Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) - CPT, On-Campus Employment, Academic Training:
Visit Here for: SSN Application at a Glance
U.S. law requires non-immigrants to have a valid paid job offer to qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN). You can apply for an SSN only if you have a job offer for an on-campus employment position, or a paid CPT position (ex. practicum or internship). Applyications cannot be submitted earlier than 30 days prior to your scheduled employment start date.
You may find more details on the SSA site about how to prepare the required documents when applying FOR a SSN as a Non-citizen. Below is the summary:
1. Obtain a signed job offer on letterhead from the company hiring you. Be sure the letter includes the job description, the start and duration of the job, and the supervisor’s contact information.
CPT and Academic Training: A job offer letter is required for CPT and AT authorization, so you may use the same letter you submit with your CPT application.
The Chicago School On-Campus Employment: Complete all tasks required by Human Resources before commencing employment. Upon offering employment, your employer will issue a job offer letter; please send this On-Campus Student Employment Template Lettter to [email protected]. T
OPT: A job offer is NOT required to obtain OPT authorization. Students can apply for an SSN when applying for OPT, or after receiving their EAD.
2. Send the Job Offer Letter to the DSO Team ([email protected]) to request an SSN Application Support Letter. A DSO will issue you an SSN Support Letter. You will bring your job offer letter and the DSO-issued SSN support letter, along with all required documents, to a SSA office to apply for your SSN. While your SSN is pending, you are able to start work by following the instructions stiuplated by the U.S. Social Security Administration.
3. Once you have obtained a support letter, download an application form for applying for a Social Security Number. Follow the instructions and complete the application. Or, follow the online steps here: https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time
4. Bring the application, along with your SSN Support Letter, job offer letter, passport, I-94 Admission Print-Out and I-20/DS-2019 to a Social Security Office. Please check if the office requires you to make an appointment prior to your visit. 5. Once your application is complete, the Social Security Administration Office will issue you a receipt of your request of SSN. It takes about 2 weeks to get your card. If you do not receive your SSN in three weeks, you can return to the SSN office with the receipt to follow up on your SSN status.