Social Security

What is a Social Security Number

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-immigrants who qualify based on lawful status and legal employment. A Social Security number is necessary only for reporting employment and tax information. 

An SSN does NOT grant you permission to work or permanent residency. But you must have an SSN if you are working in the U.S. Once you obtain an SSN it is your number forever and may be used on subsequent visits to the U.S.

Who Can Apply

As an F-1 student, you are eligible for an SSN only if you have evidence of lawful employment authorization, such as on-campus employment or CPT employment authorization. 

If you have not secured lawful F-1 employment, you are not eligible to apply for an SSN. 

 

Application Process

For On-Campus Employment:

If you obtain on-campus employment and you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to apply for one. To apply for a Social Security Number based on your on-campus employment follow the steps below:

  1. F-1 Students: you must work with your hiring department to complete the On Campus Employment SSN Request Form.

  2. Then submit it to our SSN Online Request Portal.

    (If you are a J-1 student, please submit the J-1 SSA Application Form to the Portal instead)

  3. OIS will email you to pick up a support letter that you must take to the Social Security Office — Social Security has informed us that letters must contain the DSO's original signature and cannot be scanned copies.

  4. If you’re in the U.S., you can apply for a Social Security number for the first time online; then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. 

    These are the only Social Security Offices in New York where residents of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan—both U.S. citizens and non-citizens—can apply for an original Social Security Number or for a replacement card. The Centers are located at:

    • 154 Pierrepont Street, Sixth Floor, Brooklyn, NY  11201
    • 155-10 Jamaica Avenue, Second Floor, Jamaica, NY  11432
    • 820 Concourse Village West, Second Floor, Bronx, NY  10451
    • 123 William Street, Third Floor, New York, NY  10038

  5. After completing the online application, take the original Request Form (signed by your supervisor), the OIS support letter, your valid passport, your valid F-1 visa, I-20, and I-94 to the Social Security Office. Your I-94 can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94 (Select “GET MOST RECENT I-94”).

  6. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 2 weeks. [https://www.ssa.gov/number-card]

For Off-Campus Employment (CPT):

  1. Follow CPT process

  2. Receive new I-20 reflecting CPT Employment Authorization

  3. If you’re in the U.S., you can apply for a Social Security number for the first time online; then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. 

    These are the only Social Security Offices in New York where residents of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan—both U.S. citizens and non-citizens—can apply for an original Social Security Number or for a replacement card. The Centers are located at:

    • 154 Pierrepont Street, Sixth Floor, Brooklyn, NY  11201
    • 155-10 Jamaica Avenue, Second Floor, Jamaica, NY  11432
    • 820 Concourse Village West, Second Floor, Bronx, NY  10451
    • 123 William Street, Third Floor, New York, NY  10038
  4. Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office: Valid passport, valid F-1 visa, Form I-20 reflecting CPT authorization, employment offer letter, and your most recent I-94 record. Your I-94 can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94 (Select “GET MOST RECENT I-94”).

Employment and Taxes

A Social Security number is used by employers and employees to report on individual employees' earnings for tax purposes. F-1 students are exempt from Social Security (FICA) withholdings from income earned through authorized employment for the first five years in F-1 status. When you complete your W-4 form to start employment, you indicate in large letters across the top of the form that you are exempt from FICA. International students must pay all other local, state, and federal taxes unless there is an applicable treaty signed between the United States and your country of citizenship.

Social Security numbers are often used to check your credit history for a variety of other purposes unrelated to its official purpose such as opening bank accounts, leasing an apartment, or obtaining cell phone services. If you have difficulty opening a bank account or other services because you do not have an SSN, please contact ois@fordham.edu for assistance.