left navigation bar).

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Social Security Agency will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

The closest Social Security Administration office is located at 2100 M Street. Click here for directions.

For more information on social security number and card, please visit the website of Social Security Agency.