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 original documents will you need to apply?

Once you have gathered the original documents, you will need to do the following:
1. You must visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with your original documentation within 45 calendar days if you decide to complete your application online. In addition, there have been reports from some offices that the SSA officers will not approve your social security if you go to your appointment more than 30 days from the day that you will start your job. This has not been issue in Austin, but we aware of this in case you get denied.
2. Click here to find a location. Please note that it depends on each SSA office if they take walk-ins or not. You may 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.
3. You will need to complete the SS-5 form. You could also start this form online before going to the SSA office. You do not need to complete the application online in order to make an appointment, but completing it online will reduce the time that you spend in the SSA office once you get there. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. If you will be working on-campus, you will then contact Human Resources to complete your hiring paperwork. They will provide 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> ☝ A few tips that you may follow as you complete form SS-5:

<aside> 👉 Additional resources? Have a question?

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