Social Security Number
Once issued, an Social Security Number is generally valid for a lifetime and is used for taxpayer identification, income reporting, and record-keeping purposes.
A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique, nine-digit identification number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to eligible F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who are authorized to work in the United States and have evidence of employment.
Once issued, an SSN generally remains valid for life and is used for employment, Social Security and tax reporting purposes. You do not need an SSN solely for getting a driver’s license, opening a bank account, filing taxes, obtaining insurance or other identification needs.
Eligibility for a Social Security Number
If you are not eligible for an SSN but need a number for tax purposes, you may be able to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
F-1 students may be eligible for an SSN when they have authorized employment, including:
J-1 students may be eligible for an SSN when they have authorized employment, including:
- On-campus employment
- Academic training
J-1 Research Scholars may be eligible for an SSN when their employment is authorized in accordance with their J-1 program requirements and applicable regulations.
Application Process for an SSN
Follow these steps to apply for your Social Security Number (SSN):
- Verify Your Eligibility — Confirm that you are eligible to work in the United States.
- Obtain Work Authorization — Obtain the documentation required for your specific situation.
- Start Your Application Online — Complete Form SS-5 through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Schedule an SSA Appointment — Use the SSA office locator to identify the appropriate office.
- Attend Your Appointment — Bring all required documents with you.
- Wait for Your Card — SSA will mail your card after your application is processed.
- After You Receive Your SSN — Contact International Services for next steps.
How to Apply for Your SSN
Required Documentation Based on Type of Employment and Authorization:
Obtain the employment documentation required for your specific situation.
- F-1 On-Campus Employment:
- Hiring letter from supervisor
- DSO letter
- F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
- CPT-endorsed Form I-20
- employer letter
- F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- J-1 Student On-Campus Employment:
- Hiring letter from supervisor
- RO letter
- J-1 Scholar Employment:
- Letter from Responsible Officer (RO)
Additional Steps for On-Campus Employment:
If you are authorized for on-campus employment, you must complete the additional steps below before applying for an SSN.
- Request Your DSO/RO Verification Letter: Submit the On-Campus Employment request through the International Services Portal and upload your employment hiring letter.
- Receive Your Authorization Documents: If you are eligible, International Services will provide:
- DSO/RO employment verification letter
- Temporary authorization to begin working, when applicable
- SSN application instructions
- Support throughout the authorization process
To request a Social Security number, complete Form SS-5 through the Social Security Administration’s Online Social Security Number Application.
Be sure to save the control number provided at the end of the application. You’ll need it to complete the next steps in the process.
Use the Social Security Administration office locator to identify the appropriate office and follow its appointment instructions.
Newly arrived students must generally wait two weeks after their SEVIS record has been registered by the DSO before applying for an SSN. International Services will confirm when your SEVIS record has been registered and you are ready to apply.
Bring all required original documents or certified copies with you to the Social Security Administration office.
Required documentation generally includes:
- SSN Application (SSA SSN Application)
- Unexpired Passport
- F-1: Form I-20 or J-1: Form DS-2019
- Form I-94 Arrival Record (CBP I-94 Website)
- Work Eligibility/Authorization
- On-Campus employment letters:
- Hiring letter from supervisor
- DSO/RO letter
- Curricular Practical Training documents:
- CPT-endorsed Form I-20
- Employer letter
- Optional Practical Training:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Scholar employment letter:
- Letter from Responsible Officer (RO)
The Social Security Administration will mail your Social Security card after your application has been processed. Allow approximately two weeks for delivery. Processing may take longer if additional verification or security clearance is required.
If you do not receive your card within approximately three weeks, contact the SSA by phone.
After You Receive Your SSN
If you obtained your SSN for on-campus employment, complete the following steps in order within three pay periods of your employment start date.
- Notify International Services by email at is@adelphi.edu to let us know that you have received your Social Security card.
- Update Your University Identification: Submit the following to the One-Stop Student Services Center:
- Change of Personal Identification Form
- A copy of your new Social Security card
- Complete Your Tax Forms: Payroll will send you instructions for completing the required tax forms. Follow these instructions.
- Submit Your Employment Paperwork: After Payroll’s approval, submit the required student employment paperwork to the Office of Human Resources. You may be asked to provide:
- Passport
- Visa
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- I-94
- Social Security card
Social Security Card Errors
If a student receives a Social Security card containing an incorrect name or other information, International Services should review the discrepancy and determine whether institutional assistance is appropriate.
The DSO/RO may contact the appropriate SSA office or federal contact when the discrepancy involves SEVIS or immigration documentation.