Social Security Number (SSN)
Social Security numbers (SSN) are used by employers to report wages to the federal and state governments for tax purposes. All persons working in the US are required to obtain a social security number from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Students in F-1 or J-1 immigration status will be eligible for a Social Security number if they are working on campus. Eligibility requirements for an SSN for non-citizens can be found on the Social Security Administration’s website.
Students and scholars who will be employed in the United States will apply for a social security number through the Social Security Administration. The Social Security number is printed on the front of the Social Security card issued by the agency. The Social Security number is a private identification number. Be very cautious to whom you give this number. Do not give your number to telemarketers or solicitors.
The following documents are needed to apply for the social security number:
| Immigration Status | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| F-1 Student employed on-campus | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 Form I-20 Original letter signed by ISSS advisor (SSN Letter Request through the ISSS Portal, located under F-1 Student Services) Original letter from on-campus employing department (Template letter here) |
| F-1 Student on CPT | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 Form I-20 authorizing CPT (cannot apply more than 30 days before CPT begins) |
| F-1 Student on OPT | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Form I-20 recommending OPT |
| J-1 Student employed on-campus | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 Form DS-2019 with AT approved Original letter from ISSS (or other sponsor) authorizing AT |
| J-1 Scholars | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 Form DS-2019 |
| J-2 Dependents | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 Form DS-2019 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
| H-1B/O-1 | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 I-797 Approval Notice |
| TN | Application Unexpired Passport Most Recent Form I-94 I-797 Approval Notice (if applicable) |
An application must be submitted in-person at the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In most cases, students and scholars will apply at the office located in Durham. Please find the contact information and hours of operation below.
| Office Hours | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 9am-4pm Tuesday 9am-4pm Wednesday 9am-12pm Thursday 9am-4pm Friday 9am-4pm | 3511 Shannon Road, Suite 200 Durham, NC 27707 | 1-888-759-3908 |
The office is closed on Federal holidays.
Please note: you must apply for the SSN in-person during the SSA’s hours of operations. Appointments may be required so you should contact the SSA office before going to submit your application.
For individuals outside of North Carolina, please see the office locator tool.
After receiving your Social Security card in the mail, please follow these instructions for reporting your SSN:
- Take the SSN Card to your employing department’s Human Resources Consultant so it can be entered into the LawLogix (I-9) and PeopleSoft systems for Payroll purposes.
- Remember the Social Security number is a private identification number. Be very cautious to whom you give this number. Do not give your number to telemarketers or solicitors. Also, never send the number via email.