Social Security Card

An international student is eligible for a Social Security Card only after getting a job on campus. So all incoming international students can not make application for Social Security Number unless they have secured on-campus employment.
The Social Security Card is only necessary for getting a job; for other purposes such as getting a cell phone, opening a bank account your passport, driver license, or student id are valid documents that you can use.

Steps to get a Social Security Number:
1. You must get on-campus employment.

2. Get a letter from your employer. (Employer’s sample letter must be supplied on company letter-head stationery and with an original signature and include the Employer Identification Number)

3. Get a letter from your International Student Advisor at International Office.

4. You will need to take ALL of the following items to the SSA office:

a. Letter from on-campus employer (Steps 1 and 2)
b. Letter from IS Advisor (Step 3)
c. Application form from SSA (Click here to read the instructions to download the application)
d. I-94 card
e. I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
f. Valid Passport
g. Visa
h. One photo ID that is at least one year old (could be passport)

You will receive your Social Security number on a card in the mail approximately three weeks after you apply.

Social Security Administration Office:
SOCIAL SECURITY                         315-797-7614
FEDERAL BUILDING                       1800-772-1213  
10 BROAD STREET                         http://www.socialsecurity.gov
UTICA, NY 13501