Social Security Number (SSN) | Center for International Education | SIU

You can only get a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are employed.

F-1/J-1 students are eligible if they have one of the following:

• On-campus job
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from ISS
• Academic Training (AT) authorization from ISS
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization from USCIS

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 the Immigration Service before issuing the SSN.

How soon an F-1 or J-1 student can apply for a Social Security Number is dependent on the type of employment. Remember, you must have a job in order to apply for a SSN.

• On-campus work: Up to 30 days before your employment start date*
• CPT and AT: Up to 30 days before your employment start date
• OPT: As early as the start date on your EAD card (you must have the card in order to apply)

New Students:

If you are a new international student this semester, you cannot apply for a SSN until your SEVIS record has been "registered" or activated to verify that you have arrived on campus and are enrolled full-time at SIU. New Students must check-in with the ISS office in order for their SEVIS record to be registered.

---

*A reporting requirement implemented by the State of Illinois on January 1, 2020, requires all paid employees to have a permanent social security number. 

Employees will not get paid until the permanent SSN is obtained and supplied to the international tax office. If an employee starts working and does not apply for the SSN within 2 weeks of the start date, they will not be allowed to continue working until the SSN is obtained and supplied to the international tax office.

All new paid employees who are not U.S. citizens and do not have a permanent SSN will need to arrive in the United States at least 14 days prior to their start date to allow for this process. All current paid employees who do not have a permanent SSN will need to apply immediately and show proof of applying, or they will not be allowed to continue working until the SSN is obtained.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the international tax office at intltax@siu.edu

Obtain proof of work/work authorization

On-campus employment:

• When offered a student work position on-campus, you will need to obtain a student work referral via salukinet.siu.edu and visa status verification form from the International Student & Scholar Services (ISS) to determine employment eligibility. Graduate students with assistantship offers must also obtain the visa status verification form from ISS. These items are needed to complete hiring paperwork and the Form I-9. They are required prior to beginning employment. ISS will also provide a Social Security letter to be completed and endorsed by the hiring unit. This letter must be filled out by your hiring unit and include an original signature in blue ink.
• After the Social Security letter is completed by the hiring unit, it should be submitted to the ISS for endorsement via email (issinfo@siu.edu) or dropped off in person. This endorsement along with original ink signed I20 will be provided within 2-3 business days for continuing enrolled students. NEW STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE: Requests received from new students (beginning your studies at SIU this semester) WILL NOT BE PROCESSED until after the 10th day of classes.
• ISS will verify you are in active F-1/J-1 status, and email you when the letterand ink signed I20 is ready for pick-up.
• To apply, you will need to complete the following two forms:

International-students/current-students/state-federal/SS-5-Application.pdf
International-students/current-students/state-federal/SSN-Adntl-Questions.pdf
 

[Note: You must ask for a receipt at the Social Security Office that states you have applied for a social security card. The receipt must be taken back to your employer/supervisor immediately.]

You will need to take the following documents with you to Social Security Administration (located downtown at 250 W Cherry St, Carbondale, IL 62901) appointment:

1. Social Security Letter
2. Original ink signed I-20/DS-2019
3. Original Passport
4. Original Visa
5. I-94 Printout
6. Social Security Application (SS-5)
7. Additional Questions for SSN Application
8. (Optional)Original birth certificate (ONLY if you have it with you in the US)
   • The Social Security office will ask you whether you have your birth certificate. The birth certificate is a preferred document. If your birth certificate is in your home country, instead use your passport as proof of your date of birth and identity.

Remember to request a receipt for your SSN application. Your receipt will indicate the estimated processing time for your SSN card (usually 2-4 weeks). After obtaining the Social Security card, it should be taken to Human Resources reception (Woody Hall- Room: 145). Failure to submit the SSN will impact your ability to be paid and continue working. 

Off-campus job:

Student obtaining work authorization through one of the following programs may apply for an SSN:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date
• Academic Training (AT)
  • Must have Social Security letter from ISS
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • Apply on or after the start date on your EAD card

To apply, take the appropriate documents to the nearest Social Security office. All your documents, except the Social Security Application, will immediately be returned to you. Such documents include:

• Completed Application for a Social Security Card or you may complete the application at the Social Security Office
• Proof of work/work authorization
  
  • CPT = I-20 showing CPT authorization on page 2
  • AT = DS-2019 showing AT authorization on page 1
  • OPT = EAD card
• Original passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94 Printout
• Original birth certificate (ONLY if you have it with you in the US)
  • The Social Security office will ask you whether you have your birth certificate. The birth certificate is a preferred document. If your birth certificate is in your home country, instead use your passport as proof of your date of birth and identity.

Remember to request a receipt for your SSN application. Your receipt will indicate the estimated processing time for your SSN card (usually 2-4 weeks).

After obtaining the Social Security card, it should be taken to Human Resources reception (Woody Hall- Room: 145). Failure to submit the SSN will impact your ability to be paid and continue working.