Applying for a Social Security Number

New Social Security Administration regulations became effective on October 10, 2004. These new regulations only affect students with F-1 visas. At this time, J-1 students and scholars, and H-1B faculty and staff are not subject to the new regulations. Dependents of F-1, J-1 and H-1B visa holders are not eligible for Social Security numbers.

The Social Security Administration is now verifying documents from all F-1 students (I-20, I-94, passport), and F-1 students seeking Social Security numbers for on-campus work are required to provide documentation that they have (or have been offered) an on-campus job, and to provide verification of that employment.

DO I NEED A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT?
No. A Social Security number is not required to open a bank account. You must complete and sign form W-8BEN to establish that you are a citizen of another country and not subject to federal tax reporting. Read the Form W-8BEN Instructions for more information.

I AM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, BUT I NEED ONE FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE, CELL PHONE, ETC. WHAT CAN I DO?
It is not necessary for F-1 or J-1 students to obtain a SSN or any other number for these items. You will simply need to obtain a rejection letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are ineligible for a SSN. Show this letter to obtain the driver's license, etc. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN can be used in place of a Social Security number (except for employment purposes). Drexel's Office of Tax Compliance (3201 Arch Street, 4th floor) can assist you in applying for an ITIN.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE WHEN I APPLY FOR MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?
Students must bring a letter from ISSS that documents their enrollment and F-1 student status. Students must also bring a letter from their on-campus employer that describes their employment. A sample letter is below. You will also be required to bring your I-20, passport, visa, and I-94. ISSS will provide a separate letter for students who will be employed through curricular practical training (CPT) while on a co-op, required internship, or CIE job.

CAN I WORK WHILE WAITING FOR MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?
Yes, you can work while your Social Security number is being processed. However, you cannot receive your salary until you submit your Social Security number to the Human Resources Office.

SAMPLE LETTER FOR EMPLOYERS
(must be printed on company letterhead)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is evidence of off-campus/on-campus employment for (name of student)

(name of student) is employed as (describe student's employment - bookstore employee, cafeteria worker, teaching assistant, library aide, etc.) at (company name).

Start date of employment: _____________ Hours per week: _______________

Employer contact information:

Hiring department:

Telephone number:

Student's immediate supervisor:

Supervisor's signature:

Supervisor's title:

Date: