APPLYING FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

Rules for Social Security Eligibility:

F-1 students can only be issued a Social Security number (SSN) if they can show proof of employment.  On campus employers at Binghamton University are aware of this change in the SSA regulations.

How do F-1 students prove they have an on-campus job?

F-1 students must have a job or a job offer before they can apply for a Social Security number. An employment letter must be submitted with your SSN application to prove you have employment and are eligible for a Social Security number:

  • The on-campus employer’s letter must include:
    • The name of student employee
    • Nature of job that the student is, or will be engaged in
    • Anticipated or actual employment start date
    • Number of hours student is expected to work
    • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • Employer contact information, including telephone number and name of immediate supervisor
    • Original signature, signatory title, and date

Note: A funding letter issued by the department or school for a Graduate Assistantship, Teaching Assistantship or Research Assistantship meets the requirements of the “Employer’s Letter” stated above.

  • The letter will then be counter-signed on the back by a designated school official in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. The ISSS official will provide an original signature, printed name, telephone number and date.

All documentation must be originals. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.

I have an on campus job.  When can I apply for a Social Security card?

Special arrangements have been made for newly arrived international students to submit their SSN applications on Friday, January 25th during the Bureaucratic Essentials meeting, part of International Student Orientation. This meeting will be held in Old Union Hall, where staff from the Social Security Administration office will be on hand to accept Social Security applications.   

What documents do I need to show to apply for a Social Security card?

To submit your application you will need to bring with you:

    • Your passport
    • Your SEVIS I-20
    • Your I-94 card (this was given to you when you entered the United States)
    • A completed Social Security application
    • If on University funding, a copy of your award letter, or a letter from your on campus employer confirming your job offer or that you are already employed.
    • The back of the letter must be counter-signed by a designated school official in the ISSS.

The new procedure requires the following steps:

  • You will submit a completed Social Security application to the US Social Security Administration.
  • You will show the Social Security representative your I-20, I-94, passport, visa, and proof of employment. A copy of your immigration documents will be kept as part of your application.
  • You will be issued a Social Security number and card.
  • Your Social Security card will be mailed to the ISSS office. You will receive an email to let you know when the card has arrived and when to come in to pick it up.

Frequently asked questions:

I already have a Social Security card. Do I need to submit letters proving my employment?
No. This new evidence rule does not apply to F-1 students who have already been issued a Social Security number.

I am authorized for CPT or I have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) for Optional Practical Training or Off-Campus Employment. Do I need to submit letters proving my employment?
Letters are not required for F-1 students who have been authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or who have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) for Off-Campus Employment based on Economic Hardship or Optional Practical Training (OPT).  Instead, the work authorization for CPT on the third page of the I-20, or the EAD card for OPT or Economic Hardship Employment, is sufficient documentation.

How long does it take to receive my Social Security card?
It will take four to six weeks for you to receive your Social Security card.

Will the ISSS let me know when the card is received?
If you have given us your email address we will email you once the card arrives. We will not be publishing the names of persons receiving their cards at our office.

My name is misspelled on my Social Security card.  How do I get it corrected?
To correct a name spelling you will need to go to the US Social Security Administration Office at 15 Henry Street in downtown Binghamton. Please bring your passport, I-20, and proof of current employment with you. Staff there can help you submit the paperwork required to correct the name spelling.

If you have any questions about this process please contact Karen Keefe-Guzikowski, Assistant Director at kkeefe@binghamton.edu. You can also find more information on the rules and guidelines for Social Security numbers at http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.