Social Security Number

What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?

A Social Security number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker’s lifetime. When you get an SSN, you can use that number for your lifetime. Please note, the SSN itself is not a work permit. If you intend to work in the U.S., you must first apply for authorization and then you may apply for an SSN.

Who is eligible to apply for an SSN?

If you do not work on campus but you receive a taxable scholarship, you should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.

Eligibility

To get an SSN, you must show the Social Security Administration that you:

1. Are eligible to work in the U.S;
2. Are a full-time student at Illinois Tech.

Have one of the following:

1. On-campus job offer, OR
2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, OR
3. Optional Practical Training authorization, OR
4. Academic Training authorization

****A Social Security number is not required to obtain a driver’s license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution or other “non-work” reasons. Dependents in F-1 status are not eligible for an SSN.

How to Apply for Your Social Security Number

F-1 Students with On-Campus Employment

New students: complete all steps in the “New Student Post-Arrival Checklist.” 

Incoming International Students | Illinois Institute of Technology (iit.edu)

Step 1: Wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the U.S. to apply for the SSN.

Step 2: Obtain proof of employment:

1. A campus employment letter from your IIT hiring department
2. A letter from the Student Employment Office (SEO)
3. An SSN support letter from the Office of Global Services (OGS)

Follow these instructions to request the required letters and then apply for an SSN.

Obtain a position on campus. 

All positions are posted through the Student Employment Office, through their website, and the Handshake portal.

After securing a position, obtain a Campus Employment Letter from the Student Employment Office (SEO).  

After you receive your on-campus employment letter from SEO, scan or take a photo of the letter. 

Obtain an OGS Support Letter

1. Submit a request to get an SSN Support letter through the ISSS portal
2. Log into MyISSS
3. Name of request: Letter request

Step 3: Apply for an SSN

Complete and submit the social security number application.

Step 4: Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office

Visit the SSA Office to finish the process and provide them with your documents. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application.

Take with you:

1. Original on-campus employment letter
2. Original SSN Support Letter from OGS
3. Form I-20
4. Valid passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
5. I-94 record US CBP I-94
6. Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online

F-1 Students Authorized for Curricular Practical Training

If you have never worked in the U.S. before, and you are applying for an SSN because your first job is CPT, you will also complete the social security application online. Then, visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person. Apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date.

Take with you

1. I-20 with CPT authorization from the Office of Global Services 
2. Passport
3. I-94 record from the US CBP I-94 website
4. Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online

F-1 Students Authorized for Optional Practical Training

If you did not request an SSN as part of your OPT application, complete the social security application online. Then, visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person. Apply on or after the start date on your EAD card.

Take with you

1. OPT I-20 issued to you by Office of Global Services
2. Passport
3. EAD Card
4. I-94 record from the US CBP I-94 website
5. Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online

J-1 Students Authorized for Academic Training

1. Obtain documentation for employment authorization from your OGS adviser or your sponsoring agency.
2. Complete the social security application online.
3. Visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person.

Take with you

1. Form DS-2019 with Academic Training notation
2. Passport
3. I-94 record from the US CBP I-94 website
4. Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online

Dependents: J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to have the above documents plus their EAD card in order to apply for an SSN.

Faculty, Staff and Scholars: 

Determine your eligibility to apply for a Social Security Number:

1. J‐1 scholars who are receiving compensation in the form of a salary from Illinois Tech must first complete the required check‐in procedures at OGS and then wait 3‐4 business days before applying.
2. You must be receiving funds from the university OR another U.S entity to be eligible for a Social Security Number.
3. Prepare your application materials:
4. Completed application form (Form SS‐5), available at the Social Security Office or socialsecurity.gov
5. Passport
6. Visa
7. I‐94 admission number (available online at cbp.gov/I94)
8. DS‐2019 

SSA Office: 

• Visit the local SSA office to submit your application and supporting documents

Helpful Resources

• Social Security Numbers for non-citizens
• Applications for a Social Security Card
• SSA Office Locator 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security Number? 

Once a completed request is received by the Office of Global Services, a signed SSN letter will be available for download within 2 business days.   

After a student applies to the Social Security Administration, it may take 2-4 weeks for SSA to mail your card to the address provided on the application. 

Can I work on campus while my card is pending?

If after applying for your SSN with the Social Security Administration 

Do I need an SSN to begin working?

As long as you have authorization from the Office of Global Services (on-campus work, Curricular Practical Training, or Optional Practical Training), and you have a pending Social Security Number (SSN) application, you can start working without a SSN.

My SSN card says, “not valid for employment” on it. Can I still use it?

Your SSN card is only used for tax purposes.

Do I need an SSN to apply for a job?

No. 

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

If you do not currently have an on-campus job or off-campus employment authorization, the SSA Office will not issue a replacement card. Follow the steps here in order to request a replacement card.