Applying for a Social Security Number

Social Security Number (SSN)

What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security number (SSN) is a taxpayer identification number issued by the Social Security Administration. It does not represent permission to work, nor is it proof of US citizenship or permanent residence. If you will be receiving payment (as in the case of University employment, including assistantships) for any type of work in the U.S., you must obtain a valid Social Security Number (SSN) from the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

You may apply for an SSN if you have:

• an offer of employment, 
• registered for a full-credit course load, and
• the ISSC reported your registration to SEVIS

Please Note: The Social Security Administration Office cannot process your application more than 30 days prior to your on-campus job or CPT start date.

How to Apply for an SSN?

For F-1 Students

Please prepare the original and printed copies of the following documents to present when applying for the SSN:

• your passport, with F-1 visa
• I-94 record (To Print an I-94)
• Form I-20
• Proof of a job offer signed by your employer:
  • For F-1 Student working on campus: a completed F-1 Job Offer Letter – On-Campus signed by your supervisor.
  • For F-1 Student on CPT/OPT: a completed F-1 Job Offer Letter – Off-Campus signed by your supervisor.
• Then please bring the letter to the office for a DSO's wet signature.

For J-1 Students 

Please prepare the original and printed copies of the following documents to present when applying for the SSN:

• your passport, with J-1 visa
• I-94 record (To Print an I-94)
• Form DS-2019
• a Hiring Form from the department where you have been offered work
•  J-1 student employment authorization letter (bring to the ISSC for a signature along with the Hiring Form)

Where to Apply for an SSN?

Here is information from the Social Security Office regarding an easier process for you to apply for your social security card. 

By completing the application with this link :

Request a Social Security number | SSA , or click on the SSN QR Code, you just have to complete this online application first and then visit the office within 45 days of completion of the application to submit your documents (passports, visa, I-20, etc.).  Your application will already be in the database so you will not have to complete it at the SSO.

Social Security Administration Office in New Bedford:

• Address: Hastings Keith Bld, 53 North 6^th Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
• Phone: 1-866-964-7413
• TTY: 1-508-979-8229
• Fax: 1-833-902-2516
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

To find another office, please use the Social Security Office Locator

How to Obtain an SSN Denial Letter?

If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number under current federal regulations but wish to apply for a Driver’s License, you can obtain an SSN Denial Letter from the Social Security Administration Office to include in the driver’s license application.

To request an SSN Denial Letter, please prepare the original and printed copies of the following documents to present at the Social Security Administration Office:

• your passport, with entry visa
• I-94 record (To Print an I-94)
• Form I-20/DS-2019

Other SSN Information

• Family members on an F-2 visa can't work in the US and can't get a Social Security Number. If you need an identification number to set up a bank account or to file an income tax return, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Service Form W-7.
• Family members in the J-2 visa category can work in the U.S. with permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Please consult the ISSC for help with applying for permission to work.
• Please view Protecting your Social Security number to avoid identity theft.

Additional Information

• Social Security Fact Sheet 
• Taxpayer ID Number:  Internal Revenue Service (Form W-7) 
• Learn more about Social Security taxes at socialsecurity.gov.