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International Student and Scholar Services

Social Security

Can I get a Social Security Number?

You can only get a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are employed.

F-1/J-1 students are eligible if they have one of the following:

  • On-campus job
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from ISSS
  • Academic Training (AT) authorization from ISSS
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization from USCIS

When can I apply for a SSN?

How soon an F-1 or J-1 student can apply for a Social Security Number is dependent on the type of employment. Remember, you must have a job in order to apply for a SSN.

  • On-campus work: Up to 30 days before your employment start date
  • CPT and AT: Up to 30 days before your employment start date
  • OPT: As early as the start date on your EAD card (you must have the card in order to apply)

New Students

If you are a new international student this semester, you cannot apply for a SSN until you check in with ISSS and your SEVIS record is activated. ISSS will not process your SSN Letter Request until you have first checked in.

ISSS will begin processing SSN letter requests for new students after the 10th day of classes.

Social Security Number Application

  • Mastering the SSN Process: A 5-Step Guide for ISU International Students

    Welcome to the comprehensive guide on obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) for on-campus work as an international student at Illinois State University. In this video, we break down the 5-step process to ensure you have all the necessary documentation and complete all required procedures efficiently.

Obtain proof of work/work authorization

On-campus job:

Step 1

If you are a new student, your first step is to check-In with ISSS. If you are a continuing student, skip this step and proceed to STEP 2.

Step 2

Give your supervisor/hiring department the link to our On-Campus Employment Verification Letter. This letter template must be filled out by your hiring department and printed on departmental letterhead .

Step 3

Submit a SSN Letter Request in the ISSS Portal.

  • You must upload the Social Security Letter for On-Campus Work obtained from your hiring department (STEP 2) to your SSN Letter Request. The letter must be on letterhead and signed.
  • Your request will not be processed untilyour employment has been entered into the university database (iPeople). Please check with your HR Employment Consultant, if you have further questions regarding this.
    • NEW STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE: Requests received from new students (beginning your studies at ISU this semester) will not be processed until after the 10th day of classes. If you submitted your SSN Letter Request prior to the 10th day of classes, your processing clock will not begin until the 10th day.
  • When we process your request, ISSS will create a letter verifying you are in active F-1/J-1 status and email you when the letter is ready.
  • You will need BOTH the letter from your Hiring Department and the letter from ISSS in order to apply for your SSN.

Off-campus job:

Step 1

Request Work Authorization

Step 2

After you submit your request for CPT, AT, or OPT, you will receive a new I-20/DS-2019.

Step 3

Students approved for CPT or AT are able to use their I-20/DS-2019 to apply for an SSN up to 30 days prior to the start of their off-campus job. Students who are applying for OPT can apply for their SSN at the same time they are applying for OPT by requesting an SSN on Form I-765. If you choose not to request your SSN this way, you will need to wait until you receive your EAD card from USCIS before applying for your SSN.

Apply for an SSN Through the Social Security Administration

Once you have proof of your work authorization, you should complete the application for a Social Security Card online here. Click on the "Start" button to begin your application. Upon completion, make note of your "o22" reference number.

At the end of the online application, you will schedule an in-office appointment to complete the process. Students applying based upon on-campus employment should schedule at the local Bloomington-Normal Social Security Office:

Address

328 Susan Drive, Suite 100
Normal, IL 61761
Map and Directions
1-877-405-4640

Hours:

  • Monday - Friday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday - CLOSED
  • Federal Holidays - CLOSED

Go to the Social Security Office

Arrive at the Social Security Office for your scheduled appointment time.

What to know before you visit
  • Check in at the kiosk when you arrive.
  • You may need to wear a mask.

What to bring
  • Your "o22" reference number from the online application for a Social Security Card. You will give this number to the receptionist so they can find your submission.
  • Proof of work/work authorization
    • On-campus job = BOTH the Social Security Letter for On-Campus Work printed on departmental letterhead AND the letter from ISSS verifying your lawful status.
    • CPT = I-20 showing CPT authorization on page 2
    • AT = DS-2019 showing AT authorization on page 1
    • OPT = EAD card (if you chose not to apply for an SSN using Form I-765)
  • Original passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94 Printout
    NOTE: All of these documents need to be physically in your hands; you cannot show the document on your phone.
  • Original birth certificate (ONLY if you have it with you in the US). The Social Security Office staff will ask you whether you have your birth certificate. If you have it with you, you should present it to the SSA staff. If your birth certificate is in your home country, you should tell the SSA staff member that your birth certificate is in your home country and you did not bring it with you to the US. They can instead use your passport as proof of your date of birth.

Remember to request a receipt for your SSN application. Your receipt will indicate the estimated processing time for your SSN card (usually 2-4 weeks).

Receive Your SSN

Your SSN card will be delivered through the mail to the address you listed on your Application for a Social Security Card.

The estimated processing time for your card will be listed on the receipt you received from the Social Security Office at the time that you applied. Usually the receipt will state either 2 weeks or 4 weeks.

If you applied for your SSN card at the Bloomington, IL Social Security Office and it did not arrive within the estimated time period listed on your receipt, you should contact the Social Security Office at 877-405-4640.

Update Human Resources

If you have an on-campus job and are nearing the deadline to provide your Social Security Card to Human Resources, please contact your HR representative and keep them informed about your appointment with the Social Security Agency so they know you are making progress towards receiving your card.

Once you have your SSN card, you should bring the original card to Human Resources in order to update your I-9 paperwork. If you have an on-campus job, please bring your card to Human Resources in the Nelson Smith Building and also email the Tax Specialist at taxoffice@IllinoisState.edu.

Social Security Number FAQ

How do I apply for an SSN?
  1. If you are a new student, your first step is to complete the ISSS Check-In Request in the ISSS Portal.
  2. The second step is to secure a job. You must have a job in order to apply for an SSN.
  3. The third step is to have your hirinig department provide you with a Social Security Letter for On-Campus Work. The letter must be completed and signed by your hiring department and printed on departmental letterhead.
  4. Then you can submit an SSN Letter Request to ISSS via the ISSS Portal and upload the letter from your Hiring Department to the request. ISSS will process the request and provide you with another letter.
    NEW STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE: Requests received from new students will not be processed until after the 10th day of classes. If you submitted your SSN Letter Request prior to the 10th day of classes, your processing clock will not begin until the 10th day.
  5. You will take both letters to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Bloomington, IL to apply for your SSN. Please visit here for full details on how to get to the SSA office and what documents to bring with you.

My SSN Letter Request has not been processed. What is causing the delay?

Several factors can impact the processing time of your SSN Letter Request.

  • You are a new student and have not completed the New Student ISSS Check-In Request , please complete this request in the ISSS Portal.
  • It has not yet reached the 10th day (census day) of classes. If you submitted your request prior to the 10th day of classes, your processing clock will not begin until the 10th day.
  • You are still within the 10-day processing time from the date your request was submitted or the 10th day of classes (whichever is later).
  • Your employment has not yet been processed by HR and entered in iPeople. Please contact your HR Consultant for assistance.
  • Your ISSS Advisor has emailed your regarding missing documentation and you have not yet provided it. Please check the Messages section of your ISSS Portal to find any emails from your ISSS Advisor. Once the missing documentation is received your 10-day processing clock will reset.

I am nearing the deadline to submit my SSN to HR. What should I do?

If you are employed on campus, the University's Human Resources office will continue to send you reminders about your deadline to provide them with your Social Security Card.

ISSS recommends you keep your HR Consultant informed of each step you have taken towards obtaining your SSN to help avoid termination of your appointment. You should also provide your HR Consultant with a copy of your Social Security receipt once you have applied.