Social Security Number Application Process - For F-1 International Students on Campus Employment

Sep 19, 2026

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Social Security number application steps for F-1 international students with on-campus employment are provided, including timing guidance after arriving in the U.S. and the need for SSA approval tied to an employment offer. The process covers completing the Social Security letter, gathering required immigration and identity documents, applying with SS-5 at the Social Security Administration, submitting receipts to Student Financial Services, waiting for card delivery, and following post-receipt procedures. It also emphasizes safeguarding the card and addressing replacement only under eligible conditions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Social Security Number Application Process for F-1 International Students on Campus Employment

About Social Security Numbers

Step 1: Complete the Social Security Letter for F-1 International Students

Step 2: Gather Documents

Step 3: Apply for Your Card at Social Security Administration (SSA)

Step 4: Submit Your Social Security Application Receipt to Student Financial Services

Step 5: Wait for Your Social Security Card

Step 6: Collect Your Social Security Card

Step 7: Submit a Copy of Your Social Security Card to Student Financial Services

Step 8: Secure Your Social Security Card in a Safe Place

Social Security Letter for F-1 International Students

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER APPLICATION PROCESS FOR F-1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ON CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS Social Security numbers (SSNs) are issued to U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. Its primary purpose is to track income for tax purposes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSNs only to F students who have an employment offer. If you have an on-campus job, you must apply for a SSN. The process is free and described in the steps below. NOTE: If you have just arrived to the U.S. you should wait at least 10 days before submitting a SSN application. Applying early may result in the SSA rejecting your application. STEP 1: COMPLETE THE SOCIAL SECURITY LETTER FOR F-1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • Letters must be completed by you, your supervisor, and International Affairs. • Complete your portion of the letter and email a scanned copy to your superivisor to sign electronically noting the signature must look like a signature and not be a typed version of their name, and then [email the form to intaff@saic.edu](email the form to intaff@saic.edu). • Do not cross out or strike through any written information. Request a new SSN letter if mistakes are made. Letters with crossed out items will be returned. • Provide International Affairs with your current mailing address by emailing [intaff@saic.edu](intaff@saic.edu) and updating PeopleSoft, please be sure to include your name and SAIC ID number in the body of the email. International Affairs will either make the letter available for pick-up in the International Affairs office or will mail you the original letter with signature. You must submit the letter with an original signature from International Affairs. • Contact your local Social Security Office for instructions as not all offices are open to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find your local office here: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp\#officeResults STEP 2: GATHER DOCUMENTS • Completed Social Security Letter for F-1 International Students • I-20, Passport & F-1 Visa • I-94 printout (available at [i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94](i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94)) STEP 3: APPLY FORYOUR CARD AT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) • The SSA office nearest SAIC is: -605 West Washington (1-866-563-3899) . Call them first to confirm application instructions -Visit [socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber](socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber) for other locations • Complete the Social Security application form ([ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf](ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf) ) • We strongly recommend you use International Affairs’ mailing address, not your personal address. -36 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 1203, Chicago, IL 60603 • Collect your Social Security application receipt. • Collect your immigration documents (passport, I-94 card, I-20) . STEP 4: SUBMIT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY APPLICATION RECEIPT TO STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES • Students applying for a social security number must do so within two weeks of employment and provide Student Payroll with a letter or receipt from the Social Security Administration confirming they have begun the process. STEP 5: WAIT FORYOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD • Cards take 2-8 weeks to process and mail. • You may begin working while you wait for your card. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 36 S. Wabash Avenue, Suite 1203 Chicago IL, 60603 USA TEL: + [1.312.629.6830 E-MAIL: intaff@saic.edu](1.312.629.6830 E-MAIL: intaff@saic.edu 3/2023-MM)[ 3/2023-MM](1.312.629.6830 E-MAIL: intaff@saic.edu 3/2023-MM) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER APPLICATION PROCESS FOR F-1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ON CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT STEP 6: COLLECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD • The card will be mailed to the address you provided on your Social Security application. • If you used International Affairs’ mailing address, you will receive an email from [intaff@saic.edu](intaff@saic.edu) when your social security card has arrived. STEP 7: SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

FAQs

Who is eligible to receive a Social Security number for this process?

The SSA issues SSNs only to F students who have an employment offer. If you have an on-campus job, you must apply for a SSN through the outlined steps.

When should you submit a SSN application after arriving in the U.S.?

After arriving, wait at least 10 days before submitting a SSN application. Applying early may lead the SSA to reject the application.

What documents are required to gather before applying at the SSA?

Gather the completed Social Security letter, your I-20, passport, and F-1 visa, and an I-94 printout from i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Bulrr