How to Apply for Social Security Number as a J-1 Student 

 

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique, 9-digit number used for taxpayer identification, income reporting, and record-keeping purposes. Once issued, the number is valid for a lifetime. You should keep it secure, and provide it only as needed to US government agencies or credible financial institutions. The Social Security card issued to non-resident J-1 students may specify that it is “valid only with employment authorization.” Issuance of a Social Security card is NOT employment authorization.   

J-1 students must have an on-campus job or job offer in order to apply for a Social Security Number.  International students may apply for a Social Security Number no earlier than two weeks after they arrive on campus at New Paltz. You must apply on-line then go to the local Social Security Office within 45 days to provide original documentation (see instructions below). 
 

1) Employment

• All J-1 student employment requires the responsible officer (RO) to approve the specific employment in writing, and requires the student's SEVIS record to be updated to reflect the employment authorization. 

• When you have gotten a job on-campus fill out the On Campus Employer Letter* stating place of work and work duties (for on campus employment), and have your employer sign. You will need to upload the completed letter when reporting your employment. ​​​​
  ​​         *Version 2022 ONLY>  no other version will be accepted. 

• Use the link at the bottom of this page for instructions on how to report your J-1 on-campus employment information, and receive a Social Security Number Support Letter.
   

2) Steps before applying for your Social Security Administration Card

• Ensure that your address is current in my.newpaltz.edu and that no holds exist on your record. 

• Report your J-1 on-campus employment and receive the SSN Support letter.  

• Follow the instructions below explaining how to Apply for your Social Security Card. 
   

  3)  Apply for your Social Security Card 

• Request a Social Security number for the first time by going to the SSA website, and follow the instructions to apply. 

• You must bring your documents to the local SSA office within 45 calendar days to provide original documentation. 

• The local Social Security Administration Office hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except legal holidays. Directions to the local office are below. 

     You MUST bring the following documents with you to Social Security Administration:    

• Passport

• Visa

• I-94 print out

• DS-2019 (J-1)

• SUNY New Paltz ID Card

• Social Security Number Support Letter from International Student Programs verifying your status

• Completed On Campus Employer Letter or  Academic Training Offer letter 

​The Social Security Administration office is located in Poughkeepsie, NY. If you do not have access to a car, you may choose to take the bus to Poughkeepsie. 

Address:
Social Security Administration
332 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY  12601
Phone:
1-877-405-6747
National phone number:  1-800-772-1213
 
If you have any questions, you may contact the Social Security Office directly. Also, more information can be found in this publication: International Students and Social Security numbers.  

Website: 
Social Security Administration  
 
Bus Directions to the Poughkeepsie, NY Social Security Administration Office

• Take the UCAT bus using the Ulster- Poughkeepsie (UPL) route from the campus transit hub (located in the Route 32 parking lot).

• Ask the driver to let you off at Main Street and Market Street in Poughkeepsie. Note: from the bus stop it is about a 5-minute walk.

• To return, board the bus at the Main and Market Street stop in Poughkeepsie.

• The bus will bring you back to either the campus or the bus station on Main Street in New Paltz. 

• See bus schedule (scroll down for pickup/drop off locations and times)

 

Click on this link for additional information and to report your
J-1 On-Campus Employment