Social Security Number
In the United States, citizens are given a Social Security Number (S.S.N.) at birth. This number is a unique identifier. When a citizen works in the U.S., it is used to pay taxes. Non-immigrants, such as international students, are allowed to work in U.S. and will need to pay taxes and file an annual tax return. Your social security card is good from the time you receive it, for as long as you are in the U.S. or if you ever return to the U.S. Protect it as you would your passport. This is the number one piece of information criminals can use to steal your identity.
Steps to obtain a Social Security Card
- Have an offer of employment from an eligible U.S. employer.
- Receive an employment letter from employer and from DSO and an updated I-20 in the case of CPT or OPT.
- Go to a U.S. Social Security Administration office, along with your passport, I-20, I-94, school ID and letters.
Social Security Administration
203 South Walnut St.
Florence, AL 35630
(855) 884-3407
Applications for Social Security Numbers (SSN)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) compares the names shown on:
- SSN application (for example, the Form SS-5)
- Form I-20/DS-2019
- Foreign passport
- SAVE (see below)