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. Once issued, the number is valid for a lifetime. You should keep it safe and provide only as needed to US government agencies or credible financial institutions.
Eligibility to Apply for a Social Security Number
Review the list of required documents below for each status and employment situation, as applicants will need to gather the appropriate documents to submit to the Social Security Administration.
| Visa Type | Employment | SSN Eligibility |
Additional Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-1 Student | Paid on-campus | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, visa, I-94 record, I-20, employment letter & ISSA confirmation letter |
| F-1 Student | Paid CPT | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, visa, I-94 record, I-20 with CPT Authorization, & employment letter |
| F-1 Student | Paid OPT | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, visa, I-94 record, I-20 with OPT Authorization, EAD, & employment letter |
| J-1 Student | Paid on-campus | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, visa, I-94 record, DS-2019, employment letter, & ISSA On Campus Employment authorization letter |
| J-1 Student | Paid off-campus | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, visa, I-94 record,DS-2019 with AT Authorization, employment letter, & ISSA confirmation letter |
| J-1 Scholar | Paid by U.S. institution | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, visa, I-94 record, DS-2019 & appointment letter |
| H-1B Employee | Paid by U.S. institution | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, I-94 record, H-1B Approval notice & second form of photo ID (like university ID card) |
| O-1 Employee | Paid by U.S. institution | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, I-94 record, O-1 Approval notice & second form of photo ID (like university ID card) |
| J-2 Dependent | If authorized by USCIS | Yes | completed SS-5, passport, visa, I-94 record, DS-2019, EAD card, & employment letter |
| F-2 Dependent | Not permitted | No | Not eligible, see below for Letter of SSN Ineligibility instructions |
| H-4 Dependent | Not permitted | No | Not eligible, see below for Letter of SSN Ineligibility instructions |
If a student does not currently have employment, or will not begin working within 30 days of their application, they are not eligible to receive an SSN. 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.
*There is no cost to apply for a Social Security Number or a Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility.
*In ISSAlink, F-1 students should look for the SSN Letter Request form under F-1 Student Services; J-1 students should complete the On-Campus Work Authorization Request form under J-1 Student Services.
*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
New F-1 or J-1 students must complete the New Student Registration process before applying for the Letter of SSN Ineligibility. F-1 students and dependents will need to wait 14 days after the new student registration form has been processed; J-1 students and their dependents will need to wait 48 hours.
The applicant will take the completed Application for Social Security Card, SS-5, 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.
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 at the University of Notre Dame 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, write "applied for" on the line that reads SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER and attach to your document the NDID number (nine digit number) issued by the University. As soon as you have received your Social Security number, you must present your Social Security card to the office identified in the steps above.
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.