Social Security Number (SSN)

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 you need a number for tax purposes?

If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the U.S., you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Please see our ITIN page.
Or submit Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to the IRS.

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.

Do I need a number for other government services?

Lawfully admitted non-citizens can get many benefits and services without having a Social Security number. You do not need a number to purchase savings bonds, conduct business with a bank, register for school or apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing.

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

J-1 Students

If UWM is your sponsor, apply for on-campus work permission at CIE. If not, you must request work permission from your sponsor listed on your DS-2019.

J-1 students will take the following items to the Social Security Administration (SSA):

Passport
I-94 arrival/departure record information*
DS-2019
Letter from sponsor authorizing employment

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 Form 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.

For More Information

Please contact the Social Security Administration for complete details.

U.S. Social Security Administration
310 W. Wisconsin Ave #260
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

Website: https://www.ssa.gov