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Social Security Number Information
  If you qualify for employment authorization in the United States (U.S.), you will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to report wages and other income to the U.S. government.  The SSN is not required for other purposes, such as opening a bank account or renting an apartment off campus. 

Do not apply for a SSN until you have fulfilled the initial reporting requirement with the OISS to have your SEVIS ID activated, and until you have obtained specific work authorization through the OISS.   

Click on the link for each employment category to determine if you are eligible for a SSN:  

  1. On-campus employment

  2. Curricular practical training

  3. Optional practical training

  4. Severe economic hardship

You must apply for a SSN in person at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office near you.  Go to the SSA at 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, or locate another office at http://www.ssa.gov .  There is no application fee.  

Bring your:

  1. Passport

  2. Form I-20 & Form I-94

  3. Employment authorization document(s) pertaining to one of the F-1 employment categories listed above

Be sure to obtain a letter or receipt from the SSA stating that you have applied for a  SSN.  An F-1 student may work while the SSN application is being processed. 

How long will it take to get a SSN?

This depends on how long it takes for the SSA to verify your immigration documents before assigning a SSN.  If the SSA receives immediate online verification from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), your SSN will arrive in about 2 weeks. 

WARNING!  Do not become a victim of identity theft!

Do not provide your SSN, credit card information, password, or other personal information through unverified, unsecured sites on the Internet or over the telephone.  If you think someone is using your SSN, contact the SSA.  If someone pretends to be you and misuses your SSN or other information, you should immediately file a police report and contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus and the creditors who approved the credit. 

Go to http://www.ssa.gov for more information or call the SSA at 800-772-1213

 

OISS   ~  Pepperdine University   ~   Revised August 20, 2007