Social Security Number

SSN are primarily intended to identify participants in the federal government’s social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. The Social Security Administration (SSA) holds the view that a Social Security Number should be issued only for employment reasons. It is not intended to facilitate the issuance of credit cards, cell phones, bank accounts.

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a tax identification number that tracks employee salary in a payroll system. The University must show proof of an SSN to the IRS for every individual employed by the University in order to pay that employee and to conduct government reporting required of employers. F-1 and J-1 students that are eligible for employment in the United States, whether on or off campus, will also require a Social Security Number. Beyond tracking payroll, the SSN has become somewhat of a universal identification number used for many purposes around the country, including signing up for utilities, phone service, credit reporting, and banking. This is equivalent to KTP Number in Indonesia.

F-1 Students

1. Received a job offer

2. Have an employment authorization through on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), or Optional Practical Training (OPT)

J-1 Students

1. Received a job offer

2. Have an employment authorization through on-campus employment or Academic Training (AT)

H-1B Employees

1. Eligible any time, though note that you should wait at least 10 days after you arrive in the US to apply. 

1. A completed Form SS-5 (application for a Social Security Card)

2. Valid passport

3. F-1, J-1, or H-1B Visa sticker (found in your passport)

4. Printout of current I-94 electronic record

5. Valid Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)

6. Proof of employment and work authorization:

   1. J-1 students:

      1. 1. For On Campus Jobs: employer letter signed by the employer and SSN support letter from campus. Original signatures are required on letters.

         2. For AT:  DS-2019 with AT authorization and SSN support letter from campus. Original signatures are required on letters.

   2. F-1 students:

      1. 1. For On Campus Jobs: employer letter signed by the employer and SSN support letter from campus. Original signatures are required on letters.

         2. For CPT: I-20 showing CPT work authorization

         3. For OPT: I-20 showing OPT recommendation and EAD

   3. H-1B employees: 

      1. 1. H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797) and employment verification letter from campus

1. Be in the U.S. for 10 Days

2. Obtain Proof of Employment Eligibility (on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, AT, or H-1B)

3. Go to a Social Security Administration Office with the Documents (see SSA offices at www.ssa.gov/locator)

4. Obtain a Receipt, Wait for your SSN Card