Social Security Numbers

International Services Office

A Social Security Number (SSN) is the closest thing we have to a national identification number. If you have never obtained an SSN in the U.S., you may need to obtain one for salary, tax, credit history or banking purposes. You must have an SSN if you are paid in the US, and you cannot apply for a Driver’s License in Florida or California until you have a social security number.  Please Note: If you are in F-1 or J-1 visa status, you must be registered/validated in SEVIS prior to applying for an SSN.  SEVIS registration/validation will occur after your check in meeting with your international student or scholar advisor.

An SSN is valid for life. If you have previously had an SSN but do not have the card or remember the number, you will need to apply for a duplicate card.

An SSN is used to report wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.  An SSN is only issued to people who have a visa status that allows for monetary payments in the U.S. An SSN is not issued for purposes of general identification (driver's licenses, tax returns, bank accounts, phone service, etc.).  In general, dependents cannot qualify for an SSN unless they have a work permit.  Dependents and others who do not qualify for an SSN may apply for an ITIN number instead. 

Applying for a Social Security Number

In general, nonimmigrants cannot qualify for an SSN unless they have a work document, such as a DS-2019 or an I-797 approval, or a work permit, such as an F-1 OPT work permit.

To apply:

  1. Visit the Social Security Webpage called Request Social Security number for the first time.
  2. Complete the online application. Make sure you enter an address where you will be for at least a month.  There is no cost to apply.
  3. Make an appointment online at the closest Social Security Office. Appointments are limited at certain times of year and there may be some delay.  Be sure to attend the appointment given.
  4. Prepare required documentation proving immigration status, work eligibility, age and identity (see list below).
  5. When you go to Social Security, bring the 4 documents proving immigration status, listed below.

 

Four (4) Documents Proving Immigration Status—All Documents Must Be Originals 

  1. Valid Passport
  2. I-94 record printed from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
  3. Visa document
    • If J-1 status: DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
    • If F-1 status: I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
    • If H-1B status: I-797 approval notice
    • If you have an “Employment Authorization Document” (EAD) based on any status (F-1, J-2, H-4, pending immigrant, etc.), bring the card to present.
  4. Letter of Confirmation
    • If J-1: Letter of invitation/job offer (received when invited to Scripps)
    • If F-1 Enrolled Student at Scripps: 2 letters given to you by the International Services Office at orientation. One confirms your F-1 status and the other confirms that you will be paid a graduate student stipend.
    • If H-1B: Employment Verification letter (use the Employment Verification Request)

 

Processing Times

After submitting an SSN application, it can take about 2-4 weeks to receive the Social Security card at the mailing address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid mailing address on the SSN application. An incomplete or incorrect address will cause delivery issues and result in return of your card to the SSA.

After the SSN Is Issued

  1. Make sure to report your Social Security number by December 21st in any year, either by presenting the card in person to Human Resources (California residents) or contacting the ISO for instructions on how to upload the card securely from your computer on OneDrive (Florida or California residents).  In California, you may go to the front desk of the Administration Building to show your new SSN card.  Please do not ever send your social security number or a copy of your SS card to anyone by email, as it is not secure. 
  2. It is best to get the SSN as soon as possible as you may not have correct deductions on your paychecks if the Payroll Office does not have your SSN.  Please review your paycheck carefully and contact the Payroll Office with any questions.
  3. Keep your SS card in a safe place.
  4. Do not carry your SS card with you or put it in your wallet.
  5. Do not laminate your SS card.
  6. Protect your identity. Be careful about sharing your SSN. If asked for the number, you should ask why your number is needed, how it will be used and what will happen if you refuse to provide it. Click here for more information.