How to Apply for a Social Security Number as a F-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 F-1 students may specify that it is “Valid for work only with DHS authorization.” Issuance of a Social Security card is NOT employment authorization.

F-1 students must have an on-campus job or job offer to apply for a Social Security Number. This rule does not apply to F-1 students with an EAD card, or on Optional or Curricular Practical Training. 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)

F-1 students may only work on-campus for 20 hours per week or less during the academic year and 29 hours per week or less during the long summer and winter vacations. Students must be registered and matriculated in accordance with campus guidelines to work on-campus.

F-1 students may NOT work off campus without employment authorization. If you have questions about applying for authorization to accept off-campus employment, please contact the International Student Programs.
 

1)  Employment

• 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.
  ​         *Version 2022 ONLY>  no other version will be accepted.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - F-1 students on CPT must get a letter from their employer and have CPT authorization.

2)  Steps before applying for your Social Security Card

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

2. Log in to your My ISS-Profile.   

3. Click on “2. Requests.”  

4. Under “What Can We Help You With”, see your request options, and click on the request you would like to make (Letter Request).

5. In Type of Letter section, choose "Applying for a social security number (SSN)."

6. In Copy of Employment Offer Letter section, upload your employment offer letter (for CPT), or the completed On Campus Employer Letter* (for on campus employment). 
          *Version 2022 ONLY>  no other version will be accepted.

7. Submit.

You will receive an email from the International Student Services office when your letter has been issued.

Once you have 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

• Form I-20 (F-1) 

• SUNY New Paltz ID Card

• SSN Support Letter from International Student Programs verifying your status

• Employment offer letter (for CPT), or the completed On campus employer letter (for on campus employment)

​The local 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 (directions below).

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 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 the campus or the bus station on Main Street in New Paltz. See bus schedule*
 

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