Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Anyone who plans to work (on- or off-campus) will need a Social Security number for payment and tax purposes. Social Security Numbers are only granted to those with work authorization.

Applying for a Social Security Number
  • You must wait at least 3 days after your arrival in the U.S. to apply for a number; this applies any time you go abroad and return to the U.S.
  • Your immigration record must be registered by the Reves Center for you to apply for a number, if you are in F-1 or J-1 status. If you are new to W&M, check with the Reves Center to make sure it is registered. The Reves Center automatically registers the records of those who attend the Reves Center Social Security trip.
  • There is no fee to apply for the number.
  • It usually takes about 2 - 3 weeks for your card to arrive in the mail. If you applied at the Newport News Social Security Office, and do not receive your card within 3 weeks, contact [[ehbailey, Emily Bailey]].
  • Social Security Application Forms (pdf) must be submitted in person at the Social Security Office.  The closest office is in Newport News. The Reves Center will arrange a bus trip to the Social Security Office at the beginning of each semester.
  • The following documents are required to apply for a Social Security Number. All documents must be originals. No notarized copies are accepted.
  • Once you receive your Social Security Number, 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 find it out if you lose your card.
Documents needed when Applying
F-1 Students working at W&M or VIMS

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.

  • SSN Application Form (pdf)
  • Passport
  • I-20
  • I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website.  If you have difficulty accessing this, contact the Reves Center. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, or entered by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
  • Employer letter (doc)
    • Print out this template (doc), have it signed by your employer. To request a DSO letter:
      • Login to iStart using your W&M ID and Password.
      • Click on International Office in the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click on F-1 Social Security Letter Request and complete the form. You will upload your signed Employer letter here, and you will receive an email when your DSO letter is ready.
  • DSO Letter
    • You will receive this after you upload your employer letter in iStart.
F-1 Students with CPT

Students may apply for a SSN no earlier than 30 days before the start date on their CPT.

  • SSN Application Form (pdf)
  • Passport
  • I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2
  • I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact the Reves Center.  If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, or entered by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
F-1 Students with OPT

Students may apply for a SSN no earlier than the start date of their EAD.

  • SSN Application Form (pdf)
  • Passport
  • I-20
  • I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact the Reves Center. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, or entered by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
  • EAD (OPT card)
J-1 Students
  • SSN Application Form (pdf)
  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact the Reves Center. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, or entered by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
  • A letter from the Reves Center that verifies your immigration and enrollment status. To request this:
      • Login to iStart using your W&M ID and Password.
      • Click on International Office 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.
    • Note: If you are on a Musskie, AMIDEAST, or Fulbright DS-2019, you will need a letter from your sponsor, not from us.
    • Note: 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
  • SSN Application Form (pdf)
  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact the Reves Center. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, or entered by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
  • Your Invitation letter/contract (this also applies to Language House Tutors) with original signature.
  • Note: 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
  • SSN Application Form (pdf)
  • Passport
  • I-797 Approval Form
  • I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact the Reves Center. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, or entered 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)
  • SSN Application Form (pdf)
  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact the Reves Center. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, or entered by land, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
  • EAD: J-2 Work Authorization Card

F-2 and H-4 Dependents are not eligible for a Social Security Number because they are not eligible for work authorization.

Where to Apply

Social Security Administration
11706 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23606
(800) 772-1213 or (757) 873-3914
9am to 3pm, Monday - Friday; 9am to 12pm, Wednesdays, except holidays. These hours sometimes change, so check the hours on their website or by calling before you go.

There are other Social Security offices located all over the U.S.; it is fine to apply at any of them. You will typically have to wait in line (typically 1 hour or more), so allow waiting time.

The Social Security Office has metal detectors, so you may want to leave bags and backpacks at home.

Directions by Car

It takes about 30 minutes by car to reach the Social Security office. Take I-64 East. Exit 258A onto J Clyde Morris and turn right onto Jefferson Avenue at the Casey Chevrolet. The office is located at 11706 Jefferson Ave. It is between the East Coast Gas station and the Extend Stay motel.

If you do not have a car, but have a foreign or domestic driver's license, renting a zip car is an option, as these cars can be rented by the hour or by the day.  To rent a zip car, you need to have had a driver's license for at least a year, and if you have a foreign license, you also need to obtain a copy of your driving records, translated in English.  Zip car has more information on their website regarding eligibility for driving with a foreign license.

Directions by Bus

You will have to use the Williamsburg Area Transit as well as the Hampton Roads Transit Bus System. The route is complicated because you are using two bus systems so call ahead and ask for a trip itinerary. 

Google Maps also has an option to search for routes using public transportation. 

The trip will take about 2 hours each way.

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