The Social Security Number (SSN) is primarily intended to identify participants in the U.S. federal government's Social Security Program.
Many international students mistakenly believe that they must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) before they can work in the U.S. However, this is incorrect. A Social Security Number (SSN) is not a U.S. work authorization. Even if an international or exchange student already has an SSN, it does not imply that the student has U.S. work authorization. In essence, an SSN does not verify the eligibility of international or exchange students to work in the U.S.
An SSN is generally assigned to individuals authorized to work in the U.S. Employers use SSNs to report employees' wages or salary to the government for social security tax purposes.
According to the International Students and Social Security Numbers (ssa.gov, PDF) announced by the Social Security Administration:
"Social Security Numbers generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. Social Security Numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security will not assign a number to you just to enroll in a college or school."
F-1 international students and J-1 exchange students are only eligible to receive a Social Security Number after they have obtained U.S. work authorization (such as through on-campus or off-campus employment).
Students must obtain U.S. work authorization BEFORE applying for SSN.
How to Apply for an SSN
See the Employment Authorization resources for specific steps on applying for different types of U.S. work authorization.
If students have obtained on-campus employment at SF State, they will need an on-campus job offer letter from their on-campus employers and an SSN support letter from CGE to apply for an SSN.
On-campus employers are advised to use the job offer template provided by the Social Security Administration. See below. SF State's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 93-1137247.
- Read Request a Social Security Number on Social Security Administration's website.
If you’re in the U.S., you can apply online, then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days. -
Find the nearest Social Security Administration office.
On the day of the appointment, bring the following documents:
- Valid passport
- I-20 or DS-2019
I-20 or DS-2019 Rules I-20 (F-1 International Students) DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Students) - Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has permanently established the procedures for the use of electronic signatures and transmission of I-20.
- F-1 international students must print the I-20, sign it with a blue pen, and bring the I-20 printout to the SSA office
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has permanently established the procedures for the use of electronic signatures and transmission of DS-2019.
- J-1 exchange student must print the DS-2019, sign it with a blue pen, and bring the DS-2019 printout to the SSA office
- I-94 arrival record (print from DHS CBP I-94)
- Proof of Employment: (one of the following)
- On-campus Employment:
- An on-campus job offer letter (use the template provided above) from students' on-campus employers.
- A SSN support letter from CGE
- Off-campus Employment:
- F-1 international students:
- Students who have CPT authorization: An I-20 with CPT authorization.
- Students who have OPT or Economic Hardship work authorization: A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- J-1 students:
Academic Training: A job offer letter from the employer and an SSN support letter from an exchange student advisor at DoIE.
- F-1 international students:
- On-campus Employment: