Social Security Number
The Social Security system was established in 1935 and provides public assistance to the disabled, unemployed, and retired. Social Security benefits are supported by taxes collected from people currently employed. Although international students are usually exempt from paying Social Security taxes, you must apply for a Social Security number if you are employed in the United States.
Eligibility for a Social Security Number
F-1 and J-1 students may only apply for a Social Security number when they have been offered employment, either on or off campus. Students with scholarships that provide for expenses other than tuition, fees, and books must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for taxation purposes instead of a Social Security number. Applications for Social Security numbers are processed by the Social Security Administration.
Social Security Number as an Identification Number
The Social Security number is commonly used as a personal identification number in the United States, and you may be asked to provide one when requesting certain services, such as opening a bank account or activating household utilities. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may need to explain that you are ineligible to apply for one and provide alternate documentation verifying your identify, such as a valid passport or driver's license. You may also wish to use our handout Social Security Number for International Students on F-1/J-1 Visas to help explain Social Security Administration policies on international students.
How to Apply for a Social Security Number
If you are working on campus, you will need to request a certification letter from International Student and Scholar Services before applying for a Social Security number. To request a certification letter, you will need to submit a copy of your job offer letter to our office, which must contain the following information:
- Your legal name.
- Nature of the job you are, or will be, engaged in..
- Anticipated or actual employment start date.
- Employer's contact information, including the name and telephone number of your immediate supervisor.
- Original signature and signatory's title.
- Date the letter was issued.
You do not need to request a certification letter from our office if you are employed off campus through authorized Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or Academic Training.
Additional Resources
