Social Security Numbers (SSN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA). Students who must report tax-identifiable income, such as on-campus employment, are required to apply for an SSN.
*Note: There is a 10 day waiting period after arriving in the US before students are eligible to apply for an SSN at the SSA office.
How to Apply for SSN
Please review SSN information according to your visa status:
F-1 and J-1 Students
F-1 and J-1 students must wait 10 days after arriving in the US before applying for SSN.
Students can only apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) with a job offer letter. An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to students who will be working.
Students must have proof that they have been offered employment by a TTU department, a Confirmation of Status Letter, and an original I-20 with a wet-ink signature from their international advisor.
J-1 Scholars and H-1B Workers
J-1 scholars and H-1B workers must wait 10 days after arriving in the US before applying for SSN.
When you're ready to apply for an SSN card, please bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:
- Passport
- Copy of your I-94
- DS-2019 or I-797 Approval Notice
- Your TTU employment offer letter
*Note: If you are a J-1 scholar that is not paid by TTU (external or personal funding), you will need a letter from your hosting TTU department that describes the circumstances of your work at TTU.
Step 1) Receive Job Offer Letter
All TTU departments that employ an F-1 student are required to provide you with a job offer letter (also called a "letter of employment"). The SSA office in Lubbock requires specific information in this letter. Please use the template below so all requirements in the letter of employment are met:
Step 2) Receive SSN Letters From Advisor
Next, you'll need to pick up the I-20 and Confirmation of Status Letter from your assigned international advisor. To do that, first send your job offer letter to your advisor, and then they will review and process the two documents you'll need for your appointment at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office:
- Original I-20 with a wet-ink signature from your advisor. The SSA office will not accept digital/printed copies!
- Confirmation of Status Letter. This letter is confirmation from your advisor that you are currently maintaining your F-1 status and is required for your SSA appointment.
After you provide your job offer letter to your international advisor, they will process the above two documents and place them in an envelope at the front desk of the International Culture Center (ICC). They will email you when the documents are ready to be picked up with additional instructions.
ICC Business Hours:
Monday – Friday
8am - 5pm
Closed from 12pm to 1pm for lunch. Please do not arrive during lunch hours.
Step 3) Submit SSN Application Form Online
Before you attend your SSA appointment, be sure to submit the SSN application online first!
*Note: The local SSN Office only accepts walk-in appointments. You cannot make an appointment over the phone.
Step 4) Attend SSN Appointment
After you've been in the US for at least 10 days and submitted your online application, you are eligible to apply for your SSN card at the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
Please bring the following documents to your appointment:
- I-20 form (signed and dated) from your advisor (or DS-2019 for J-1 students)
- Confirmation of Status Letter from your advisor
- I-94
- Job Offer Letter
- Valid Passport
- Valid Visa
- SSN Application Online Receipt (must have the "Online Control Number" on the receipt)
You can also learn more about applying for your SSN card for the first time.
*BUS TIP: To get to the SSA by bus, take the #19 Bus from the SUB on campus for free with your Student ID. The SSA office closes at 4pm and is closed on Federal Holidays.
SSN Instructions Handout (PDF)
Step 5) Receive SSN Card
After completing all the requirements at the SSA office, your Social Security Card will be mailed to the you within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, consult with your department and HR about continuing employment while your SSN card is on the way.
Once you've received your SSN card, provide the new card to your employer and the TTU Office of the Registrar to update your employment record and your tax information.
NEVER provide your SSN card to ANYONE who is not your employer or HR official!! Learn why in the FAQs below.
SSN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an SSN number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit employee identification number, issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for a Social Security Number is based upon a person's eligibility to work in the US. Those eligible for a Social Security Number include US citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals--including F-1 or J-1 students in certain circumstances.
Why do I need an SSN Number?
Often times, a student will need an SSN card due to employment.
SSN cards are required to:
- Apply for jobs and verify employment eligibility
- Track income for tax purposes
- Determine SSN benefits and other US government services
- Open bank accounts and obtain credit
- ...and other purposes.
Can I work anywhere after getting an SSN card?
No, simply having an SSN does NOT grant you legal authorization to work in the US. An SSN is a form of ID for employment purposes, but it is not work authorization. To learn more about working on or off campus, please visit the F-1 Employment webpage.
Am I qualified to apply for an SSN?
SSN cards are issued only to those who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. Most often, a student will need a job offer letter to apply (such as an assistantship letter or on-campus employment job offer letter).
If you are an initial student, please complete the Check-In Process first before proceeding.
How do I apply for an SSN?
Before attending an appointment with the Social Security Office, you will need the original, wet-ink copy of your I-20 and a Confirmation of Status Letter from your international advisor. You must first provide your job offer letter to your advisor to retrieve these documents.The job offer letter must contain all the necessary information asseen in our template here. Then, they will provide you with additional instructions to retrieve the documents and how to set up your SSN appointment.
Why should I keep my SSN card safe?
You should NEVER provide your SSN card to ANYONE who is not your employer or HR official!!
Keeping your SSN card safe is crucial for several reasons:
- Identity Theft Prevention: Your SSN is a key piece of information that identity thieves can use to open credit accounts, apply for loans, or even commit crimes in your name.
- Financial Security: With your SSN, someone could potentially access your bank accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, or claim your Social Security benefits.
- Personal Privacy: Your SSN is linked to many aspects of your personal information, including your employment history and medical records. Keeping it secure helps protect your privacy.
What do I do if I lost my SSN card?
Losing your SSN card can cause serious issues, such as identity theft. You should immediately report a stolen SSN card here. Then, follow the procedures listed in the Social Security Agency's website here to replace your card. For further SSN inquiries, please contact the local Social Security Office for guidance.
International Affairs
-
Address
601 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 -
Phone
806.742.3667 -
Email
oia.reception@ttu.edu