A Social Security Number (SSN) is a permanent nine-digit identification number/card issued by the United States Government. It is used primarily for taxing income in order to provide retirement and medical benefits. Some organizations use SSNs to identify you in their records. Most, however, will identify you by some other means if you request it.
For tax purposes, anyone receiving income must provide a Social Security number to their U.S. employer. Each individual who receives an SSN uses this number for life.
The SSN is not work authorization. While employers need a SSN to properly tax wages, an SSN is not proof of work authorization.
F-1 and J-1 students who are offered employment for which they have work authorization, (such as on-campus employment, CPT or OPT) may apply for an SSN. The OISVS offers a letter attesting to the student’s immigration status which you will bring to the SSN office when you apply.
If you are employed by ACU, be sure to report your social security number back to ACU’s Human Resources department and put it in your Glacier account.
Students should carefully guard their SSN number, since it is often sought by identity thieves. Don’t carry the card with you on a regular basis, but leave it in a safe place. See this publication for more information.
If you have been offered a job:
The instructions on this page are what you need to do after you have received a job offer. If you would like more information on how to find a job or confirm eligibility, you can visit our International Student Employment page or contact OISVS for more help.