Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to an individual for tax and wage reporting purposes.

Your SSN is a unique ID and is valid for a lifetime. Social Security Services is free. If you have been previously issued a Social Security Card and are not able to find it, you may apply to get a replacement card. For more information please see the Social Security Administration Website.

Social Security Number is often the target of Identify Theft. You should be very careful when you are asked to give your SSN. Only give your SSN to someone who has a specific and legitimate need for it. Keep your Social Security Card at home in a secure place. Do not carry your card with you.

Unless you will be receiving payment for any type of work in the United States, you probably don’t need a SSN. Lawfully admitted non-U.S. citizens can get many benefits and services without a SSN.

You are not required to have a SSN to open a checking or savings account. Some bank tellers are not aware of this. You may need to remind the bank teller that you are permitted to open a bank account without a SSN by completing a Form W-8. If a bank clerk insists on a SSN, ask to speak to a manager.

Generally, non-U.S. citizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a SSN. Please consult with the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) for eligibility of employment.

  • F-1 Students with On-Campus Employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • J-1 Students with On-Campus Employment, Academic Training
  • J-1 Scholars (Professors, Teachers, Research Scholars, etc.) Authorized by Program Sponsor
  • J-2 Visa Holders with Employment Authorization from the USCIS
  • Note: F-2 visa holders do not have employment authorizations and are not eligible to apply for a SSN.

If you are not eligible to apply for a SSN, you may apply for a Denial Notice. A Denial Notice is required for certain applications such as applying for a Massachusetts Driver's License. If you need a number for tax purposes, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Service.

New students and scholars must wait at least 10 days after arrival in the U.S. before applying for a SSN. This will help ensure SSA can verify your immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If your data has not been sent to the SSA database, it will normally cause lengthy delays in obtaining the Social Security Card. 

You must be in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) before applying for a SSN. This can only be done by your program sponsor. If you are sponsored by other program sponsors (i.e. ECFMG) other than UMass, you will need to verify with the program sponsor that the SEVIS record has been validated prior to applying for the SSN.

F-1 students and J-1 students must be registered for full-time credits. F-1 students with on-campus employment must request a Social Security Letter from the Designated School Official (DSO) and a letter verifying employment. J-1 students must obtain a letter as employment authorization from your program sponsor.

Please refer to the following links for your campus’ specific procedures:

Complete SSN application Form SS-5 using your full legal name. It should be consistent with your passport, visa stamp and other supporting documents. Be sure to have a valid local address on your application; otherwise, the card with your new Social Security Number will be returned to the Social Security Office. 

Form SS-5 is also available by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.

You must bring all required documents to SSA.  All documents must be originals. If you are missing any documents on the check list, you will not able to apply.

F-1 Students with On-Campus Employment

You may apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled on-campus employment start date.

F-1 students must be registered for full-time credits and must have their F-1 records updated in SEVIS before applying for the SSN.

  • A letter from the Designated School Official (DSO)
  • An employment letter signed by your on-campus supervisor as proof that you have obtained employment.
  • Current I-20
  • Valid passport with F-1 visa
  • Admission stamp or I-94 record (which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ )
  • Completed Form SS-5

F-1 Students Authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

If your first employment experience is with Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you may apply no earlier than 30 days before the CPT start date on your I-20.

  • Current I-20 (updated and endorsed for Curricular Practical Training)
  • Valid passport with F-1 visa
  • Admission stamp or I-94 record (which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ )
  • Completed Form SS-5

F-1 Students Authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

If your first employment experience is Optional Practical Training (OPT), you may apply on or after the start date on your EAD card. It is now possible to apply for the SSN and the EAD at the same time on the Form I-765.

  • EAD card
  • Current I-20 (updated and endorsed for Optional Practical Training)
  • Valid passport with F-1 visa
  • Admission stamp or I-94 record (which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ )
  • Completed Form SS-5

J-1 Students with On-Campus Employment

You may apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled on-campus employment start date.

J-1 students must be registered for full-time credits and must have their J-1 records updated in SEVIS before applying for the SSN.

  • A letter as employment authorization from your program sponsor
  • Current DS-2019
  • Valid passport with J-1 visa
  • Admission stamp or I-94 record (which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ )
  • Completed Form SS-5

J-1 Students Authorized for Academic Training

You may apply no earlier than 30 days before the Academic Training start date on your DS-2019.

  • A letter as employment authorization from your program sponsor
  • Current DS-2019 with academic training notation
  • Valid passport with J-1 visa
  • Admission stamp or I-94 record (which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ )
  • Completed Form SS-5

J-1 Scholars (Professors, Teachers, Research Scholar, etc.) Authorized by Program Sponsor

You are employment authorized and a sponsor letter is not required if Item 4 on the DS-2019 identifies one of the following: Professor, Teacher, Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, Alien Physician, Specialist, Trainee, Intern, Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Government Visitor, Summer Work/Travel.

J-1 Students (including J-1 non-degree students) are NOT automatically eligible to apply for a SSN.

  • Current DS-2019
  • Valid passport with J-1 visa
  • Admission stamp or I-94 record (which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ )
  • Completed Form SS-5

J-2 Visa Holders with Employment Authorization from the USCIS

Spouse or Dependents in J-2 status is eligible to apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for work authorization. You may apply for a SSN on or after the start date on your EAD card.

  • EAD card
  • Current DS-2019
  • Valid passport with J-2 visa
  • Admission stamp or I-94 record (which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ )
  • Completed Form SS-5

Items You May Find Helpful

Use the SSA office locator to find the nearest office to you. Applying for a SSN is free. Bring documents required to the SSA. All documents must be originals. You will be told immediately at the Social Security office whether your application is successful or not.

If your application is successful, please request a receipt from the person who assists you at the Social Security Office. The Social Security Card will be sent to you via regular mail normally in two weeks. 

If your application is denied, please ask for the name and phone number of the official who helped you. The ISSO staff may help you. If you are not eligible for a SSN under current regulations, you can still get a Massachusetts Driver's License using the Denial Notice.

The receipt letter is required to place you on payroll. If you do not get a receipt you will have to wait until you receive the Social Security Card in the mail.

The Social Security Card will be sent to you via regular mail normally in two weeks. Please send a copy of the Social Security Card to Human Resources. Please make sure to do this as soon as you receive your card. Please note that an employee must have a Social Security Number to receive any tax treaty benefit.

The Social Security Card is noted “Not Valid for Employment without DHS Authorization”, however, you may legally be employed in the U.S. as long as you are able to present proper documentation for Form I-9 verification.  

Once you receive your Social Security Card, please login to Sprintax Calculus Tax System and update your profile with your SSN.  If a tax treaty is now available that you would like to claim, please resubmit Tax Summary Report and applicable tax forms to your Responsible Administrator. 

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN). An ITIN may expire. If you wish to continue using the ITIN, you must renew your ITIN.

The ITIN does not:

  • entitle the recipient to social security benefits
  • indicate immigration status
  • give the right to work in the U.S.

The ITIN cannot be used in place of an SSN (if eligible for the latter) for tax and wage reporting.

To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. Allow 7 weeks for the IRS to notify you of your ITIN application status (9 to 11 weeks if you submit the application during peak processing periods (January 15 through April 30) or if you’re filing from overseas). After processing, the IRS will issue your ITIN through the mail.

Option 1

Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent. This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents.

Option 2

Make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. This will also prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents.

Option 3 (Not recommended. It is very easy to lose original documents.)

Mail your W-7, tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the IRS. In subsequent years, when you have an ITIN, you will file your tax return as directed in the form instructions. More details: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-i-apply-for-an-itin