A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration office (SSA). F-1 and J-1 students need to apply for this number after getting a job offer. The SSN is also used to report your wages for taxation purposes.

<aside> 👉 Please note that you will first need a job offer letter to start the request process for a Social Security Number. Once you have a job offer letter, you can start the process by completing the Social Security Form on myHilltop.

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<aside> 👉 Once you have completed the Social Security Form on myHilltop, ISS will email your supervisor for approval. After approval, ISS will generate a signed employment authorization letter for students who will be working on-campus. However, if you are applying for CPT or OPT and have never had a social security number before, then ISS will issue a new I-20 with CPT or OPT recommendation. Either way, ISS will email you to pick up the original document at the Student Success Center kiosk in the Moody Hall Atrium. The original letter is required to apply.

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What documents will you need to apply?

Once you have gathered the original documents, you will need to do the following:
You must visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with your original documentation within 45 calendar days. Click https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp#officeResultsto find a location. Please note that many SSA offices do not take walk-ins. You will need to call to make an appointment or ask of they accept walk-ins. Allow plenty of time — some locations are very busy! The nearest SSA office to St. Edward’s is located at 5508 Hwy 290 W, Bldg B, Austin, TX 78735.
You will need to complete the https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. You could also start this https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time before going to the SSA office. See below for a few tips that you may follow when completing the form. PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD: If you are under 18, you must visit the SSA office with your original immigration documents and complete the application in-person to apply. You cannot start the application online.
After applying at the SSA office, you can inform your hiring supervisor that you have applied and you expect to receive your SSN card in the mail within 2 - 3 weeks.
When you receive your SSN card in the mail, take your original SSN card to the Registrar office in Main Building Room 221 so they update your student record with your SSN.
If you will be working on-campus, you will then contact Human Resources to complete your hiring paperwork. They will provide with instructions on what documents they need from you. You can contact HR at [email protected] or 512-448-8587, or visit their office in Premont Hall, Room 130.

<aside> 👉 Additional resources? Have a question?

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<aside> ☝ A few tips that you may follow as you complete form SS-5: