Student Employment

Social Security

Students must have a receipt from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the actual Social Security Number (SSN) prior to their employment start date.

Here is how a student may obtain their Social Security Number (SSN) depending on the situation:

Obtaining SSN for On-Campus Job

You must:

  • Enroll for full-time courses
  • Get a job offer from an on-campus job
  • Submit the Social Security Letter E-Form in iStart
  • OIS will notify you when your SSN letter is ready to download in iStart
  • Submit the letter from OIS, job offer letter and immigration documents through the Online Social Security Number Application
  • After you submit your request online you will then need to visit your local Social Security office or card center with your original documents within 45 day
  • After visiting your local office you will receive a receipt that you can provide to HR This will allow you to begin working prior to receiving your physical SSN card
  • After SSA verifies your documents in-person and completes your request, you will receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days

Obtaining SSN for Off-Campus Job

To work off-campus, an F-1 or J-1 student must have special authorization. Depending on the type of authorization, this will be noted on their I-20 Form (page 2) or DS-2019 Form (Page 1) or in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. To request the SSN, take the authorizing document all other travel documents (ie. passport, visa, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019) to the SSN office.

Note: For work authorizations noted on the I-20/DS-2019 Form, the SSN office will only issue a number for paid positions.

Obtaining SSN for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

After you receive the new I-20 from OIS  with the CPT employer and dates indicated on page 2:

  • Submit the job offer letter and immigration documents through the Online Social Security Number Application
  • After you submit your request online you will then need to visit your local Social Security office or card center with the following original documents within 45 days:
    • Your employment offer letter on an official letterhead from the company indicating that you are getting paid
    • Passport
    • Visa (can be expired)
    • Most current I-94
    • The new I-20 you received from OIS after your CPT was approved, with the CPT employer and dates indicated on page 2

  • After SSA verifies your documents in-person and completes your request, you will receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days

Obtaining SSN for Optional Practical Training 

If you do not have an SSN by the time you start your application for OPT, you will request a SSN at the same time you file for OPT with USCIS. The request is included on form I-765 and you do not need to apply at a Social Security Office.

Finding Your Social Security Administration Office and Directions

Look up your closest Social Security Office here.

After you have applied for the SSN, The SSN Office will mail the card directly to the address you indicate on the SSA application. Do not laminate the card and keep it in a safe place. It is recommended to take a picture of it but not to carry the card with you. You do not need to show your card to your employer, but your employer will require the number to complete certain employment forms.

Additional information about Social Security Numbers:

  • The SSN is for employment purposes only
  • It is FRAUD to seek a job offer with no intention of taking the job
  • Your SSN is valid for all other jobs you will have in the future and will remain the same even if you change visa status in the future.
  • You can use the SSN number for all other applications when the company requests an SSN such as opening a bank account, renting an apartment, buying a car, etc
  • USF departments will contact IS if they write an offer letter and the student does not show up at the job
  • Security Checks can delay the issuance of your card

Other Helpful Social Security Resources