In order to be paid for either on- or off-campus employment, it is necessary to have a Social Security Number (SSN), but an SSN by itself does not authorize you to begin work. If you are in F-1 or J-1 status, participating in unauthorized employment is a violation of your immigration status. For information regarding employment rules and responsibilities, please visit the Maintaining F-1 Status or Maintaining J-1 Status page.
Process for On-campus Employment
- Go to www.ssa.gov/number-card to start the process online. After you have completed the online application, you then must present the documents below to the local Social Security office within 45 days. If applying online, you may request an appointment to visit the office at a specific date and time, after you’ve entered all your information.
Documents to bring to appointment:
- Social Security Letter from Office of Global Engagement
- Employment Confirmation Letter from your hiring supervisor
- A valid passport
- Form I-20 with original signature (with work authorization on the second page if using CPT/OPT) or Form DS-2019 (with work authorization on the first page if using Academic Training)
- Printout of your electronic I-94 record (or paper I-94, when applicable)
- Visa that corresponds to your nonimmigrant status (F-1 or J-1) or previous visa and I-797 Approval Notice if you successfully changed status in the United States
Standard processing time for the issuance of a Social Security Number is approximately two weeks, though this could take longer if your application goes through administrative processing. Once processed, a Social Security card with your Social Security Number will be mailed to you.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
1-800-772-1213
Recommended Local Office and Hours of Operation
Clifton SSA Office Address: 935 Allwood Rd., Clifton, NJ 07012
Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wed.: 9 a.m – 12 p.m;
Sat. and Sun.: Closed