Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Social Security Numbers

What is a Social Security Number?

In the U.S., a Social Security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. The number is issued to an individual by the , and it is used for taxation and other purposes. Once issued, you have this number for life. 

  • A Social Security Number is NOT the same thing as your Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Red ID number.
  • If you want to work in the U.S., you must obtain a SSN.  However, simply getting a SSN does not authorize you to work in the U.S.
  • If you are issued an SSN, this number is for life. The number will not change even if you change employers or states, or if you depart the US and return to work here in the future. If you already have an SSN, you do not need to apply for another.
  • Keep your SSN card in a safe place, and keep several copies of it in a secure place to protect your privacy.

 

Eligibility for SSN

To apply for a SSN, you must be authorized to work on campus (with a job offer), or off campus through F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) , J-1 Academic Training (AT), or F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

I have received an on-campus job offer and I need an SSN. What next?

Follow these procedures to get a Social Security Number (SSN).

  1. Ask the  or the HR department for your Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ campus job for a Letter of Evidence of On-Campus Employment.
    • If you are an F-1 student, upload the letter to the ISC's .
    • If you are a J-1 student, upload the letter to the ISC's .

An ISC advisor will process your request and email you the required letter within 7 business days (excludes weekend and holidays).

  1. After you receive the letter from the ISC, and at your local Social Security office. Please allow for the ISC’s 7 business day processing time when scheduling your appointment.

 

Bring to your appointment the following documents:
  • Letter of Evidence of On-Campus Employment from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Human Resources or the HR department for your Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ campus job (wet ink signature)
  • Social Security Verification Letter from the ISC
  • Your valid passport
  • I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students)
    Printed copy of your most recent I-94

A note to students who have recently entered the US: 
The ISC recommends that you wait until you have been in the U.S. at least 7 business days before you start the SSN process below, to allow for your immigration record to be accurately updated for the Social Security Administration (SSA) processing.  Without this information, the Social Security office could delay your application for up to 60 days.

International students U.S. must complete one academic year of full-time study before being eligible to work or do an internship off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Academic Training (AT), or Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students may submit the application for CPT, AT, or OPT during their second semester at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ to begin working after the second semester ends.

After you receive the CPT, AT, or OPT authorization, you can , and then .

Bring the following documents to your appointment:
  • Job offer letter from your employer including:
    • Employment Start Date
    • Number of hours for the position per week
    • Your hiring manager's name and phone number
  • Your valid passport
  • I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students)
  • Printed copy of your most recent
PLUS
  • Proof of your employment authorization to work off-campus:
    • CPT: Bring your I-20 with CPT authorization on it. You cannot apply for a Social Security card more than 30 days before your CPT authorization begins.
    • OPT or Economic Hardship Employment: Bring your EAD card.
  •  
    • AT: Bring your DS-2019 with AT authorization on it and the verification letter from the ISC. You cannot apply for a Social Security card more than 30 days before your AT authorization begins.

International students who earn money while in the U.S. are subject to paying federal and state income taxes. 

ISC staff are not trained tax professionals and therefore can’t advise on filing taxes. However, every year during the start of the tax season (January), the ISC partners with the College of Business Administration and their to offer a helpful information session.

Details of this, and more information about tax resources can be found on the ISC’s U.S. Taxes and International Students webpage.

Social Security Tax

International students in F-1 and J-1 status are exempt from Social Security tax (FICA). However, they are generally subject to federal and state income taxes.

 

Document Processing Time

Please allow 7 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to process your document request at the ISC. If you have not received correspondence within 7 business days, please feel free to contact the ISC.

 

Additional Resources 

Additional Information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) about applying for an SSN is linked .

 

An SSN Is Not Required For:

  • California Driver’s license and ID card applications
  • Opening a bank account
  • Purchasing a cell phone plan
  • Renting an apartment - However, SSNs are often used for checking credit, but some companies do not require them.