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Name: Office of International Services
Practical Documents & Resources

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) & Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers (ITINs)

Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

What is a Social Security Number?

If you're an international student, scholar, or employee planning to work in the U.S., applying for an SSN is vital. It's a permanent nine-digit tax ID issued by the Social Security Administration. 

Key points to remember:

  • SSNs aren't mandatory for on-campus job applications but should be pursued only after job offer acceptance.
  • You must be work-authorized. 
  • Once obtained, your SSN is permanent.
  • It's often requested for various business purposes. 
  • Apply within 30 days of your program or employment start, but not from outside the U.S.

Once you possess a Social Security Card, ensure its safekeeping, as SSNs are sensitive to identity theft. Exercise caution when asked to disclose your SSN, always clarifying the necessity and usage.

Eligibility

If you're an international student, scholar, or employee at Jefferson University, you can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) only when you're within the U.S. with a valid immigration status and have received work authorization. Here's who is eligible:

  1. F-1 Students: Those with on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for paid internships, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card for Optional Practical Training or other F-1 employment.
  2. J-1 Students: Individuals the OIS authorizes for on-campus employment or Academic Training. Note: J-1 students sponsored by external agencies should seek authorization from their sponsor, not OIS.
  3. J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, and Short-Term Scholars: Those sponsored by a Jefferson department.
  4. Employees in H-1B, TN, or Other Employment-Based Immigration Status: Remember, having the correct immigration status and authorization is essential before applying for an SSN.
  5. Dependents: F-2 dependent family members are not eligible to work and cannot apply for SSNs. Dependents in J-2 or H-4 status are eligible to work only if they have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card issued by USCIS.  Dependents who do not have work authorization may be eligible to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

*If your SEVIS record is not "active," the Social Security office will not be able to verify your status with the USCIS.

Newly arrived F-1 Students & J-1 Students, Scholars & Student Interns:

  • Students in F-1 or J-1 status are not eligible for a Social Security number unless they have an offer of employment. There are no exceptions to this requirement;
  • Complete check-in requirements with OIS after arrival in the U.S. and wait at least 7-10 days*; and
  • Apply no earlier than 30 days before the start of on-campus employment.

Continuing F-1 Students, J-1 Students, & Scholars

  • Apply up to 30 days before the start of on-campus employment, paid curricular practical training, or other approved F-1 / J-1 employment.

F-1 Students on Post-Completion OPT

  • Apply for SSN when applying for Optional Practical Training or
  • Apply upon receiving a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card on or after the EAD start date.

Newly Arrived H-1B Employee

  • Apply after arrival in the US and on or after the I-797 petition start date.

When the time comes for your appointment with the Social Security Administration (SSA), make sure you have the following documents on hand:

  1. Social Security Application: Download the application form. Alternatively, you can kickstart the process online and then visit the local Social Security office to submit your documentation. Once your application is approved, expect to receive your Social Security Card, complete with your unique number, by mail within 14 days. Start your application.
  2. Valid Passport with U.S. Visa Stamp
  3. I-20 Form: If you're in F-1 status.
  4. DS-2019 Form: If you're in J-1 status. 
  5. I-94 Admission/Departure Record: If you don't have an I-94 card in your passport, follow this link to obtain the card printout.
  6. Supporting documents as per the visa category: 
    • F-1 Student with On-Campus Employment:
      • Job offer letter on department letterhead
      • SSN support letter from OIS requested through the International Services Portal
    • F-1 Students with Curricular Practical Training:
      • Form I-20 with Curricular Practical Training approval on Page 2
      • Offer letter indicating a paid internship
      • SSN support letter from OIS requested through the International Services Portal
    • F-1 Students with Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card for Optional Practical Training (OPT):
      • Request the SSN through the I-765 Form at the time of OPT application
    • J-1 Students with Academic Training:
      • Academic Training or Economic Hardship authorization on your DS-2019 Form
      • SSN support letter from OIS requested through the International Services Portal
      • If you are a J-1 student and your J-1 visa sponsor is another organization (e.g., Fulbright Scholar), you must obtain the required documents for SSN applications from your sponsor
    • J-2 Dependents with Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card:
      • Valid and unexpired EAD card
      • Offer letter and support letter from employer
    • J-1 Scholars:
      • An appointment letter from Jefferson or a Jefferson affiliate
      • SSN support letter from OIS requested through the International Services Portal
    • H-1B Employees:
      • Optional: Job offer or appointment letter from Thomas Jefferson University or Jefferson Health with position, salary, and start / end dates of employment.

  7. Go to the local SSN office

Philadelphia Social Security Office 
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd 
Suite 2000B 
Philadelphia, PA

Walking Directions: 
Start on LOCUST ST toward the 11th 
Turn Right onto S BROAD ST 
Turn Left onto S Penn Square 
Continue on 15th Street 
Turn Left onto John F Kennedy Blvd

Hours: 
Monday-Friday 
9:00 am - 3:30 pm 
(except federal holidays)

Phone: 1-800-772-1213 
Website: http://www.ssa.gov

Ensuring you have these items in order will help streamline the process of obtaining your Social Security Number (SSN).

  • When you apply for your Social Security Number (SSN), request a receipt as proof of your application. Processing your SSN application can take approximately 3-4 weeks. After processing, Social Security will mail your Social Security card, which contains your SSN, to your U.S. mailing address.

  • For security reasons, it's essential to keep your SSN card in a secure location once you receive it. Avoid carrying it with you daily, and never transmit your SSN through insecure methods like email. 

If you have an on-campus job at Thomas Jefferson University, you will need to speak with Human Resources in order to use the receipt from Social Security to begin receiving payments from Jefferson.

Once you receive your Social Security Card (approximately two weeks via mail), update the following: 

  • Your university records (i.e., payroll and the registrar's office) 

  • Your personal records (banks, employer, etc.)

Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers (ITINs)

The Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) shares a format similar to that of a Social Security Number (SSN). However, it serves a different purpose as it is a temporary tax ID number designated for individuals who are NOT engaged in employment but are receiving income from various U.S. sources, often referred to as "non-compensatory" income. 

Non-compensatory income encompasses earnings from sources such as scholarships or fellowships covering living expenses, including food, housing, and other non-tuition-related costs.

Please note that if you are receiving income from employment, you should NOT apply for an ITIN. Instead, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

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