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How to apply for an SSN

Who can apply for an SSN & required documentation

Who can apply for an SSN and required documentation for international students and scholars

Visa/Employment Type

Eligible?

Required Documentation
Newly arrived F-1 or J-1 student who is not yet enrolled in classes and/or has not yet completed OISS check-in (Initial SEVIS Status)

Not yet eligible 

Newly arrived students must complete OISS check-in and be registered in classes at NU before OISS can update your SEVIS status to Active. New students are in Initial SEVIS Status until after  both registering for classes and completing OISS check-in. You can view your "SEVIS Status" on your student profile page in the OISS Portal at the top of the page. 

You must be in "Active" SEVIS status to be eligible to apply for a SSN.

F-1 on-campus employment
(including graduate assistantships)


Yes, up to 30 days before employment begins.

Not eligible after employment has ended.
  • Job offer letter from on-campus employer with wet ink signature. See sample
  • Social Security Authorization letter from OISS. Submit SSN letter request via .
  • Form I-20
  • Passport
  • Most recent

F-1 CPT


Yes, up to 30 days before CPT begins.

Not eligible after employment has ended.
  • I-20 with CPT endorsement from OISS. Submit CPT request via
  • Passport
  • Most recent

F-1 OPT


Yes, from start date listed on EAD.
Not eligible after employment has ended.

 

*Students can also apply for SSN as part of the I-765 portion of the OPT application for USCIS.
  • I-20 with OPT endorsement from OISS. Submit OPT request via
  • Passport
  • Most recent
F-1 no employment Not eligible
F-2  Not eligible


J-1 on-campus employment

NOTE: J-1 students are eligible to apply for an SSN with or without an employment offer. See below instructions for J-1s with no employment offer. 


Yes, up to 30 days before employment begins.

Not eligible after employment has ended.
  • Pre-approval for on-campus work from OISS.  Submit On-Campus Employment request via the
  • Social Security Authorization letter from OISS. Submit SSN letter request via 
  • DS-2019
  • Passport
  • Most recent I-94 record


J-1, no employment


Yes, eligible
  • Social Security Authorization letter from OISS. Submit SSN letter request via 
  • DS-2019
  • Passport
  • Most recent I-94 record

J-1 Academic Training (AT)


Yes, up to 30 days before AT begins.

Not eligible after employment has ended.
  • DS-2019 with AT endorsement from OISS. Submit AT Request via
  • Passport
  • Most recent

J-1 scholar


Yes, on or after program start date on DS-2019 and after completion of immigration check in with OISS.

Not eligible after employment has ended.
  • DS- 2019
  • Passport
  • Most recent

J-2 

Yes, if J-2 has an EAD.

Not eligible after employment authorization has ended.
  • EAD card
  • DS-2019
  • Passport
  • Most recent
H-1B & O-1 visa holders Yes, on or after the start date on your Form I-797.
  • Form I-797 approval notice
  • Passport
  • Most recent

SSN Application Instructions

STEP 1: Gather required documents

  1. See table above based on your current status.
  2. Students with on-campus employment need a job offer letter from the on-campus employer. See a sample
  3. SSN Authorization Letter from OISS - This letter is required for F-1 students with on campus employment and  J-1 students (degree seeking students sponsored by Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ). This letter can be requested via the SSN Letter Request in the .
  • J-1 students on Fulbright's visa sponsorship must contact their Fulbright advisor for the SSN authorization letter.
  • J-1 Short Term Scholars, J-1 Research Scholars, and J-1 Professors do not need SSN authorization letters.
  • J-1 Student Interns should contact OISS at intoff@northwestern.edu to request an SSN letter.

STEP 2: Complete the  on the SSA website

Begin the process online to apply for a new or replacement Social Security card. After submitting the online application, ensure you print, annotate or take a screen shot of your confirmation number (O number). You must complete the application process by visiting your local Social Security Administration office with your confirmation number and required documentation within 45 calendar days.

STEP 3: Go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office 

Once you have each of the documents ready and have submitted the online SSN application, you must go in person to your local SSA office with hard copy immigration documents to apply for the SSN. Be sure to take your confirmation number (O number) assigned during the online application. You may find office locations on the .

The following SSA Offices are closest to the Evanston and Chicago campuses:

Evanston –

Chicago –

STEP 4: Wait for your Social Security card to arrive in the mail

Once your application for an SSN has been approved by the SSA, the SSA will send a Social Security card to the address you provided on your application form.  The usual processing time is 2 - 4 weeks. If additional security procedures are necessary, processing times may range from 4-8 weeks. The SSA will not issue a number in advance of the card being mailed.

Most likely you will receive a Social Security card that has the notation: "Valid for work only with DHS Authorization." SSA issues this type of card to students and dependents in F-1, J-1, and J-2 immigration status because the card alone does not authorize employment.

See example:
example SS card valid for work only with DHS authorization

After you receive your SSN, it’s best not to carry the card in your wallet. Instead, memorize the number, and keep the card in a safe place with your other important documents. Don’t lose your card!