Genevieve M. Bordogna International Student Advisor International Services Office 114 Carruth Rizza Hall Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1326 USA Phone: (724) 738-2603 Fax: (724) 728-2289 SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, SCHOLARS, AND VISITORS A social security number is a requirement for all persons who work and receive pay in the U.S. Apply for the Social Security Number (SSN) in person at a local Social Security office. After submitting the application, you should receive the SSN card within one to two months. If you do not receive the card within 30 days, return to the Social Security office to inquire or call the toll-free (800) phone number below. Do NOT apply for a second card; you will have only one SSN in your lifetime. If you continue to experience difficulties obtaining the card, contact the International Services Office. Although the SSN will be requested during many daily activities such as banking, utilities, phones, etc., it is only required for employment. For purposes other than employment, ask the service provider about acceptable alternative identification (ID) numbers. Your SSN has 9 digits - the same as a Student ID number - but it is a different number. When you are asked for these numbers, be clear about which one is needed. The Student ID Number generally is valid only at SRU. NEVER give your SSN unless it is required. To apply for the SSN denial letter (if you are not eligible for an SSN but need documentation required for PA driver’s license) present yourself in person at one of the nearest Social Security Offices listed below with your original immigration documents. The denial letter will be provided to you while you wait. You do not need to make an appointment. THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS International applicants apply in person at the nearest Social Security office NO EARLIER THAN 10 days after arriving in the US. Only short-term scholars who will be in the US less than 5 weeks should apply for their SSN immediately after arriving in the US without waiting 10 days. To apply, take the original documents noted in the table below. With the exception of the Social Security Card Application, all other documents will be examined and returned immediately to you. Required Documents SSN Application (SS-5) Passport I-94 Card Non-immigrant document Special Documents SOCIAL SECURITY 102 WOODY DRIVE BUTLER, PA 16001 Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Except Federal Holidays F-1 Students Yes Yes Yes I-20 1. CPT authorization on I-20 OR 2. OPT I-20 and the EAD card OR 3. Status verification SSN letter signed by Genevieve 4. Letter from Employer Status verification SSN letter Letter from Employer J-1 Scholars Yes Yes Yes DS-2019 NONE H-1B Workers Yes Yes Yes Form I-797: H-1B Approval Notice NONE NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICES Social Security Administration Telephone Service: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1-800-772-1213 (national number) More information available at: www.ssa.gov Take Lyndora exit from Rt 8. Take Hansen Ave to Pullman Square. Office is located across from Arbys. Updated 08/2011 J-1 Students J-1 Student Interns Yes Yes Yes DS-2019