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Social Security Number (SSN)



A Social Security Number is a nine-digit personal identification number assigned to an individual by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This number is primarily used for reporting your taxable wages while working in the United States.
Note: A Social Security Number/ Social Security Card is NOT authorization to work in the United States.

Eligibility
To apply for a Social Security Number while at FDU on F-1 or J-1 visa status, you must have authorization to work in the United States, and be a registered, full-time student. You must also meet one of the following requirements.
  • F-1 students can apply for an SSN:
    • After receiving an on-campus employment offer
    • After receiving authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
    • While submitting their form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • J-1 students can apply for an SSN:
    • After receiving authorization for on-campus employment
    • After receiving authorization for Academic Training (AT)

SSN Application Process for On-Campus Employment
After receiving an offer, please confirm that your offer letter is written on university letterhead and includes your start date, rate of pay, job title, hours worked per week, and is signed and dated by your supervisor. This must be submitted to our office prior to your start date. We will then issue you a status verification letter for your appointment at the Social Security Administration.

To submit your request for a Status Verification Letter, please visit this page on the ISP: Status Verification Letter Request.

Once you receive this letter from our office, please begin your SSN application by visiting: https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time. You will need to visit your local Social Security Administration office with your original documents to complete the application process.

SSN Application Process for Curricular Practical Training
On page 1 of your CPT Packet, please indicate that you do not have a Social Security Number and need a letter from the Office of International Student Services to bring with you to the Social Security Administration.
Upon receiving this letter and your I-20 with CPT Authorization, please begin your application by visiting: https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time. You will need to visit your local Social Security Administration office with your original documents to complete the application process.

The list of the documents that you must bring with you to the SSA will depend on your visa status and the type of employment you are authorized to participate in. Please review the chart below for F-1 students:
A screenshot of a computer screen AI-generated content may be incorrect.

For J-1 students:
A screen shot of a document AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Please be sure to request a receipt of application from the Social Security Administration. Typically, you will be able to begin working with this document.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I begin working before applying for my Social Security Number?
  1. We advise students to apply for their SSN before beginning any work or training. You cannot be paid before receiving your Social Security Card. At the Social Security Administration, please be sure to request a receipt of application. Typically, you can begin working with this document.

Where do I go to apply for a Social Security Number?
  1. Please visit https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp to find an office near you.

Do I need to make an appointment?
  1. Most Social Security Administration offices have begun requiring appointments and are no longer accepting walk-ins.

How long until I receive my Social Security Card?
  1. After visiting the Social Security Administration and receiving a receipt of application, most students will receive their Social Security Card in the mail within 14 business days of your application being approved. If you have not received your Social Security Card after 30 days, please contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website to ask about the status of your pending application.

I received an SSN while working on-campus. Do I need to apply for a new one for CPT/OPT?
  1. No, once you have a Social Security Number you will never need to apply for another one. If you lose your card, you will need to apply for a replacement card through the SSA.

I’m applying for my driver’s license. Do I need a Social Security Number?
  1. No, a Social Security Number is not required to apply for a driver’s license. In lieu of an SSN, please complete the Affidavit of No Social Security Number here: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/license/affidavit.pdf.


Helpful Resources:
Social Security Administration – International Students and Social Security Numbers https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf