Applying for a Social Security Number
- Talk with your International Advisor in CIE about working and training in the United States. Your advisor will share important information regarding the regulations and requirements for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, and confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN.
- You must wait at least 10 days after your arrival in the U.S. to apply for a number; this applies any time you go abroad and return to the U.S.
- Your I-20 record must be in “active” status before you can apply. Typically, CIE registers the records after the first week of classes, so your I-20 record will not be in active status until about the second week of classes.
- There is no fee to apply for the number.
- It usually takes about 2 weeks for your card to arrive in the mail.
- Social Security Application Forms must be submitted in person at the Social Security Office. The closest office is in Fredericksburg. CIE will provide transportation to the Social Security Office at the beginning of each semester.
- All supporting documents must be originals. No notarized copies are accepted.
- Once you receive your Social Security Number, keep it in safe place. This number will be valid for the rest of your life, and it can be very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to find it out if you lose your card.
F-1 Students with On-campus Employment
(Students must already have a job offer, and may apply for a SSN no earlier than 30 days before the start date of your on-campus job.)
- SSN Application Form
- Passport
- I-20
- I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact CIE. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
- Verification of F-1 Student Eligibility for Social Security Number
- Print out this F-1 Student Social Security Issuance Memo, have it signed by your employer, and bring it to CIE.
F-1 Students with Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
(Students may apply for a SSN no earlier than 30 days before the start date on their CPT.)
- SSN Application Form
- Passport
- I-20 with CPT authorization on page 3
- I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact CIE. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
F-1 Students with Optional Practical Training (OPT)
(Students may apply for a SSN no earlier than the start date of their EAD.)
- SSN Application Form
- Passport
- I-20
- I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact CIE. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
- EAD (OPT card)
J-1 Students and Interns (Academic Training)
- SSN Application Form
- Passport
- DS-2019
- I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact CIE. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
- Verification of J-1 Exchange Student Eligibility for Social Security Number
- J-1 students with on-campus employment – Bring this J-1 Student Social Security Issuance Memo to CIE.
- J-1 students approved for Academic Training – Bring this J-1 Academic Training Social Security Issuance Memo to CIE.
- Note: For J-1 applicants: You must have 14 days left on your DS-2019 (see program dates in Section 3 of the DS-2019) or you will be in the US for 14 or more days from date of application, to receive the SSN card at the mailing address provided.
J-1 Scholars/Professors (VLIs)
- SSN Application Form
- Passport
- DS-2019
- I-94 Record. Print this at the Customs & Border Protection website. If you have difficulty accessing this, contact CIE. If you last entered the U.S. in May 2013 or prior, use the paper I-94 card in your passport instead.
- Your Invitation letter/contract (original UMW employment contract) with original signature.
- Note: For J-1 applicants: You must have 14 days left on your DS-2019 (see program dates in Section 3 of the DS-2019) or you will be in the US for 14 or more days from date of application, to receive the SSN card at the mailing address provided.