Social Security Numbers (SSN)

OBTAINING A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Eligibility for a Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers to international students only:

  • If a student has been lawfully admitted to the United States, with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permission to work in the U.S. AND has employment or an offer of employment.
  • A federal statute or regulation requires that a student provide his/her SSN to get the particular benefit or service; or
  • A state or local law requires a lawfully admitted student provide his/her SSN to get general assistance benefits to which the student has established entitlement.

The Social Security Administration will not issue an SSN in order for a student to obtain a car registration/title or other services, unless as described above.

All University ID numbers are now “ndID” numbers which have 9 digits and begin with the numeral “9”. Students may obtain an AFSID/NetID, as well as other campus services, by providing the"ndID" number rather than a Social Security number.

These “ndID” numbers are NOT temporary Social Security numbers. Do not enter your “ndID” number on any tax forms, applications for credit card, utilities, etc.! When filling out forms that request your Social Security number, indicate that you have applied for the number, or leave it blank, as the case may be.

Social Security Numbers and Access to Service

In the state of Indiana an international student may obtain without a Social Security number:

  • An Indiana state ID or driver’s license
  • A checking account; a savings account; an ATM card
  • Public utility hook-ups (water, gas, electricity)
  • Telephone service

Although no business or agency should require proof of a Social Security number for services other than delivery of federal, state, or local assistance benefits, currently international students without a Social Security number may encounter the following challenges in the state of Indiana:

  • The state of Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles will not register or title a car.
  • Many banks will not issue a credit or credit/debit card.
  • Many utility and telephone service companies will demand a deposit in lieu of presenting a valid Social Security number.
  • Other business owners may not render service claiming that they are not able to run a credit check without an SSN.

First determine whether you are eligible for a Social Security number according to the criteria outlined above.

THE TIME FRAME

Generally, it takes at least 14 days after a student’s information is entered by the University into SEVIS before the Social Security Administration is able to verify nonimmigrant status through the Department of Homeland Security. Therefore you should wait at least 14 days from the time you complete your online enrollment (after registering your immigration documents with Immigration Services) before applying for a Social Security number.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE LOCATION

The Social Security Administration office is located in downtown South Bend at 602 S. Michigan (right across from the Transpo Bus Station and open from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday). If you take Transpo bus #7 (show your student ID to ride free!) from the Hesburgh Library to the Transpo Bus Station, you will see the SSA building right across the street.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please note that the Social Security Administration must see ORIGINAL documents or copies certified by the custodian of the record. They cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

The Social Security Administration needs at least 2 documents as proof of:

  • Age
  • Identity, and
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

In addition, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MUST PRESENT THEIR IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS AND THE FOLLOWING:
FOR ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT (F-1 and J-1 Students)

1. Click for a sample letter from employer You may also obtain a copy of the sample letter from the Payroll, Student Employment, or Immigration Services office.
2. Letter from Immigration Services: (F-1 and University-sponsored J-1) In order to obtain this letter from Immigration Services, you must present the letter from your employer stating that you have been offered employment. Non-University sponsored J-1 students must obtain this letter from the sponsor.
3. Valid Passport from the country of origin: Your passport should include a valid visa and I-94. The name on the I-94 should be the same (with identical spelling) as on the passport identification page, and the same as on the U.S. visa.
4. I-20: Students who are admitted into the U.S. as F-1 students must have an I-20. This is a certificate that the University completes to certify to the USCIS that the student will be attending school at this particular university.
OR
DS-2019: As a J-1 student you must have a DS-2019 (which will determine employment authorization) and a sponsor’s letter attesting to your legal authorization to work.
5. Proof of Age: All U.S. and foreign-born students must present evidence establishing age when they first apply for a card. Besides the documents above, the Social Security Administration must see another document, at least a year old, such as a birth certificate. If your passport is at least one year old, you may present the passport as proof of age. The mother’s maiden name and the father’s family name must be provided on the application for a Social Security number regardless whether they are still living or deceased.
6. Mailing Address: In order to assure that you receive your card, you must provide a permanent mailing address. Please verify your address with your hall rector or the Registrar’s office before applying for a Social Security number. You should have your Social Security card sent to an address that will not change during the processing period (approximately two weeks). If you change your address before Social Security sends you your card, the postal carrier will not forward it.
7. Paystub: If you have already received payment from your employer, you should present a paystub together with your Letter from Employer.

Working on Campus before Receiving a Social Security Number

An international student at the University of Notre Dame may begin a term of on-campus employment without a Social Security number, but must apply for one and inform the University immediately after obtaining one.

When filling out the required W-4 form, write on the line that reads SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER “applied for” and attach to your document the student (ndID) number issued by the University. As soon as you have received your Social Security number, you must present your Social Security card in person, along with student ID, to the office of the Registrar. The Registrar will update your Social Security records throughout the system, including for the Payroll department.