International Students > Social Security Numbers

Social Security Numbers

The U.S. Social Security program is designed as a pension fund and insurance fund for individuals who work and live in the United States. The social security number (SSN) has become an identification number routinely used by banks, phone companies, rental agencies, and other institutions. The Social Security Administration advises companies that they should not use the SSN in this way. Recent changes in social security regulations are making it more difficult to obtain a number if you do not have a job in the U.S.

For tax purposes, anyone receiving income must provide their employer with a social security number. If you want to get a social security number, you must apply in person at the local Social Security Administration office.

Standard Documents

All international persons must show the following documents in order to complete an application:

• Valid Passport
• Valid I-94 card
• One other piece of identification - a student ID card, driver's license, credit card, etc.

Additional Materials

F-1 Students with On-Campus Hourly Jobs. All F-1 students need to submit the standard documents listed above. Also, F-1 students need proof of a job or a job offer. The documents they need to prove their employment vary.

F-1 students who will work or are working in an hourly position have three options:

Option 1: Employer letter with DSO sign off

Option 2: (1) Most recent pay advise or paycheck stub, and (2) DSO letter

Option 3: (1) Employer letter and (2) DSO letter

Students can obtain the DSO letter from the Office of Admissions. Departments can download a sample employer letter. Departments must print this letter on departmental letterhead; the letter must have an original department signature.

F-1 Students on Curricular Practical Training (CPT). All F-1 students need to submit the standard documents listed above. No employer letter is necessary. However, I-20 must be properly endorsed with DSO authorization for CPT on page 3.

F-1 Students with an Employment Authorization Document. Under certain circumstances, F-1 students can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that permits them to work off campus. In most cases, F-1 students with an EAD are on Optional Practical Training. F-1 students who have an EAD need to submit the stand documents listed above, and should show their EAD when they apply. No employer letter is necessary. No DSO letter is necessary.

Dependents

F-2 Dependents. F-2 dependents may not work and therefore do not qualify for a social security number. The social security office will not accept their applications.

Social Security Address

The New Albany branch of the Social Security Administration Office is located at:

2565 Charlestown Road
New Albany, Indiana 47150

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00-4:00 (except Federal Holidays)

Your application will usually take about two weeks to process. Your social security card will be sent to you by regular mail.

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