Obtaining a Social Security Card

Instructions For International Students

The Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have implemented two important changes in the processing of Social Security Numbers requested by non-immigrant applicants (including international students):

• The Social Security Administration will conduct a pre-processing status verification using an immigration database (SEVIS). 
• International students will be required to prove that they are maintaining status and have a valid employment offer.

To obtain a social security card, an international student needs to bring the following to the Social Security Administration:

1. The application form for a Social Security card
   • can be downloaded at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html or
   • call or visit a Social Security office to obtain a form (1-800-772-1213)
     
2. Original documents showing your age and identity. Some documents that are acceptable are:
   • Driver’s license
   • Marriage/Divorce certificate
   • Military records
   • Employer ID card
   • Adoption record
   • Insurance policy
   • Passport
   • School ID card (bring your current stamped bill also)
     
3. Proof of lawful non-immigrant (student) status:
   • I-20 ID; and
   • Form I-94 (white card in your passport); and
   • F-1 Visa page (in your passport)
   • In "Active" SEVIS status and "registered" for a full-time course load
     
4. Proof of full-time enrollment and job offer:
   • Letter from Enrollment Services to state that you are full-time enrolled and
   • Letter from the College’s Work-Study Technician to state that you have an employment offer which must be co-signed by the International Student Coordinator. This letter must clearly identify the hiring department (including Employer Identification Number or EIN), nature, start date and hours of the employment and have original signatures.

When you are issued a social security card there will be a notice on the card which states that the card is “not valid for work without DHS authorization”. This does not mean that this social security number cannot be used for an employer’s records. It means that the social security card is NOT a work permit. As an F-1 student you are bound by regulations which limit your employment options. If you have any questions about your options please see the International Student Coordinator.

Social Security Administration Locations

The Jersey City Social Security Administration is located at 3000 Kennedy Boulevard
The Hoboken Social Security Office is located at 79 Hudson St, 6th floor

Regular Office Hours are Monday through Friday 9am – 4 pm
Call toll free 1-800-772-1213.
http://www.ssa.gov/