A Social Security Number is issued by the US Social Security Office for the purpose of reporting employment wages. F-1 students authorized for one of the following types of employment are eligible to apply for a social security number:
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
To apply for a social security number:
1. Meet with the ISS Office to confirm eligibility and gather required documents.
- If authorized for on-campus employment, 2 letters confirming F-1 status (from the ISS Office) and employment (from the hiring department) are required.
- If authorized for CPT or OPT , an updated I-20 (from the ISS Office) and an employment confirmation letter (from employer) are required. 2. Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).
3. Gather required immigration documents. - Passport - Electronic I-94 record - Form I-20
4. Take completed Form SS-5, immigration documents and confirmation letters to the local Social Security Office. You must apply in person.
Please bring a copy of the card to the ISS Office AND for on-campus employment, the Human Resources Office.