Cornell University ">ISSO

• Graduate Admissions
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Summer School
• Financial Aid
• Visa Information for Newly Admitted Students
• Getting to Cornell
• Student Orientation
• PREPARE Program
• Strategies in Grad School
• Making the Grade
• Academic Integrity
• Required Immunizations
• Social Security Number
• Health Issues and Insurance
• English Programs
• Student Organizations
• Life in Ithaca

How to Apply for a Social Security Number:
F-1 Students

Download this page as a handout here.

If you are a J-1 and want to apply for a social security number, click here.

If you hold F-1 visa status, AND you are either 1) working on campus, 2) have been offered an on campus job, or 3) you have obtained off-campus work authorization, then you ARE ELIGIBLE to apply for a social security number. If none of these apply to you, you are NOT YET ELIGIBLE for a social security number. If you are NOT eligible, click here for further information on what to do when businesses ask for your social security number.

To apply for a social security number:

FIRST:

If you have an ON-CAMPUS JOB, then obtain a letter from the ISSO stating you are in F-1 status and have the necessary on-campus employment to be eligible for a social security number.
If you have an OFF-CAMPUS job and you have obtained OFF-CAMPUS work authorization, then you do NOT need a letter from the ISSO.

SECOND:

If you have an ON-CAMPUS job, obtain EITHER pay stubs from your on campus job OR a letter from your employer. The letter from your employer should include the following:

1. The letter should begin by stating, “This is to confirm that [your name] will be [or “is”] working as a [your job], starting on [start date].”
2. Description of the nature of your job duties (research, filing library books, food service, etc.)
3. The number of hours per week you are expected to work (Remember students may not work more than 20 hours during the fall and spring semesters.)
4. The employer identification number (EIN).
5. The employer’s contact information including name and telephone number of your immediate supervisor.
6. An original signature, the job title of the signer and the date of the signature

If you have an OFF-CAMPUS job and you have obtained OFF-CAMPUS work authorization, then you do NOT need pay stubs or a letter from your employer.

THIRD:

After you have been in the U.S. for AT LEAST 10 days, take the documents listed below to the Social Security Administration Office. You will receive your Social Security card in the mail within 4-8 weeks.

EITHER:

• OFF-campus work authorization

OR:

• ISSO Certification of F-1 or J-1 visa status and employment authorization
• Paystubs from on campus job OR employer letter

AND:

• Passport
• I-94 Card
• I-20
Form

In general, you will receive your social security number within 2-3 weeks.

Location:
127 West State Street, 2nd floor
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 256-3651

F-2 dependents are not eligible to apply for a social security number.

For more information on a Social Security Number for other non-immigrant visas, visit the Social Security Administration's web site.