Social Security Numbers
A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker’s lifetime. Students holding F-1 and J-1 status who are employed in the U.S. must apply for a Social Security number. Dependents in F-2 status are not eligible for a Social Security number.
How to Apply
Students with On-Campus Employment
- Upload the job offer letter
- ISSO will process a letter for you to take to the Social Security office
- Pick up the letter in the International Center in 3 business days
- Bring the following documents to a Social Security Administration Office:
- Passport
- I-20 (F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa holders)
- I-94
- The letter issued by ISSO
Students with Off-Campus Employment (Curricular Practical Training)
- Complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application process
- ISSO will process a letter for you to take to the Social Security office
- Pick up the letter and CPT I-20 in the International Center in 3 business days
- Bring the following documents to a Social Security Administration Office:
- Passport
- I-20 (F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa holders)
- I-94
- The letter issued by ISSO
Location
The Social Security Administration Office nearest to CPP is located at:
960 W. Mission Blvd, Pomona, CA 91766
Telephone: (800) 772-1213
Helpful Websites
- Social Security Numbers for Noncitizen
- Obtaining a Social Security Number
- Social Security/Medicare and Self-Employment Tax Liability of Foreign Students, Scholars, Teachers, Researchers, and Trainees
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no charge for a Social Security number and card.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified. It can take 2-4 weeks or more.
WHAT IF MY CARD IS LOST OR STOLEN?You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in nonimmigrant status that require card updates may not count toward these limits.
To request a replacement card:
- Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
- Present recently issued photo identification to show your identity (passport, Washington state identification card)
- Show evidence of your current lawful nonimmigrant status (visa, I-20/ DS-2019, I-94)
- Complete a new Social Security Verification form (if you are employed on campus)
Your replacement card will have the same name and number as your previous card.
WHAT IF MY IMMIGRATION STATUS OR CITIZENSHIP CHANGES?If your immigration status changes or you become a legal permanent resident (LPR), you should inform the Social Security Administration office so that your records can be updated. You will need to present documents that prove your new status.
ARE MY EARNINGS TAXABLE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY PURPOSES?As long as you have authorization (on-campus work, CPT, or OPT), yes: you can start to work while your SSN application is still processing. You should ensure your employer follows the correct instructions for allowing you to begin work without the SSN. The Social Security Administration’s publication, “Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers,” has additional information.