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Process for Students

Process

The Social Security Administration has provided information about the process for F-1 and J-1 visa holders here, but the steps below highlight how to access documents needed from ISSA. You cannot apply at the SSA more than 30 days before your employment start date.

F-1 students working on campus at Notre Dame:

  1. acquire an employment letter (template) from your supervisor or department coordinator 
  2. upload the employment letter to SSN Letter Request form in ISSAlink
  3. after receiving confirmation email that the ISSA letter is ready to be picked up, stop by 105 Main Building
  4. take application packet, with all items listed in chart below, to a local Social Security Administration office

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

  1. acquire an employment letter (template)
  2. apply for appropriate work authorization
  3. no separate letter from ISSA is needed
  4. take application packet, with all items listed in chart below, to a local Social Security Administration office

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. after receiving confirmation email that the ISSA letter is ready to be picked up, stop by 105 Main Building
  4. take application packet, with all items listed in chart below, to a local Social Security Administration office

J-1 students working off campus:

  1. acquire an employment letter (template)
  2. submit J-1 Academic Training Request in ISSAlink
  3. after receiving confirmation email that the updated DS-2019 is ready to be picked up, stop by 105 Main Building or arrange for shipment with eShipGlobal.
  4. take application packet, with all items listed in chart below, to a local Social Security Administration office

Time Frame

New Students: it generally takes at least 48 hours after an F-1 student is registered in SEVIS before the Social Security Administration is able to verify non-immigrant status through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

  • DHS recommends students wait 10 days after entering the U.S. before going to the SSA to ensure all government systems have been updated
  • F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors should wait at least 48 hours from the time you complete your initial Registration or Validation with ISSA before applying

Students should apply as soon as they are eligible but no more than 30 days in advance of their employment start date.