In order to be legally paid for work in the United States, you must have a social security number (SSN).
Steps to apply for an SSN
Step 1: Gather required documents
| Visa/Employment Type | Eligible? | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 on-campus employment wage earners | Yes – after 10 days of arriving in the U.S. and after completion of immigration check-in with OISS Recommended within 30 days of employment start date | Passport Most recent I-94 record Current, valid I-20 SSN Supplement Form* verifying details of on-campus employment: submit the SSN Supplement request in MyOISS to receive DSO signature on the form |
| F-1 on-campus stipend roles | Not eligible | |
| F-1 CPT | Yes – up to 30 days before CPT begins Not eligible after employment has ended | I-20 with CPT endorsement from OISS: submit the CPT Authorization request in MyOISS Passport Most recent I-94 record |
| F-1 OPT | Yes – from start date listed on EAD Not eligible after employment has ended *Students can also apply for SSN as part of the I-765 OPT application with USCIS | I-20 with OPT endorsement from OISS: submit the OPT Recommendation request in MyOISS Passport Most recent I-94 record EAD Card |
| F-1 no employment | Not eligible | |
| F-2 dependents | Not eligible |
*SSN Supplement Form
Step 1: Complete Student Information section
Step 2: Have your hiring department complete Departmental Certification of the Position section
Step 3: Submit the Social Security Number Supplement request in MyOISS and upload the pre-filled form to the request
Step 4: OISS staff will sign the OISS section when they receive the request and confirm eligibility
| Visa/Employment Type | Eligible? | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| J-1 students with no employment | Yes – after 10 days of arriving in the U.S. and after completion of immigration check in with OISS | DS-2019 Passport Most recent I-94 record Social Security letter: submit the Social Security letter request in MyOISS |
| J-1 Academic Training (AT) | Yes – on or after program start date on DS-2019 and after completion of immigration check in with OISS | DS- 2019 with AT endorsement from OISS: submit the J-1 Academic Training request in MyOISS Social Security letter: submit the Social Security letter request in MyOISS Passport Most recent I-94 record |
| J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars or Student Interns in paid employment roles NOTE: It is rare for J Student Interns to have an employment role. Contact your sponsoring department to verify whether you are paid a wage or a stipend. | Yes – On or after program start date on DS-2019 and 10 days after completion of immigration check in with OISS | DS-2019 Passport Most recent I-94 record Offer letter or proof of employment from sponsoring department |
| J-1 stipend recipients | Not eligible | |
| J-2 dependents | Yes – if J-2 has EAD and if paid a wage instead of a stipend | EAD card DS-2019 Passport Most recent I-94 record |
| Visa/Employment Type | Eligible? | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B, TN, E-3 & O-1 visa holders | Yes – on or after the start date on Form I-797 | Form I-797 Approval Notice Passport Most recent I-94 record Offer letter or contract from hiring department |
Step 2: Complete the Online SSN Application on the SSA website
Begin the process online to apply for a new Social Security card online.
After submitting the online application, be sure to print, annotate or take a screen shot of your confirmation number (O number). Next, you must complete the application process by visiting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with your confirmation number (O number) and required documentation within 45 calendar days.
Step 3: Go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person
Once you have all documents ready and have submitted the online SSN application, you must go to your local SSA office in person and bring hard copies of your required documents. Be sure to take your confirmation number (O number) assigned during the online application. Go to the Social Security Office Locator and enter your zip code to find the closest office location.
Step 4: Wait for your Social Security card to arrive
Once your application for an SSN has been approved by the SSA, the SSA will send a Social Security card to the address listed on your application form. The usual processing time is 2 – 4 weeks. If additional security procedures are necessary, processing times may range from 4 – 8 weeks. The SSA will not issue a number in advance of the card being mailed.
F and J students will most likely receive a Social Security card that has the notation: “Valid for work only with DHS Authorization.” SSA issues this type of card to those in F or J immigration status because the card alone does not authorize employment.
After you receive your SSN, it’s best not to carry the card with you on a daily basis. Instead, memorize the number, and keep the card in a safe place with your other important documents. Don’t lose your card!
If you work for WashU, follow this Workday tutorial to add your SSN in Workday.
ITIN
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues to an individual who needs to report income but is not eligible to obtain an SSN from the SSA. If you are NOT eligible to apply for an SSN, please see the instructions to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have an SSN, you do NOT need an ITIN.
Most common categories of international students and scholars who are not eligible for an SSN include F-1 graduate students and J-1 student interns who receive a stipend from WashU. Be sure to check with your department to learn if you are paid through a stipend or a wage before beginning the SSN or ITIN application process.
SSN refusal letter to apply for a Missouri driver’s license
Students who only need an SSN refusal letter to apply for a Missouri Driver’s License or ITIN, etc. must apply for a SSN Refusal Letter (Form SSA-L676). You should then take all of the documents listed above when applying for the SSA-L676.
Useful Resources
Social Security Numbers for Non-Citizens (PDF) from SSA
International Students and Social Security Numbers (PDF) from SSA
Obtaining a Social Security Number from Study in the States
Replace your Social Security card – if it is lost or stolen