Kansas State University

International Program Offices

International Student & Scholar Services
104 International Student Center
Manhattan, KS 66506


785-532-6448
785-532-6607 fax
isss@k-state.edu

Applying for a Social Security Number

Who is eligible for a Social Security Number?

In general, all nonimmigrants must have permission to work in the U.S. in order to apply for a Social Security number.  This handout is specific for F-1 and J-1 students, J-1 Scholars/Professors, and employees in H-1B Status.

How do I apply for a Social Security Number?

For F-1 and J-1 Students

Only those eligible to work may apply for a Social Security number. This will include F-1's; J-1's, with permission from the sponsor; and J-2's with authorization from USCIS. F-2's cannot apply for a Social Security number because they are not eligible to work.
In order to apply for a Social Security number you must:

  1. Have been offered employment.  The hiring department must complete the "Verification of Employment for Social Security".  This letter must be printed out on departmental letterhead. 
  2. You must have been present in the United States for at least 10 business days.
  3. Be enrolled in a full course of study.

The student will bring the Verification of Employment for Social Security letter to International Student & Scholar Services. ISSS will verify full-time enrollment by providing a Verification of Employment Eligibilty letter.

The student will then take the following documents to the Social Security Administration to apply for a Social Security number.

  1. The Verification of Employment for Social Security letter (from hiring department)
  2. The Verification of Employment Eligibility for Social Security letter (from ISSS)
  3. Your passport and I-94
  4. Your I-20 or DS-2019
  5. For J-1 students, if your sponsor is other than Kansas State University, you must bring a copy of a letter from your sponsor stating that you have permission to work.
For J-1 Scholars and Professors and Employees in H-1B Status

If you are employed by K-State and have been in the U.S. for 10 business days, take the following documents with you to the Social Security Office.

  1. A letter from your employing department that states you will be employed at K-State.  The letter must specify your start date.
  2. Your passport
  3. Your I-94
  4. Your DS-2019 (for J-1 scholars or professors) or I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B specialty workers)