Social Security Number (SSN)

What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security number is only assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. It is used to post wages to Social Security records so workers can become eligible for Social Security benefits. Social Security will only issue you a number if you are working, have specific authorization to work, or have a government requirement to be issued a number.

What if a business requires me to have a social security number in order to receive services?

Many private service providers in the U.S. such as mobile phone and cable television companies ask you to provide a social security number in order to receive their services. These companies use the social security number as a convenient way to perform personal credit checks as well as assign you a unique personal identification number for their records. Legally, these companies cannot require you to provide a social security number as it can only legally be requested by your employer or the U.S. government. However, because many of these companies have policies and forms that ask for social security numbers, they may be difficult to work with if you are without one. Many international students encounter problems with these companies because they are unable to provide a social security number. Be patient and search for a good company that will provide you the services you need. It may also be helpful to ask other international students how they overcame this problem.

The Social Security Administration will only issue you a number if you are working, have specific authorization to work, or have a government requirement to be issued a number.

How do I apply for a Social Security Number?

F-1 Students

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue a number for F-1 students who already have a campus job; have been authorized to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT); or have been authorized to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) and have secured employment.

• Employment Letter
• Passport
• I-94 arrival/departure record information*
• I-20
• A letter from CIE verifying full time enrollment issued for the purpose of obtaining a social security number

All F-1 and J-1 Students

* All F-1 and J-1 student visa holders entering the U.S. will receive I-94 arrival/departure record information. For individuals entering the U.S. via an air or sea port, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) gathers travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic travel records. Travelers can retrieve and print their I-94 number and other admission information online at the I-94 website. For individuals that enter the U.S. via land border ports of entry, U.S. CBP will still issue a paper form I-94 that travelers can use to as an admission record to verify immigration status.