You can apply for a social security number at any SSA office. Social Security Administration (SSA) offices are open forwalk-insand by appointment; appointments are recommended.
If you apply at the Newport News SSA and do not receive your card within 3 weeks, contact [[ehbailey, Emily Bailey]].
People who work in the U.S. will need a Social Security Number for payment and tax purposes. If you have already obtained employment in the U.S., follow the procedures below to apply for and obtain an SSN.
Eligibility
Typically, you must have a job or job offer to be eligible for an SSN, though this varies by immigration status. See Required Documents for information about your eligibility.
Having an SSN facilitates many things in the U.S., but if you are not eligible for an SSN, you can still function quite well in the U.S.
New students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status must complete their Immigration Check-In and have it approved by ISSP before applying. If you are new to W&M, contact ISSP to ensure your immigration record has been registered.
Returning students and scholars who were at W&M in previous semesters will already have their immigration records registered.
If you are on a Musskie, AMIDEAST, or Fulbright DS-2019, your sponsoring organization will be responsible for registering your immigration record.
You can apply for an SSN once you have been in the U.S. for 10 days. Some students have successfully applied earlier than this. If you are not successful, you must apply again.
Application Process
There is no fee to apply for an SSN. First, complete the Online Social Security Application, then visit any Social Security Administration (SSA)within 45 days of submitting your application online. Print and save your online confirmation page, as you will need it when you go to the office.
Once you receive your social security card, keep it in a safe place. This number will be valid for the rest of your life, and it can be very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to replace it if you lose your card.
Required Documents
The Social Security Office has requested that all applicants bring a duplicate paper copy of all application documents (photocopy of passport, additional copy of I-94, copies of any letters, etc) that they can leave at the office to assist with processing. Copies can typically be made at libraries (Swem, Law).
documents for applying for a social security number
Students must already have a job offer, and may apply for a SSN no earlier than 30 days before the start date of your on-campus job.
Online SSN Application. Submit your application online before going to the Social Security Office. After filing online, print out the confirmation page that contains your reference number (“Online Control Number”) and follow-up instructions; the reference number begins with the letter O.
Passport
I-20
I-94 Record. Print from the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing your record, contact ISSP. If you last entered the U.S. by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
Employer Letter
Ask your employer or hiring administrator to complete and sign a template employment letter (doc) or (pdf). Your letter must have an original ink signature.
Click on F-1 Student Services in the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click on F-1 Social Security Letter Request (DSO Letter) and complete the form. You will upload your completed and signed employment letter (doc) or (pdf) here.
You will receive an email when your DSO letter is ready
Students may apply for a SSN no earlier than 30 days before the start date on their CPT.
Online SSN Application. Submit your application online before going to the Social Security Office. After filing online, print out the confirmation page that contains your reference number (“Online Control Number”) and follow-up instructions; the reference number begins with the letter O.
Passport
I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2
I-94 Record. Print from the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing your record, contact ISSP. If you last entered the U.S. by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
Students may apply for a SSN no earlier than the start date of their EAD.
Online SSN Application. Submit your application online before going to the Social Security Office. After filing online, print out the confirmation page that contains your reference number (“Online Control Number”) and follow-up instructions; the reference number begins with the letter O.
Passport
I-20
I-94 Record. Print from the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact ISSP. If you last entered the U.S. by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card
J-1 Students
Online SSN Application. Submit your application online before going to the Social Security Office. After filing online, print out the confirmation page that contains your reference number (“Online Control Number”) and follow-up instructions; the reference number begins with the letter O.
Passport
DS-2019
I-94 Record. Print from the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact ISSP. If you last entered the U.S. by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
A letter from ISSP that verifies your immigration and enrollment status. To request this:
Click on J-1 Student Services in the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click on J-1 Social Security Letter Request and complete the form. We will email you when the letter is ready.
If you are on a Musskie, AMIDEAST, or Fulbright DS-2019, you will need a letter from your sponsor, not from the Reves Center.
For J-1 applicants: To apply for SSN, you must have 14 days left on your DS-2019 (see program dates in Section 3 of the DS-2019).
J-1 Scholars and J-1 Student Interns
Online SSN Application. Submit your application online before going to the Social Security Office. After filing online, print out the confirmation page that contains your reference number (“Online Control Number”) and follow-up instructions; the reference number begins with the letter O.
Passport
DS-2019
I-94 Record. Print from the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact ISSP. If you last entered the U.S. by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
For J-1 applicants: To apply for SSN, you must have 14 days left on your DS-2019 (see program dates in Section 3 of the DS-2019).
H-1B Employees
Online SSN Application. Submit your application online before going to the Social Security Office. After filing online, print out the confirmation page that contains your reference number (“Online Control Number”) and follow-up instructions; the reference number begins with the letter O.
Passport
I-797 Approval Notice
I-94 Record. Print from the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact ISSP. If you last entered the U.S. by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead. This record may also have come as part of your I-797.
Your employment contract
J-2 Dependents (must have work authorization)
Online SSN Application. Submit your application online before going to the Social Security Office. After filing online, print out the confirmation page that contains your reference number (“Online Control Number”) and follow-up instructions; the reference number begins with the letter O.
Passport
DS-2019
I-94 Record. Print from the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact ISSP. If you last entered the U.S. by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
EAD: J-2 Work Authorization Card
F-2 and H-4 Dependents
F-2 and most H-4 Dependents are not eligible for a Social Security Number because they are not eligible for work authorization.
Employment Paperwork
When you are hired as an international student for a W&M or VIMS job, there are special steps you need to follow to get paid. See ISSP's international employment resource.
Check the business hours before going, as business hours can vary
The SSA has metal detectors, so you may want to leave bags and backpacks at home
SSA offices are located all over the U.S. and it is fine to apply at any of them. You must typically wait in line, so allow waiting time.
Transportation to the Newport News SSA
ISSP offers a trip to the Social Security Administration at the beginning of each semester. Spaces are limited and are advertised on the International Student Listserv when available. Otherwise, you must secure your own transportation; see available transportation options.
Transportation by car: It takes about 30 minutes by car to reach the SSA in typical traffic.
Transportation by bus: Your route may involve both the Williamsburg Area Transit as well as the Hampton Roads Transit Bus System. The route is complex because you are using two bus systems, so research your trip itinerary in advance.
Google Maps allows you to search for routes using public transportation
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