Social security numbers generally are assigned for taxes purposes to individuals who are authorized to work in the United States and have evidence of employment.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is:
- a unique, 9-digit number
- used for taxpayer identification, income reporting, and record-keeping purposes
- valid for a lifetime
You should keep it safe and provide only as needed to US government agencies or credible financial institutions.
Who is eligible to apply for an SSN?
- F-1 students who have secured on campus employment or working off-campus with OPT or CPT
- Includes all F-1 PhD students
- J-1 students with an employment authorization letter from ND
- J-1 scholars with paid appointments
- Employees in H-1B, TN, or O-1 status
- J-2 spouses with work authorization from USCIS (i.e. with an EAD card)
If a student or scholar does not currently have employment, or will not begin working within 30 days of their application, they are likely not eligible to receive an SSN.
Special note: If you are filling out the Notre Dame HR I-9 form, check the "SSN Applied for" box, even if you have not yet been able to initiate the application process.
Obtaining a Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility
Students and dependents without employment may obtain a Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility, which can be used to apply for an Indiana Driver’s License.
New F-1 or J-1 students must complete the New Student Registration process before they or their dependents apply for the Letter of SSN Ineligibility; everyone will need to wait at least 48 hours after having registration confirmed before proceeding to the Social Security Administration office.
The applicant will submit the Application for Social Security Card, SS-5 online, and then follow instructions to take a valid passport, visa stamp (except for Canadian citizens), copy of I-94 record, and Form I-20 or DS-2019 to the Social Security Administration office. The Letter of SSN Ineligibility may be issued immediately, or the applicant may need to wait for the letter to arrive by mail from the Social Security Administration.
There is no cost to apply for a Social Security Number or a Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility.
Social Security Administration Office in South Bend
Students and scholars can apply at any Social Security Administration office, but the downtown South Bend office at 302 S. Michigan St. is the most convenient, if employed in the South Bend area.
- To get to the Social Security Administration office in downtown South Bend, take bus #7 from the Library Circle to the South Street Station. The office is across the street from the bus station.
Working on Campus before Receiving a Social Security Number
An international student or scholar may begin a term of on-campus employment without a Social Security number, but must apply for the SSN and inform the University immediately after obtaining one.
- When filling out the required W-4 form or I-9, write "applied for" on the line that reads SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
Social Security Numbers and Access to Service
In the state of Indiana an international student or dependent does NOT need a Social Security number in order to obtain the following:
- An Indiana state ID or driver’s license
- A checking account, a savings account, or 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, international students and dependents who do not have a Social Security number may encounter the following challenges in the state of Indiana:
- 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.
Questions?
Additional information about obtaining a Social Security Number or a Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility can be found on the Social Security Administration website. You may also call the local Social Security Administration Office at 877-274-5415.
Please notify ISSA at 574-631-1138 or issa@nd.edu if you encounter any difficulties while applying for either a Social Security Number or a Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility.