The Social Security Administration (SSA) is now open for Social Security Number (SSN) application appointments. Students who were unable to apply for their SSN last year should apply now. Below are some frequently asked questions about obtaining an SSN:
- I began my on-campus/CPT employment last year without an SSN. Should I apply for an SSN now?
Over the last year, the SSA was only accepting certain urgent SSN applications with ‘dire need’ letters from employers due to the emerging COVID-19 crisis. These letters are no longer required as the SSA is now taking regular appointments.
If you started your on-campus or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) employment last year without an SSN, please apply for your SSN as soon as possible. To start your SSN application, please follow the instructions on the back page of your OIS SSN Letter of Support to schedule an in-person appointment with the SSA.
- My employment has ended and I am currently not working, should I still apply for an SSN based on my past employment?
Even if your on-campus/CPT employment has ended, you should still apply for your SSN as soon as possible. As long as you’ve received payments through your on-campus/CPT employment over the last year, you will require an SSN to file your taxes this year.
- My OIS SSN Letter of Support was issued last year but I never managed to get an appointment. Should I apply for a new one?
No. You may use the Letter of Support you currently have. You do not need to apply for a new Letter of Support as the one you currently have does not expire.
- I haven’t applied for an OIS SSN Letter of Support. How can I get one?
Please follow the instructions on the SSN application section of our website. Please bear in mind that the OIS SSN Letter of Support will only be issued to active F-1 students. To obtain an OIS SSN Letter of Support, you must first secure an on-campus job offer, or have your CPT application approved by our office.