Process for Students

Timeline

Students should apply as soon as they are eligible but no more than 30 days in advance of their employment start date. The Social Security Administration provides this overview of the process and requirements. Students are responsible to be familiar with the process and adhering to all requirements. 

New Students: You must complete the immigration registration process with ISSA before initiating the SSN process.

Process

While the SSA has provided information about the process for F-1 and J-1 student visa holders, the steps below highlight the documentation needed, in addition to the required passport, visa, I-94 record, I-20 or DS-2019, and documentation of employment. 

F-1 students working on campus at Notre Dame:

1. acquire an employment letter (template) from your supervisor or department coordinator 
2. upload that letter to SSN Letter Request form in ISSAlink
3. receive confirmation email that the ISSA letter is ready at 105 Main Building
4. complete the SSN SS-5 application online and schedule an appointment at the SSA
5. take the application packet (with both the employment and confirmation letters) to your scheduled appointment

F-1 students working off campus (OPT and CPT): 

1. ensure you have the appropriate off-campus work authorization
2. acquire documentation of your employment (i.e. offer letter)
3. no separate letter from ISSA is needed
4. complete SSN SS-5 application online 
5. take the application packet with all documents to your scheduled SSA appointment
   • Additional documents required for CPT: I-20 with CPT Authorization
   • Additional documents required for OPT: I-20 with OPT Authorization and EAD card

J-1 students working on campus:

1. acquire an employment letter (template)
2. submit J-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Request Form in ISSAlink
3. receive confirmation email that the ISSA authorization letter is ready at 105 Main Building
4. complete SSN application online
5. take the application packet with all documents to your scheduled SSA appointment
   • Additional documents required for J-1 on-campus: ISSA On Campus Employment authorization letter

J-1 students working off campus:

1. acquire an employment letter (template)
2. submit the J-1 Academic Training Request in ISSAlink
3. receive updated DS-2019 with AT authorization via email
4. complete SSN application online
5. take the application packet with all documents to your scheduled SSA appointment
   • Additional documents required for J-1 on-campus: ISSA Academic Training authorization letter

Special notes regarding the application process include:

• The SSN process requires an appointment at the SSA, which can be scheduled after submitting the online SS-5 application.
• You cannot submit the SSN application more than 30 days before your employment start date.
• You will have 45 days after submitting the SSN application online to take your documents to an SSA appointment.
• We advise students to begin securing the SSN as soon as they are eligible, as it can take 6-8 weeks to process.