F-1/J-1 Students - How to Obtain a Social Security Number
F-1 and J-1 students are only allowed to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have on-campus employment. North Carolina A&T State University will assign to you a Student Identification Number that looks like a SSN: 999-01-2345. This number is not a real SSN. The number is generated for University use only.
To apply for a social security number, you will first need to obtain a Certification Letter of your F-1 or J-1 status and confirmation of on-campus employment. This letter must be requested from the ISSO (Students will be required to provide proof of on-campus employment.)
You will need to take the following documents to the Social Security Administration Office (SSAO):
- ISSO Certification Letter
- I-94 Card (Departure Form)
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Passport
Where to apply:
Social Security Administration – Greensboro,
NC
6005 Landmark Center Boulevard
Greensboro, NC 27407
Phone: 336-854-1809
The SSAO is open Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For directions visit the website of the local
SSAO. It is recommended
that you arrive as close to opening (8:00 a.m.) as possible.
You should try to avoid going to the SSAO on the first or the
last day of the month, the waiting time can be long
Most of the time, you will receive your SSN in the mail within two to three weeks.
SPECIAL NOTE: Upon receiving your SSN by mail, you will need to inform the following offices of the change:
- Payroll Office, Dowdy Administration Building – 3rd Floor
- ISSO, Murphy Hall – Room 208
- Registrar’s Office, Dowdy Administration Building – 1st Floor
Students who do not have on-campus employment cannot apply for a SSN. You may qualify to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN is normally issued to foreign nationals for tax purposes. (However, the ITIN can assist you in opening a bank account, off-campus housing applications, etc.)
J-2 dependents in legal status may qualify for the social security card/number; however, they must be approved for work authorization first. Please visit the ISSO to obtain information and discuss requirements for submitting the Employment Work Authorization application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
F-2 dependents are not eligible to apply for a social security number.
For more information on the Social Security Number, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.
