Request OISS Social Security Letter
What is a Social Security Number?
The Social Security number is a number issued to an individual by the US Social Security Administration that serves as an economic identity number for tax and financial purposes in the US. In many ways it has become the default personal identity number in the United States. Social Security Numbers are generally not assigned to foreign national students, scholars or visitors to the United States unless they are engaged in authorized employment.
Can I receive a Social Security Number?
F-1 & J-1 Students must have an employment offer and be authorized to work by the Office of International Students and Scholars before applying for a Social Security Number. In order to obtain the letter from us, you must first present us with a letter from your prospective employer on campus, on letterhead, stating the following:
- Employee name
- Start date
- Job description
- Number of hours per week
- Signature of hiring manager
You can find a sample letter here.
F-1 students are not eligible to receive a Social Security Number just because he/she is enrolled at Tulane University.
J-1 Scholars and H-1B visa holders can apply for a Social Security Number with the documents listed below.
What if I am an F-1/J-1 student without a job offer but I need an identifying number for tax purposes?
You can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. Visit the Internal Revenue Service website for more information and application requirements for the ITIN: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/revised-application-standards-for-itins
When can I apply for a Social Security Number?
Because your SEVIS record must be made active, it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to apply for a Social Security Number until 10-12 days after your iGlobal Check-in has been approved.
A student cannot apply for an SSN until his/her SEVIS record is active for at least 10 days, AND it is on or after the program start date on his/her I-20/DS-2019. In order to make a SEVIS record active, a student must have checked in with OISS and be registered for a full course load. All F-1 and J-1 non-immigrants are advised to check with OISS before applying for a Social Security Number to verify that his/her SEVIS Record is ‘active’.
How do I apply for a Social Security Number?
In order to apply for a SSN, you have to appear, in person, at the local Social Security Administration Office, complete Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card and provide proof of your immigration status, work eligibility, age and identity.
F-1 Student with on-campus employment: I-20, passport, visa, a printed copy of your most recent I-94, and letter from OISS verifying employment/nonimmigrant status.
In order to generate the Social Security letter for you, OISS will need an official job description, stating your job duties from your hiring department or supervisor. The job description must be brought to OISS, who will issue the Social Security letter, before submitting an application for a SSN.
F-1 Student with CPT: I-20 with employment authorization on page 2, passport, visa and a printed copy of your most recent I-94.
F-1 Student with OPT: I-20 with employment authorization on page 2, Employment Authorization Document from USCIS, passport, visa and a printed copy of your most recent I-94.
J-1 Students: DS-2019, passport, visa, a printed copy of your most recent I-94, and letter from OISS verifying employment authorization/nonimmigrant status.
J-1 students must be authorized for employment in the SEVIS System before employment can begin. In order to generate the Social Security letter for you, OISS will need an official job description, stating your job duties from your hiring department or supervisor. The job description must be brought to OISS, who will issue the Social Security letter, before submitting an application for a SSN.
J-1 Scholars: DS-2019, passport, visa, a printed copy of your most recent I-94, and letter from OISS verifying nonimmigrant status.
Do I need a Social Security Number before I start working?
No, you are not required to have a Social Security Number before beginning employment on campus.
Where is the local Social Security Office?
The local Social Security Office is located at 400 Poydras Street, in New Orleans, on the 5th floor. It is approximately 3 or 4 blocks from the St. Charles Streetcar heading downtown.
For more information about Social Security and tips for preventing identity theft, please visit the Social Security Administration website: www.ssa.gov.
