Social Security Numbers and International Students
The Social Security system provides public assistance to the disabled, unemployed, and retired. A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker’s lifetime. The SSN card is not a work permit. When you get an SSN, you can use that number for your lifetime. Applications for Social Security Numbers are processed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). ISSS does not issue SSNs or apply for SSNs on the behalf of students/scholars.
SSN or ITIN?
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. See "Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)" section below.
Eligibility
To apply for an SSN, you must show the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you:
- Are eligible to work in the U.S.
- Are a full-time student if in F-1 or J-1 student status
You must have one of the following:
- On-campus job offer, OR
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, OR
- Optional Practical Training authorization, OR
- Academic Training authorization, OR
- DS-2019 for J-1 Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholar with funding from DU listed, OR
- Approved H-1B petition filed by DU on your behalf
Per SSA policy, there are limitations on when someone is eligible to apply for their Social Security Number. Your application may be rejected if you apply too early.
- No more than 30 days prior to start of on-campus employment or CPT work authorization date listed on I-20 Page 2.
- Prior to the start date listed on the EAD (Form I-766) issued by DHS
How to Apply: F-1 Students
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On-Campus Employment
New Students: If you recently arrived in the US as a student or recently transferred to DU, you must complete the ISSS Check-In process in order for us to activate your SEVIS ID. You will need to log into the ISSS Portal. Click on the Control Center tab and choose the Check In request.
SEVIS records are typically activated after classes begin and you are enrolled full-time (12 credits for undergraduates or 8 credits for graduate students). If you have an on-campus job and need to apply for the SSN before classes begin, email isss@du.edu to register your SEVIS record.
To apply for the SSN with the SSA, follow these steps:
Step 1: Ask your DU hiring department for an employment offer letter. (See the SSN Handout for details on what must be included in this document)
Step 2: Submit the request for an SSN certification letter online in the ISSS Portal. You will need to upload the letter from your on-campus employer from step one.
Step 3: Apply for the SSN from the SSA. You can begin your application online or complete the paper application.
Step 4: Visit your local SSA Office. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. See the Social Security Office Locator for the location nearest you. An appointment might be necessary.
Take the following original (not digital) documents with you:
- On-campus employment letter
- ISSS SSN Certification Letter
- Form I-20, signed by you in ink
- Unexpired passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (card or electronic printout)
- Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online
Per the Social Security Administration, students who have applied for a Social Security Number can begin working before the SSN has been received.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Step 1: Apply for and receive I-20 with CPT authorization from ISSS.
Step 2: Apply for the SSN from the SSA. You can begin your application online or complete the paper application.
Step 3: Visit your local SSA Office. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. See the Social Security Office Locator for the location nearest you. An appointment might be necessary.
Take the following original (not digital) documents with you:
- Form I-20 with CPT authorization, signed by you in ink
- Training offer letter from CPT employer
- Unexpired passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (card or electronic printout)
- Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Step 1: Apply for and receive OPT authorization from USCIS
Step 2: Apply for the SSN from the SSA. You can begin your application online or complete the paper application.
Step 3: Visit your local SSA Office. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. See the Social Security Office Locator for the location nearest you. An appointment might be necessary.
Take the following original (not digital) documents with you:
- Form I-20 with OPT recommendation, signed by you in ink
- EAD Card for OPT
- Unexpired passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (card or electronic printout)
- Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online
How to Apply: J-1 Students
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On-Campus Employment
New Students: If you recently arrived in the US as a student or recently transferred to DU, you must complete the ISSS Check-In process in order for us to validate your SEVIS ID. You will need to log into the ISSS Portal. Click on the Control Center tab and choose the Check In request.
SEVIS records are typically activated after classes begin and you are enrolled full-time (12 credits for undergraduates or 8 credits for graduate students). If you have an on-campus job and need to apply for the SSN before classes begin, email isss@du.edu to validate your SEVIS record.
To apply for the SSN with the SSA, follow these steps:
Step 1: Ask your DU hiring department for an employment offer letter. (See the SSN Handout for details on what must be included in this document)
Step 2: Submit the request for on-campus work authorization in the ISSS Portal. Allow 3-5 business days for ISSS to issue a letter of on-campus employment authorization. Note: if your program sponsor is not DU, you must apply for on-campus work authorization from your program sponsor (i.e. Fulbright, IIE, etc.)
Step 3: Apply for the SSN from the SSA. You can begin your application online or complete the paper application.
Step 4: Visit your local SSA Office. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. See the Social Security Office Locator for the location nearest you. An appointment might be necessary.
Take the following original (not digital) documents with you:
- On-campus employment letter
- ISSS On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter
- Form DS-2019, signed by you in ink
- Unexpired passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (card or electronic printout)
- Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online
Per the Social Security Administration, students who have applied for a Social Security Number can begin working before the SSN has been received.
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Academic Training
Step 1: Apply for and receive Academic Training authorization from your program sponsor. If ISSS, submit the Academic Training request in the ISSS Portal (https://isss.du.edu). Allow 3-5 business days for processing and issuance of a new DS-2019 and authorization letter.
Step 2: Apply for the SSN from the SSA. You can begin your application online or complete the paper application.
Step 3: Visit your local SSA Office. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. See the Social Security Office Locator for the location nearest you. An appointment might be necessary.
Take the following original (not digital) documents with you:
- FormDS-2019 with Academic Training notation, signed by you in ink
- Academic Training authorization letter from your program sponsor
- Unexpired passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (card or electronic printout)
- Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online
How to Apply: J-1 Scholars or Student Interns
Only J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars, or Student Interns that are employed by DU are eligible to apply for the SSN.
Step 1: Attend the required in-person orientation with ISSS and submit required documents for ISSS to validate your J-1 SEVIS record.
Step 2: Apply for the SSN from the SSA. You can begin your application online or complete the paper application.
Step 3: Visit your local SSA Office. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. See the Social Security Office Locator for the location nearest you. An appointment might be necessary.
Take the following original (not digital) documents with you:
- DS-2019, signed by you in ink
- DS-7002 (J-1 Student Intern, only)
- Employment offer letter from DU host department
- Unexpired passport (along with old passport if it contains your J-1 visa)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (card or electronic printout)
- Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online
How to Apply: H-1B Employees
Step 1: Obtain H-1B status (by entering US or receiving I-797 approval notice for change of status). If entering the US, wait at least 10 days after you arrive to apply.
Step 2: Apply for the SSN from the SSA. You can begin your application online or complete the paper application.
Step 3: Visit your local SSA Office. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. See the Social Security Office Locator for the location nearest you. An appointment might be necessary.
Take the following original (not digital) documents with you:
- I-797 approval notice
- Employment offer letter from DU host department
- Unexpired passport and H-1B visa (if obtained to enter the US in H-1B status)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (card or electronic printout)
- Confirmation that you completed the SS-5 online
SSN as ID Number
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. However, the SSN is commonly used as a personal identification number in the United States, and you may be asked to provide one when requesting certain services such as opening a bank account or activating household utilities. If you do not have an SSN, you may need to explain that you are ineligible to apply for one and provide alternate documentation verifying your identify (i.e. valid passport or driver's license).
Additional Information:
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
F-1 and J-1 students with scholarships that provide for expenses other than tuition, fees, and books must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for taxation purposes instead of a Social Security number. To apply for an ITIN, we recommend that you make an appointment at the IRS Denver Office, a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Please bring the following to your appointment: