Social Security Number
In the United States, citizens are given a Social Security Number (SSN) at birth. This number is a unique identifier. When a citizen works in the U.S., it is used to track payment of taxes and to receive benefits from the government.
Non-immigrants, such as international students, are issued an SSN when they have an eligible offer of employment (one that is within restrictions of the visa status). An SSN will be needed to pay taxes and file an annual tax return. Your SSN is good from the time you receive it, for as long as you are in the U.S. or if you ever return to the U.S. Protect it as you would your passport. This is the number one piece of information criminals can use to steal your identity.
Internationals students must have an employment offer to be eligible to apply for an SSN. The Social Security Adminstration will not issue an SSN to an international students for other reasons, such as financing a loan or background checks.
- Receive an offer of employment from an eligible U.S. employer.
- Bring offer letter to the Office of international Affairs to request a letter from DSO/ARO.
- Receive letters from International Affairs.
- Submit an application at a U.S. Social Security Administration office to apply for an SSN.
- Receive card by mail in approximately four weeks.
Social Security Administration
203 South Walnut St.
Florence, AL 35630
(855) 884-3407
- Form I-20/DS-2019
- Foreign passport
- I-94, Admission Record
- Authorization Letter from International Affairs
- Employment Letter from Employer
The Social Security Administration (SSA) compares the names shown on:
- SSN application (for example, the Form SS-5)
- Form I-20/DS-2019
- Foreign passport
- SAVE (see below)
Links to Government Pages
Social Security Administration: International Students and Social Security Numbers
Study in the States: Obtaining a Social Security Number