Social Security Number (SSN) Information
Social Security card and number are essential for working in the United States. This number is required for anyone to receive payment from an employer. To apply for a Social Security number (SSN), you must be able to prove that you are legally authorized for employment and have a paid job. The Social Security Administration will NOT assign an SSN to any F-1 student IF the student does not have a job offer.
Purpose of Social Security Numbers (SSN)
Students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 immigration status are eligible for a Social Security number if they are working on campus.
Students and scholars who will be employed in the United States must apply for an SSN through the Social Security Administration. The SSN is printed on the front of the social security card issued by the agency. The SSN is a private identification number. Be very cautious to whom you give this number. Do not give your number to telemarketers or solicitors.
First Step: Prior to applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), students and scholars must have an original letter from the on-campus employing program.
Second Step: Once the student/scholar has the original letter from the employing program, they must set up an appointment with their ISSS advisor to have the letter signed by the Designated School Official (DSO). Here is the sample letter for you to use.
Third Step: Once the student/scholar gets their letter from the ISSS advisor, they should refer to the instructions below to collect the necessary documents before going to the Social Security Administration.
How to Apply for the Social Security Number (SSN)
Required Documents
F-1 Student employed on-campus
1. Postal Plaza Shopping Center
1905-B 9th Street NE
Washington, DC 20018
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to noon
(Located in the shopping center across from Brentwood Post Office Social Security Administration)
2. 2100 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to noon
(Located at the corner of 21st and M Street NW; nearest Metro stations are Dupont Circle [Red Line] and Foggy Bottom [Blue Line] DC Metro Map - DC Transit Guide)
Fifth Step: The Form I-9 is handled by Gallaudet University’s Human Resources (HR).
The Form I-9 is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) form for Employment Eligibility Verification. All individuals employed in the United States must complete a Form I-9 on paper. The I-9 verifies the individual’s employment eligibility to work in the United States, and salary cannot be paid until the I-9 requirements have been satisfied.
After receiving your social security card in the mail, please follow these instructions for reporting your SSN:
Bring the following documents when you meet with the HR specialist. The location is College Hall, #106.
For more information about the Form I-9, you can use USCIS’s handbook for Employers. It can be found on USCIS Website which you can click here.
Important Information:
Under Washington, D.C. law, students/scholars should not start working until they get their social security card and complete their Form I-9. Once after the form has been completed and approved by HR can they legally begin working.
Please note that ISSS doesn’t handle tax information forms (W-2 and 1040 NR). HR/Payroll offices provide students/scholars with information on how to complete the forms or where they can get assistance.
Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization
In short, “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization” means students/scholars cannot use their social security card alone to prove to an employer that they are allowed to work in the United States. They must have additional authorization, such as:
If a student/scholar loses their social security card, they will need to follow the same procedure to apply for a replacement card, which will have the same number. They may need to show current proof of employment and proof of work eligibility.
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft and Scams
Social Security numbers are often used in cases of identity theft. Be cautious in sharing the number with anyone and keep the card in a safe place with other important documents rather than carrying it and risking loss or theft. Also, be very cautious in sharing this number. Students/scholars are warned not to give their number to telemarketers or solicitors. An SSN is permanent and will never be changed. It must be protected, whether or not the student/scholar is in the U.S.
Purpose of Social Security Numbers (SSN)
Students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 immigration status are eligible for a Social Security number if they are working on campus.
Students and scholars who will be employed in the United States must apply for an SSN through the Social Security Administration. The SSN is printed on the front of the social security card issued by the agency. The SSN is a private identification number. Be very cautious to whom you give this number. Do not give your number to telemarketers or solicitors.
First Step: Prior to applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), students and scholars must have an original letter from the on-campus employing program.
Second Step: Once the student/scholar has the original letter from the employing program, they must set up an appointment with their ISSS advisor to have the letter signed by the Designated School Official (DSO). Here is the sample letter for you to use.
Third Step: Once the student/scholar gets their letter from the ISSS advisor, they should refer to the instructions below to collect the necessary documents before going to the Social Security Administration.
How to Apply for the Social Security Number (SSN)
Required Documents
F-1 Student employed on-campus
- Application for Social Security Card
- Unexpired passport
- Most recent Form I-94
- Form I-20
- Original letter signed by ISSS advisor (ISSS Request Form) Original letter from on-campus employing program office (Template letter here) SS Employment Letter
- Application for Social Security Card
- Unexpired passport
- Most recent Form I-94
- Form I-20
- Original letter signed by ISSS advisor (ISSS Request Form)
- Form I-20 authorizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT). (Cannot apply more than 30 days before CPT begins
- Application for Social Security Card
- Unexpired passport
- Most recent Form I-94
- Original letter signed by ISSS advisor (ISSS Request Form)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Form I-20 recommending OPT
- Application for Social Security Card
- Unexpired passport
- Most recent Form I-94
- Form DS-2019 with AT approved
- Original letter from ISSS (or another sponsor) authorizing AT
- Application for Social Security Card
- Unexpired passport
- Most recent Form I-94
- Form DS-2019
- Application for Social Security Card
- Unexpired passport
- Most recent Form I-94
- Form DS-2019
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
1. Postal Plaza Shopping Center
1905-B 9th Street NE
Washington, DC 20018
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to noon
(Located in the shopping center across from Brentwood Post Office Social Security Administration)
2. 2100 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to noon
(Located at the corner of 21st and M Street NW; nearest Metro stations are Dupont Circle [Red Line] and Foggy Bottom [Blue Line] DC Metro Map - DC Transit Guide)
Fifth Step: The Form I-9 is handled by Gallaudet University’s Human Resources (HR).
The Form I-9 is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) form for Employment Eligibility Verification. All individuals employed in the United States must complete a Form I-9 on paper. The I-9 verifies the individual’s employment eligibility to work in the United States, and salary cannot be paid until the I-9 requirements have been satisfied.
After receiving your social security card in the mail, please follow these instructions for reporting your SSN:
Bring the following documents when you meet with the HR specialist. The location is College Hall, #106.
- Valid passport
- I-94 record or U.S. admission stamp (in passport)
- Form I-20, DS-2019, or I-797 approval notice
- EAD (Employment Authorization Document) if you are in F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or on J-2 status with work authorization
- Social Security Number (SSN)
For more information about the Form I-9, you can use USCIS’s handbook for Employers. It can be found on USCIS Website which you can click here.
Important Information:
Under Washington, D.C. law, students/scholars should not start working until they get their social security card and complete their Form I-9. Once after the form has been completed and approved by HR can they legally begin working.
Please note that ISSS doesn’t handle tax information forms (W-2 and 1040 NR). HR/Payroll offices provide students/scholars with information on how to complete the forms or where they can get assistance.
Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization
In short, “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization” means students/scholars cannot use their social security card alone to prove to an employer that they are allowed to work in the United States. They must have additional authorization, such as:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- H1-B Visa
- Trade NAFTA (TN) status
If a student/scholar loses their social security card, they will need to follow the same procedure to apply for a replacement card, which will have the same number. They may need to show current proof of employment and proof of work eligibility.
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft and Scams
Social Security numbers are often used in cases of identity theft. Be cautious in sharing the number with anyone and keep the card in a safe place with other important documents rather than carrying it and risking loss or theft. Also, be very cautious in sharing this number. Students/scholars are warned not to give their number to telemarketers or solicitors. An SSN is permanent and will never be changed. It must be protected, whether or not the student/scholar is in the U.S.