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  
 
Directions to the Poughkeepsie, NY Social Security Administration Office
Take the Poughkeepsie/ Ulster link bus from campus and get off at Main Street and Market Street in Poughkeepsie (UPL Route). To return, get on the bus at Main Street and Market Street in Poughkeepsie and that will take you back either to campus or the bus station on Main Street in New Paltz. See bus schedule*

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