Social Security Card: Requirements for F-1 Students

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. It is used to track an individual's earnings and to determine their eligibility for Social Security benefits. For F-1 students, the SSN serves primarily as a means of reporting income to the government for tax and employment purposes. While the SSN is not a work permit itself, it is essential for F-1 students who are authorized to work in the United States.

Eligibility for a Social Security Number

Eligibility for a Social Security Number is based upon a person's eligibility to work in the United States. As an F-1 or M-1 visa student, you can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you meet certain requirements.

To be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number, you must:

Have an employment/offer of employment: Students in F-1 status are not eligible for a Social Security number unless they have an offer of employment. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible!
Be authorized to work in the US.
Be in the United States. New students should wait until they've entered the U.S before trying to apply for a Social Security Number. F or J students applying for the first time in F or J student status must submit the immigration reporting form prior to applying for a SSN. The school must first be registered for classes and then in SEVIS by ISSS before applying. If your SEVIS record is not "active" the Social Security office will not be able to verify your status with the USCIS.

How to Apply for a Social Security Number

To get an SSN, you are required to apply in person at a Social Security Administration office. Before visiting the office, it's essential to gather all the necessary documents.

Required Documents

When you apply for an SSN as a foreigner, you will need to provide several documents to the Social Security Administration (SSA). These documents are required to verify your identity, immigration status, and work authorization. The specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but generally, you will need the following:

A valid passport: This is definitely the must-have document when you apply for an SSN as a foreigner.
I-20 Form: This document, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is issued by your school and provides information about your student status.
I-94 Form: This document, "Arrival/Departure Record," shows your admission to the U.S. and your authorized stay. You can usually obtain this form electronically from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
- Evidence Documentation: In the section labeled “Evidence Documentation For You” it asks that you “Please select all the documentation that you can give us to prove your age, identity and immigration status.” This does not mean you need all of the documents stated; it is asking which documents do you specifically have available to provide as proof of your identify. You will be able to review and edit your responses near the end of the SSN application; once confirmed this information is accurate, complete the acknowledgement statement to submit the form. You must still make an appointment to complete the full SSN application in person.
Evidence of Employment: You must provide proof that you have a job offer. This can be in the form of an offer letter from your employer.
Social Security Number Support Letter: You will need a "social security number support letter" printed and hand signed by your employer and hand signed by an ISSS advisor. The Social Security Administration does not accept digital signatures. Once you have a job offer, ask your employer to complete the "social security number support letter". They must fill in all the information on the form, except for "D.S.O's Printed Name" and "D.S.O's signature", print the letter on their letterhead, and hand sign the form at "Supervisor's Signature". Please review the letter before you bring it to ISSS.

Read also: Choosing a Social Science Major
For J-1 students: If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or an international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor.

The Application Process

Find a Job: You’ll need a job to apply for an SSN as an international student. As an international student” for job search tips.
Complete the Online Application: Fill out the Online Social Security Number Application. If you have any problems with the online process, call the Social Security Office 877-402-0825 for assistance.
Schedule an Appointment: After you have gathered all the necessary application documents, call your local SSA office to schedule an appointment to apply for the SSN. For those living in Gainesville, FL, call (877) 219-8323. You will need to choose the option to wait on the line to speak to the next available agent. When you call this number, you will first be presented with the option of continuing in English or switching to Spanish. Next, they will provide you with options for service. After this, you will be given more service options.
Attend the Appointment: Take all your documents to your local Social Security Administration in person to file your application for an SSN card. The Social Security office will only accept original (not scanned) letters and all signatures must be in ink. When you submit your application, your documents will be reviewed by a SSA examiner.
Obtain a Receipt: At your SSN appointment, be sure to obtain a receipt to prove that you have applied.

Special Cases

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): I-20 with CPT endorsement on page two. You can't apply earlier than 30 days before your CPT start date.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. You must apply on or after the start date on your EAD card.
J-1 scholars: You cannot apply for your Social Security Number until you have completed your mandatory check-in. Once you complete your check-in, your social security letter will be uploaded to your M-Passport portal for you to retrieve. If you lost the letter, fill in and print the online form Social Security Letter for U-M J-1 Scholars.

After Your SSN Appointment

After Your SSN Appointment At your SSN appointment, be sure to obtain a receipt to prove that you have applied. Make sure to keep your SSN secure. If you continue to experience difficulties obtaining the card, contact ISSS What If I am Not Eligible for a SSN? It is possible that your SSN will be requested for different activities: banking, utilities, etc. However, we recommend asking if other forms of identification can be used instead of the SSN. Employment is the only time that you should use your SSN.

Receiving Your SSN Card

The Social Security card is a heavy paper card, NOT a plastic card, which can be easily overlooked or lost. When you receive your card, please ensure that all the information printed on it is correct.

What to Do If You Lose Your SSN Card

If you have lost your Social Security card, you will need to apply for a replacement card. The Social Security Administration requires that you have an in-person appointment in order to receive a replacement SSN card. International students needing a replacement SSN card should call the Social Security Administration office directly to schedule an in-office appointment. Their number is (877) 219-8323. You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen if you meet the eligibility requirements noted above. If you do not currently have an on-campus job or off-campus training authorization, the SSA will not issue a replacement card.

What to Do If Your Name Is Misspelled on Your SSN Card

If you receive your SSN card and your name is misspelled, you will need to get a replacement card. Please call the Social Security Administration directly at 877-219-8323.

Read also: Landing a Social Media Internship

Notifying Relevant Parties

F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders: Once you receive your Social Security number, you must notify your employer and the Office of the Registrar that you received this number.

Important Considerations

As long as you have authorization (on-campus work, CPT, or OPT), yes: you can start working without an SSN. Be sure your employer follows the correct instructions for allowing you to begin work without the SSN. Apply for the SSN as soon as possible after getting your job offer.
The OISS currently recommends that you do not apply for a Social Security Number more than 30 days prior to the start of your on-campus employment, CPT authorization, or the beginning date of your EAD card.
If you are sponsored by a third party (such as Fulbright), ISSS cannot assist you with the SSN process - please contact your sponsor for instructions.
If you have questions about whether or not you are eligible for a Social Security number, please read Determining Eligibility for a Social Security Number and Card.

SSN Usage and Alternatives

The SSN itself is not a work permit. A Social Security number is not required to obtain a driver’s license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution or other “non-work” reasons. However, if you have been granted legal authorization to work and are working, you are required to apply for and obtain a Social Security Number.

If you do not qualify for a Social Security Number (are not authorized to work in the US and/or do not have a job in the US) but are continued to be asked for one, then you should go to the Social Security Administration Office and explain that you do not qualify for a SSN. They should give you a "Social Security rejection letter."

tags: #social #security #card #f1 #students #requirements