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International Students & Scholars

Social Security Number & ITIN

Social Security Numbers are issued for tax purposes only. They are used to identify you within the government tax and pension system. Only those who have authorized employment are eligible for Social Security cards. They are not general purpose IDs. Accordingly, you do not need a Social Security number to:

  • Open a bank account
  • Rent an apartment
  • Open a utility account (e.g. electricity, gas)
  • Set up a cell phone account
  • Register your children for school
  • Conduct business with other financial institutions
  • Receive a driver's license

If a business representative or service provider asks you for a Social Security number, simply inform him/her that you are an international student and do not have a Social Security Card.

However, as a nonimmigrant in the U.S., you will need a Social Security Number if you wish to work. A Social Security card is not proof of work authorization.

F-2 and H-4 dependents are not eligible for SSNs in most cases. Those who are not eligible for a SSN may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.

Procedures

Gathering all required documentation to take with you to the Social Security Administration may take some time. If you have already scheduled an appointment at the Social Security Administration, give yourself plenty of time before the appointment to request all required documentation (see list below) from your employer and/or ISSS. If you need to request the on-campus employment letter through iTerp, we recommend requesting this letter at least 3-5 business days before your scheduled SSN appointment.

You must wait at least 14 days after entering the U.S. to apply for a SSN. In addition, you must wait 3 business days after you receive confirmation that your SEVIS record has been activated.

To apply for an SSN, review the walk-in hours at the nearest SSA office. Prepare the application form and any documentation below based on your visa category:

#1. Name- Use the name on your I-20/DS-2019 and I-94.  If you have a middle name include it with your first name.

#3. Citizenship- check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work"

#9. A. Mother's Maiden Name- This is the name of your mother's given name before she was married (if different).

B. Mother's Social Security Number- If your mother ever lived in the U.S. and had a Social Security Number, put it here. If not, leave this blank.

#10. A. Father's Name- Your father's family name

B. Father's Social Security Number- If your father ever lived in the U.S. and had a Social Security Number, put it here. If not, leave this blank.

#16. Mailing Address- Use your local address where you plan to receive the card in the mail. Please format the address according to USPS standards.

  • An employment letter from your employer on official letterhead 
    • Bring the original document to the SSA. It should contain the following information:
      • Your Name
      • The date the letter was written or signed
      • Job description/title
      • Start date of your employment
      • Number of hours you will be working
      • Your supervisor’s name and telephone number
      • Supervisor or hiring manager must sign and date the letter (electronic signatures not allowed)
      • Employer's EIN Number
  • Optional: A recent pay stub may be used instead of an employment letter.
  • For students working on-campus only: A letter from ISSS that verifies your status. Request a Social Security Letter by logging into your iTerp account and navigating to F-1 Student Services>Letter Request. (Not required if you are applying based on your approved CPT or OPT work authorization.)
  • Your passport, original and copy. It must be at least one year old or you will need a second form of photo ID in English. (An official TOEFL score report at least one year old works well.)
  • I-94, original and copy.
  • I-20/DS-2019, original and copy.
  • Student or ID card.

**If you are applying for an SSN based on CPT or on-campus employment you may not apply more than 30 days prior to the start date indicated on your offer letter.

**If you are applying for an SSN based on off-campus employment which requires USCIS to issue an EAD card, you may not apply prior to the start date on your EAD card.

For additional instructions or information, review this information from the Social Security Administration.

Bring the following documents with you to the Social Security Administration office.

Some J-1 categories require an authorization letter from ISSS to issue the SSN. If you are unsure about your J-1 category, please look at box 4 on your DS-2019. This will indicate your category.

  • If you are a Student Intern, you will need a letter from ISSS to verify your status. Request a Social Security Letter by logging into iTerp.
  • If you are a Research Scholar/Professor or Short-Term Scholar, you do not need a letter verifying your status.

For additional information, review this handout from the Social Security Administration.

Bring the following documents with you to the Social Security Administration office.

  • Complete SSN Application
  • Copy of I-797 Approval Notice
  • Passport
  • I-94
  • UMD ID Card

For more information, review this handout from the Social Security Administration.

Bring the following documents with you to the Social Security Administration office.

For more information, review this handout from the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration may need to verify your immigration status to process your application. To verify your status, they use the SAVE program, a service that is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In most cases, the SAVE verification can be completed in person during your Social Security application. 

In a small number of cases, the agency may need to complete a request for additional verification through the SAVE program. This may take some time and students should remain patient while the SSA works with USCIS to complete the additional verification. The SSA should be able to provide you with a verification case number which you can use to follow the application on SAVE CaseCheck.

Your Social Security Number is a primary identification number for your identity. Unfortunately, identity thieves target SSNs, and it cane be problematic if your SSN is compromised. To protect your SSN, start by controlling who gets it. The fewer places that have it, the better. 

  • Keep your SNN card in a safe place. Do not routinely carry your card or other documents that display that number.
  • Be careful about sharing your number, even if you're asked for it.
    • Don't give your number out just because someone asks.
    • Before giving out your SSN, ask why it is needed and how the recipient will protect it.
  • If you believe your number has been compromised, you can request to block electronic access by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Please review additional information about keeping your SSN safe here.

As a research institution, many opportunities exist to get involved with ongoing research studies as a participant or volunteer. Many of these opportunities may come with an award or stipend as part of your participation. It is important to check with the study administrators prior to your participation to see if a social security number is required. ISSS cannot provide a letter or supporting documentation to apply for a SSN based on participation in a research study.

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