Social Security Number (SSN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) allows you to legally work and be paid in the U.S. Your SSN is printed on a small Social Security Card that is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Once you have a SSN, it is yours for life. You do not need to apply for a new number or card when starting a new job or changing to another immigration status.
Your card will have the notation "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization" written on it. This means that the card does not give you work authorization, but, it is to be used in conjunction with a work authorization document. If you become a Permanent Resident (green card holder), you may request a new card SS card without the notation.
IMPORTANT: Keep your SSN and card safe. If you lose your card, it will be difficult to obtain a new one from SSA.
AVOID SCAMS: Inform yourself on how to keep your personal information safe. You can review the SSA’s Fraud Prevention and Reporting page for more information on avoiding scams.
- F-1 international student must receive work authorization from the Office of International Programs (OIP) before they apply for an SSN. Immediately, upon arrival, new international students must report to OIP. Follow instructions provided with their Initial I-20. OIP will then register their SEVIS record. It may take 10-30 days for SEVIS to then update the Social Security Administration Office and other government systems to updated immigration records required before they may approve a SSN # request.
- New (Initial) students who have an on-campus job offer (such as a TA or RA position) should plan to enter the U.S. before classes being, but no more than 30 days before classes begin, to start the hiring and SSN process.
- SSN applications are made in-person at an SSA office. International students cannot complete the process before arriving in the U.S. (in F-1 status). Learn more at the SSA's International Students and Social Security Numbers page.
- Please note that UTEP DOES NOT allow international workers (e.g., students, professors, researchers, interns, etc.) to begin working until (1) New Hire documents, (2) Criminal Background Check (CBC) and a (3) Social Security number are available.
Please review the Hiring Process Student link provided below.
RESOURCES
- UTEP Hiring Process Student: Hiring Process Student (utep.edu)
- SSA Hiring Foreign Workers: Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers (ssa.gov)
Sunapsis Process to to request a Social Security Letter:
- On-Campus Employment: Submit the “Social Security Letter” request concurrently with your “On Campus Work Authorization” request in Sunapsis
- Visit to SSA office is required
- Visit to SSA office is required
- CPT: Submit the “Social Security Letter” request concurrently with your “CPT Application” in Sunapsis
- Visit to SSA office is required
- Visit to SSA office is required
- All other F-1 employment: Apply for your SSN when you submit Form I-765 to USCIS
- Visit to SSA office is NOT required