Eligibility | How To Apply | F-1 On-Campus | F-1 CPT | F-1 OPT | J-1 On-Campus|J-1 Academic Training| Helpful Websites | FAQ Show
OverviewA Social Security number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker’s lifetime. The Social Security number itself is not a work permit. When you obtain a Social Security Number, you can use that number for your lifetime. You would not need to apply for a new Social Security Number if you change schools or get a new I-20. Students holding F-1 and J-1 status who are employed in the U.S. must apply for a Social Security number. Dependents in F-2 status are not eligible for a Social Security number. (Students who will not work on campus but who receive a taxable scholarship should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes). The Social Security Administration office nearest the UW is located downtown at 915 Second Avenue, Suite 901, Seattle, WA, 98104. EligibilityIn order to issue a Social Security number, the Social Security Administration requires evidence that you:
A Social Security number is not required to obtain a driver’s license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution or other “non-work” reasons. The Social Security Administration must also verify your immigration documents and status with Immigration before issuing the Social Security number. How to ApplyF-1 Students With On-Campus EmploymentNew students: complete all steps in the “New Student Post-Arrival Checklist.” Wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the U.S. to apply for the SSN. To apply for a Social Security Number, you will need two letters from UW before you visit the Social Security Administration Office:
Follow these instructions to request the required letters and then apply for an SSN. Step 1: Campus Employment LetterAsk your UW campus hiring department for a campus employment letter. Give them this letter template provided by the Social Security Administration. The letter must:
Note: this is a different process than what your UW hiring departments might be familiar with. There used to be a form to print and complete. Please advise your hiring supervisor this is a new process being requested by ISS; it matches guidance from the Social Security Administration. Step 2: ISS Support LetterAfter you receive your on-campus employment letter, scan or take a photo of the letter. Complete this webform to request a separate ISS support letter for your SSN: Step 3: ISS Processing TimeAllow time for ISS processing. ISS will verify your full-time status as well as on-campus employment eligibility; ISS will issue a support letter for your SSN application. Step 4: Receive SSN Support LetterISS will email you the completed SSN support letter. Step 5: Apply for Social Security Number and CardComplete the social security number application online. Step 6: Visit your local Social Security OfficeWhen you visit the SSA Office, you will finish the process and share your documents. You must visit the Social Security Administration office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. Bring with you:
F-1 Students Authorized for Curricular Practical TrainingComplete the social security application online. Then, visit your local SSA officeto show them your documents in person. Apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date. Bring with you:
F-1 Students Authorized for Optional Practical TrainingIf you did not request an SSN as part of your OPT application, complete the social security application online. Then, visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person. Apply on or after the start date on your EAD card. Bring with you:
J-1 Students With On-Campus EmploymentGo to our “J-1 On-Campus Employment” webpage and follow the instructions to apply for on-campus employment permission for students needing an SSN. J-1 Students Authorized for Academic Training
Helpful Websites
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no charge for a Social Security number and card. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified. It can take 2-4 weeks or more. You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in nonimmigrant status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. To request a replacement card:
Your replacement card will have the same name and number as your previous card. If your immigration status changes or you become a legal permanent resident (LPR), you should inform the Social Security Administration office so that your records can be updated. You will need to present documents that prove your new status. As a student in F-1 or J-1 status your earnings from authorized employment are generally not taxable for social security purposes. Please review the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publications 515 and 519 for details about employment taxes payable on the earnings of a nonresident aliens. As long as you have authorization (on-campus work, CPT, or OPT), yes: you can start working without an SSN. Be sure your employer follows the correct instructions for allowing you to begin work without the SSN. The Social Security Administration’s publication, “Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers,” has additional information. Apply for the SSN as soon as possible after getting your job offer. If you forget to apply, this will cause problems later with tax filing. How can I prove my Social Security number without a card?You'll need to show us a U.S. driver's license, a state issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport to prove your identity. Sometimes you may also need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status with a birth certificate or passport.
How quickly can you get SSN?You should receive your SSN card within two weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take two additional weeks to receive your card.
Can I get SSN before green card?We will assign you an SSN and issue you a Social Security card after you arrive in the United States. If you already have an SSN, we will issue you a replacement SSN card. We will mail your SSN card to the U.S. mailing address where the Department of Homeland Security will send your Permanent Resident Card.
How do you find out your Social Security number?You can find your Social Security number on tax documents and bank or financial statements. If you don't have any documentation, you can request a new Social Security card online with the Social Security Administration.
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