Applying for a Social Security Number

If you receive income from work in the U.S., you are required by law to get a social security number. It is issued by the federal government and is primarily used for tax purposes, including tax benefits. We can help you through this process.
Home/ Office of International Students And Visiting Scholars | OISVS/ International Student Services/ Social Security Number

If you receive income from work in the U.S., you are required by law to get a social security number. It is issued by the federal government and is primarily used for tax purposes, including tax benefits. We can help you through this process.

Main Content

Congratulations!

You were offered a job!

IMPORTANT: The instructions on this page are what you need to do AFTER you have received a job offer. If you want more information on how to find a job or to see if you are eligible, visit our international Student Employment page or contact OISVS for more assistance.

International Student Employment

Step 1 | Get an SSN Letter

After you receive a job offer, go to the Human Resources office (2nd floor) with your documents and complete your new-hire paperwork (I-9). 

  1. Complete the International Student On-Campus employment forms on the OISVS website here. This will serve as your request for the SSN letter also.
  2. You will receive an email notifying you when the  OISVS has issued your letter

IMPORTANT  If you are offered a job at either Chartwells or the Bookstore, you will need a letter from the employer verifying the following:

    1. Employer’s name
    2. Employer’s contact information
    3. Employer’s EIN (Employer ID Number)
    4. Your name (the student)
    5. Employment start date
    6. Position title
    7. Number of hours a week.
    8. Be sure this document has an original signature, not digital.*

Step 2 | Supervisor’s Signature

  1. After receiving the SSN Letter, students working for ACU will need to get their supervisor’s signature on the social security letter (page 2). 
  2. *Be sure this document has an original signature, not digital.*

 

Step 3 | The SSN Application

  1. Fill out  and submit this online SSN application form. 
  2. Prepare your paperwork (See “Required Paperwork and Documents” below)
  3. Visit the Social Security Office  within 45 calendar days.

 

Step 4 | Report your SSN number to your employer.

If your employer is ACU, give your number to the HR office in Admin Rm. 213. Be sure to add it to your Glacier account as well.

You want to be sure that you have all of the required paperwork and documentation prepared BEFORE you visit the Social Security Office.

Here is what you will need:

  • Passport w/ Visa (unexpired)
  • I-20 (original)
  • I-94 (most recent)
  • Social security letter signed by
    • Associate Director (OISVS) – Currently Lucy Dawson
      and
    • Your supervisor or letter of employment (must contain start date and employer ID number)

Social Security Office | Abilene, TX
202 ES 11th Street
Abilene, TX

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Hours of Operation

Monday | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuesday | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday | 9 a.m.-noon (12 p.m.)
Thursday | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday | CLOSED

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