Applying 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.

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.

For F-1 and J-1 Students

Before submitting the application and supporting documents for a Social Security number (SSN) you must first:

1. Have been in the U.S. for 10 calendar days.
2. Have been offered employment (on-campus).
3. Be enrolled in a full course of study.
4. Have an Active SEVIS record.
   1. New students - ensure you have reported your arrival to ISSS.
      1. To meet this requirement, you must check-in through an online process -https://www.k-state.edu/isss/orientation/index.html.
      2. Once you submit the Check-in Survey, you then must complete the Arrival Checklist items (in order).
   2. Current Students- you should have submitted the check-in when you first arrived at K-State.

Once you ensure the above actions have been taken, follow these steps:

1. Request the "Verification of Employment for Social Security" from the hiring department. This letter must be printed out on departmental letterhead.
2. Submit the Verification of Employment for Social Security letter to ISSS via email to isss@ksu.edu.
   ISSS will:
   1. Ensure Check-in Survey (and additional documents) have been submitted;
   2. Verify full-time enrollment and
   3. Confirm SEVIS record is registered in Active status.
3. Pick-up Verification of Employment Eligibility letter from ISSS. ISSS will issue this letter upon verification of step #2. You will receive an email when the letter is ready to be picked up.

After you have received the two letters (from department and ISSS) mentioned above, you are ready to start the application process with SSA.

1. Complete the Social Security Administration (SSA) online application and schedule appointment.
   1. Visit US Social Security website to complete the online application. Once you have submitted the online application, you will schedule an appointment. For the you then must visit the local SSA office. You will need originals of all documents when you go to your appointment. The exception is the form I-20 which is now permitted to be issued electronically. If you received your I-20 by email, print it out and sign it. The printed version you have is sufficient. Once you arrive at the SSA office, check in at the kiosk. You'll need to provide the online control number from the application. An SSA employee will then meet with you to verify the application and review the documentation.
2. Prepare the following documents to take to the Social Security Administration to complete the application 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 a print out of your I-94 (from www.cbp.gov/i94)
   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 Research Scholars, Short Term Scholars, Professors and Interns and Employees in H-1B Status

All those on J-1 and H-1B visa must be in the U.S. for 10 calendar days before applying for a Social Security number. Please take the following documents.

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. You can print this out at www.cbp.gov/i94.
4. Your DS-2019 (for J-1) or I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B specialty workers)