Applying for a Social Security Number

Applying for a Social Security Number

A social security number (SSN) is a nine digit unique identification number assigned by the U.S. Social Security Administration to monitor and tax wages earned by employees in the U.S. It does not grant employment authorization, but it is required for all individuals employed in the U.S. A social security number is not needed to get a driver’s license, buy a cell phone, open a bank account or to get health insurance. 

Eligibility

F-1 Students are eligible to obtain a social security number if:

  • They are in valid F-1 status and have been offered an on-campus job
  • They are in valid F-1 status and have been authorized for off-campus employment, either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

J-1 Students are eligible to obtain a social security number if:

  • They are in valid J-1 status

Any student or scholar who is eligible for a social security number must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 10 business days before applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). New students must have completed the immigration check-in process at the Slater International Center and be registered in SEVIS. Students should talk with Slater before applying for a social security number to ensure their record is “Active” in SEVIS. Once a record is activated in SEVIS, students should wait at least two business days before applying for a SSN to ensure the SEVIS database information is correct.

 

Application Process

F-1 Students with an on-campus job offer:

expand all
1. Complete the “On-Campus Employment Form”

Please download and complete the On-Campus Employment Form. This form verifies your job offer and your valid immigration status. 

Section I of this form must be completed by you.
Section II of this Form must be completed by your prospective supervisor. An electronic signature is acceptable. 
Section III of this Form will be completed by a member of the Slater Staff. Upload the on-campus employment form to our document upload portal with Sections I and II complete. We will review, sign the form, and return back to you. 
The entire form must be completed and signed BEFORE you begin your employment.
 
It is strongly recommended that you apply for a social security number before your begin your employment. Once you have a social security number, you will have it for life, and you will not have to repeat this process for new employment.
2. Complete a Social Security (SS) Application Form (Form SS-5)

Please go to the Social Security Office's website and Apply for a Social Security Number Online.

Follow the guided steps needed to submit your request. After you submit your online request successfully, you must visit your local Social Security office or card center with your documentation within 45 calendar days. You may be eligible to schedule an appointment before visiting your local Social Security office or card center.
 
(Please note, when filling out Social Security Card Appication (Form SS-5), for Question #5 Citizenship, please check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work.")
3. Apply for a Social Security Number at the Office in Framingham

Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:

  1. On-Campus Employment Form
  2. Social Security Card Application (Form SS-5)
  3. Passport
  4. Visa (not applicable to Canadian citizens)
  5. Form I-20
  6. Most recent I-94

Note: Students who have on-campus employment cannot apply for a social security number more than 30 days in advance of their employment start date.

The Social Security Office in Framingham is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, and is located at:
Social Security Office
1st Left Off Suite #101
1 Clarks Hill
Framingham, MA 01702
 
An appointment is not required. You can walk in to the social security office during open hours to submit your application.
 
You can take the Commuter Rail from Wellesley Square to Framingham Station. When you go out of the Framingham Station, walk 0.7 miles on Waverly St., (approximately 14 minutes) turn left onto Bishop Street then turn right onto Clarks Hill.
If you have any questions about the above steps please contact Slater at 781-283-2082, or slatercenter@wellesley.edu.
4. After You Have Applied for A Social Security Number

After you have applied for a social security number, you will receive a receipt for your application while they are processing your Social Security Card. Please email Human Resources Student Employment Office at studentemployment@wellesley.edu the receipt and let them know that you have completed the SS number application and are ready to complete your onboarding.

If you have any questions about this step, please contact Human Resources at 781-283-2211, or studentemployment@wellesley.edu.

 

F-1 Students with Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

expand all
1. Complete a Social Security (SS) Application Form SS-5

You can find this form online. For Item #5, select "Legal Alien Allowed to Work."

2. Apply for a Social Security Number at the Office in Framingham

Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:

  1. Social Security Number application
  2. Passport
  3. Visa (not applicable to Canadian citizens)
  4. Form I-20 showing CPT approved
  5. Most recent I-94

Note: Students who are on CPT cannot apply for a Social Security number more than 30 days in advance of the employment start date.

An appointment is not required. You can walk in to the social security office during open hour to submit your application.

F-1 Students Optional Practical Training (OPT):

expand all
1. Complete the Form I-765

You can apply for a Social Security Number on Form I-765 when you apply for OPT.

2. Receive your Social Security Card

You should receive your card 10-14 business days after receiving your EAD. If you do not receive a Social Security card, you must go to a Social Security Office in person to apply.

J-1 Students with an on-campus job offer:

expand all
1. Complete an “On-Campus Employment Form”

You can find this form on our website. This form verifies your job offer and your valid immigration status. Section I of this form must be completed by you. Section II of this Form must be completed by your prospective supervisor. An electronic signature is acceptable. Upload the on-campus employment form to our document upload portal. We will review, sign the form, and return back to you.

Please note that your employment start date must be at least 5 business days into the future to allow adequate time for processing.

2. Complete a Social Security (SS) Application Form SS-5

You can find this form online. For Item #5, select "Legal Alien Allowed to Work."

3. Apply for a Social Security Number at the Office in Framingham

Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:

  1. Completed On-Campus Employment Form
  2. Social Security Number application
  3. Passport
  4. Visa (not applicable to Canadian citizens)
  5. Form DS-2019
  6. Most recent I-94

Note: Students who have on-campus employment cannot apply for a social security number more than 30 days in advance of their employment start date.

J-1 Students with Academic Training (AT):

expand all
1. Complete a Social Security (SS) Application Form SS-5

You can find this form online. For Item #5, select "Legal Alien Allowed to Work."

2. Apply for a Social Security Number at the Office in Framingham

We recommend the SSA Office in Framingham, as it is the nearest location to campus. 

  1. Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:
    1. Academic Training authorization letter
    2. Social Security Number application
    3. Passport
    4. Visa (not applicable to Canadian citizens)
    5. Form DS-2019
    6. Most recent I-94
  2. The Social Security Office in Framingham is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, and is located at:

Social Security Office
1st Left Off Suite #101
1 Clarks Hill
Framingham, MA 01702

You can take the Commuter Rail from Wellesley Square to Framingham Station. When you go out of the Framingham Station, walk 0.7 miles on Waverly St., (approximately 14 minutes) turn left onto Bishop Street then turn right onto Clarks Hill.

  1. You will receive a receipt for your application while they are processing your Social Security Card.

If you have any questions about this step please contact Slater at 781-283-2082, or slatercenter@wellesley.edu.

Note: Students who have on-campus employment cannot apply for a social security number more than 30 days in advance of their employment start date. For more information go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnvisa or call 1-800-772-1213

F-1 and J-1 Students Seeking a Denial Letter

For individuals looking to get a Driver's License or State ID who are not eligible for an SSN, a Denial Letter must be obtained.

expand all
1. Request a Denial Letter Social Security Office in Framingham

Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:

  1. Social Security Number application
    1. Write DENIAL LETTER REQUEST at the top
    2. Select "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work"
  2. Passport
  3. Visa (not applicable to Canadian citizens)
  4. Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1)
  5. Most recent I-94

Your Denial Letter will be given to you on the spot.

Getting a Denial Letter will not affect your eligibility in the future, it just means that at this time, you are not eligible for the SSN.

Social Security Office Location

Framingham Social Security Office

1st Left Off Suite #101,
1 Clarks Hill
Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: 844-587-1390
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

An appointment is not required. You can walk in to the social security office during open hours to submit your application.

Directions:

Driving from Wellesley: Take Route 135 West through downtown Natick. Turn right onto Bishop Street, and then turn right onto Clarks Hill. You will see the Social Security Office on your right.

Commuter Rail: Take the Commuter Rail from the Wellesley Square Station to the Framingham Station. When you go out of the Framingham station, walk 0.7 miles on Waverly St., (approximately 14 minutes) turn left onto Bishop Street then turn right onto Clarks Hill.

Receiving your Social Security Card

Once you have successfully applied for your SSN, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may need some time to verify your current immigration status before they can issue you a social security card. In most cases, a card should be mailed to the address that you listed on your application form within 10-14 business days. For general information applying for a social security number please visit http://www.ssa.gov/ or call 800-772-1213.

Tips to Secure Your Social Security Number

It is important not to share your Social Security Number with anyone else as this can lead to Identity Theft. Someone may use your SSN to perform illegal transactions or activities that will be attributed to you without your knowledge. Below are some tips that will help you to secure your Social Security Number:

  • Memorize your SSN. The best place to keep your SSN is in your mind.
  • Do not carry around your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, keep it in a safe, secure and secret place and keep it forever. You are issued one SSN for life.
  • Do not give out your SSN to anybody, including your family members or friends, unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are required to do so, don't hesitate to ask the reason they need your SSN.
  • Beware with on-line transactions. Normally you are not required to give out your SSN. If you are told to do so, be sure that the site is trusted and secured. In some cases, you may have to give the last four digits of your SSN.
  • As a customer, when you are talking with customer service agents requiring information or filing a complaint, avoid telling them your SSN.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

expand all
Do I need an SSN?

If you will be employed on or off-campus, receiving a fellowship or stipend through Payroll, you will need to obtain a Social Security number.

Do I need an SSN to open a bank account, get utility services or a cell phone?

No. Although an SSN may be requested by banks, utility companies, phone companies, etc. A SSN is only required for employment. An SSN is not required to obtain a driver’s license, or file federal tax Form 8843.

Do I need an SSN before I start working?

It depends on your employer. With some employers, you may work while your SSN application is being processed. However, without an SSN, a paycheck cannot be issued. Do not forget to ask for a receipt from the SSA in order to prove to your employer that you have applied for your SSN. You must have at least applied for an SSN before you begin working any job.

When can I apply for an SSN?

F-1 and J-1 students and scholars with a job offer can apply for an SSN no earlier than 10 business days after entery to the United States. An SSN cannot be issued for on-campus employment or for authorized CPT if the start date for the employment is more than 30 days into the future. Individuals applying for an SSN based on OPT approval may not apply until after the start date listed on the Employment Authorization Card (EAC).

How long does it take to get an SSN?

The SSA must verify your documents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before assigning you an SSN. After receiving verification from DHS, SSA will mail your Social Security card. You should receive your card within 10-14 days. If you do not receive the card within 30 days, return to the social security office to inquire about the status of your application.

What happens if my SSN card is lost or stolen?

You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen. To get a replacement card, you must take the same original documentation that you used when you first applied for an SSN to the local Social Security office, including proof of on-campus job or off-campus employment authorization (CPT, OPT). On the SSN application, you should indicate that you are applying for a replacement. Your replacement card will have the same name and number as your previous card.