Purpose of the Social Security Number (SSN)

A social security number is necessary to receive any income for employment while in the U.S.  While many nonimmigrants are eligible for social security numbers by virtue of their status in the U.S., others are not eligible for a social security number unless they are or will be working.  The SSN is a lifetime number and can/should be applied for only once.  There is no cost involved.  Once the application is made it generally takes 2-4 weeks for the card with the SSN to be mailed to you.

F-1 and J-1 students are only eligible for social security numbers if engaging in lawful employment. Foreign nationals in most other statuses are eligible for social security numbers only after obtaining an employment authorization document (EAD) from USCIS.

Visit International Students and Social Security Numbers to read more information regarding the documents required to obtain a social security number. 

F-1 students

On-Grounds Employment

1. Complete a “Letter Request” on ISSP Connect for SSN. Please allow at least 5 business days to process.
2. A DSO will send you an email once your ISSP letter is ready to be picked up at 208 Minor Hall.
3. Obtain an employment letter from your UVA employer. Your UVA employer must provide an original wet signature. Copies of employer signatures are not permitted.
4. Apply for SSN number online through SSA.gov by selecting “Request number for the first time”
5. Schedule your appointment to visit the SSA Office.
6. You will need to bring the ISSP letter, UVA employment letter plus your passport, visa, I-20, and I-94 to the SSA Office

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Bring the following to the SSA Office:
1. I-20 with CPT authorization documented on page 2
2. Passport, visa and I-94

Apply for SSN number online through SSA.gov by selecting “Request number for the first time” and schedule your appointment to visit the SSA Office.

Note: Students with approved CPT may apply for SSN no earlier than 30 days prior to start of authorized employment

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Bring the following to the SSA Office:
1. OPT EAD Card
2. OPT I-20
3. Passport, visa and I-94

Apply for SSN number online through SSA.gov by selecting “Request number for the first time” and schedule your appointment to visit the SSA Office.

Note: You can also apply for SSN through the OPT USCIS application

J-1 Students/Scholars

J-1 Students and Interns

Must obtain a letter of permission from ISSP by completing a letter request through ISSP Connect.

J-1 Scholars

The DS-2019 should be presented with offer letter, passport, visa and I-94.

Social Security Office Location and Hours

Address:
DISTRICT OFFICE 
1470 PANTOPS MTN PL 
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911

Phone: 
1-866-613-3959
 

Helpful Resources

• View the “Cards for Non-U.S. Citizens – Adults” YouTube video by the U.S. Social Security Administration
• Review the “International Students and Social Security Numbers” document

SCAM ALERT

Social Security employees will never:

• Demand immediate payment in the form of gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, bitcoin, or cash.
• Threaten potential arrest or legal action if you don’t provide information.

These calls, and other calls from individuals posing as government officials asking for money are fraudulent. Hang up and do not provide any personal information. If Social Security needs to reach you, they will provide a letter.