Social Security Number (SSN)
A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identification number assigned by the United States federal government to monitor and tax wages earned by employees in the U.S. It does not grant employment authorization.
A SSN is not required to obtain a driver’s license, nor is it required to open a bank account, rent a car, purchase a cell phone or rent an apartment.
Eligibility for the SSN
- F-1 Students are eligible to obtain a SSN if they are in valid F-1 status and have been offered an on-campus job; or they have been authorized for off-campus employment (Curricular or Optional Practical Training).
- F-2 Dependents are not eligible to obtain a SSN because they cannot be employed.
- J-1 Students are eligible to obtain a SSN if they are in valid J-1 status - whether or not they have authorized employment.
- J-1 Visiting Scholars are eligible to obtain a SSN if they are in valid J-1 status.
- J-2 Dependents are eligible to obtain a SSN if they have received employment authorization from USCIS.
New students/scholars must also have completed the Check-in process, reported their U.S. Address and and have their SEVIS record activated.
Social Security Number (SSN) Denial Letter Process
For individuals looking to get a Driver's License or State ID who are not eligible for an SSN, a Denial Letter must be obtained. You should follow the SSN Application Process steps listed below (selecting legal alien NOT allowed to work on the SS-5 form) and will be given a Denial Letter on the spot. Getting a Denial Letter will not affect your eligibility in the future, it just means that at this time, you are not eligible for the SSN.
Social Security Number (SSN) Application Process
- Obtain proof of SSN eligibility* (see list below)
- Apply for a SSN in person at local Social Security Administration office, showing the following documents:
- Completed and printed SSN application (Form SS-5)
- select legal alien allowed to work for item #5
- Passport
- most recent I-94 (arrival/departure record)
- Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1)
- Proof of SSN eligibility*
- Completed and printed SSN application (Form SS-5)
* Proof of SSN Eligibility List:
Present your completed and signed On-Campus Employment SSN Request Form. The form and processing information can be found on the On-Campus Employment page.
- You cannot apply for a SSN more than 30 days before your on-campus employment start date.
- You may not begin your on-campus employment until you have received your SS card and completed all HR paperwork per Babson policies.
Present your Form I-20 with CPT work authorization.
Students with CPT cannot apply for a SSN more than 30 days before the CPT start date.
Present your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that you receive from USCIS.
- Individuals on OPT cannot apply for a SSN until the OPT start date indicated on the EAD card.
Present the Academic Training authorization letter issued by the Glavin Office with your current Form DS-2019 showing Academic Training.
- You cannot apply for the SSN until the Academic Training start date indicated on your Form DS-2019.
Present your completed and signed On-Campus Employment SSN Request Form and submit it to ISSS for processing. The form and information can be found on the On-Campus Employment page.
A J-1 Social Security Letter will be issued to you upon check-in with the Glavin Office when you first arrive to the U.S. The letter verifies your valid immigration status and eligibility for the SSN.
Protect Yourself From Scams
Once you have an SSN, it is yours for life. Keep both your card and the number in a very safe place. Do not carry your SS card in your wallet. Memorize the number and be cautious about to whom you give it out to. Fraud and scam attempts can be very common and also seem very legit. Social Security or other U.S. government agencies will never make threats or demand payment.
Find out what to look out for or how to report a scam attempt on the SSA website.
Receiving Your SSN
Upon submission of your SSN application, you will be issued a receipt. Keep this receipt for your records. In some cases, you do not have to wait to receive the SSN card to begin working. For on-campus employment at Babson, you must have your SS card and complete all HR paperwork before you are able to start.
It will typically take up to 10 business days for your immigration record to be verified and your SSN card mailed to the address you indicated on the SSN application. For some individuals, this verification process may take longer than 10 days to be issued.
Social Security Administration Office Near Main Campus
- One Clarks Hills, Suite 101, Framingham, MA 01702 (Accessible via commuter rail), Phone: 844-587-1390.
- Additional nearby offices are located in Boston, Waltham, Cambridge and throughout the U.S. Locate your local SS office or call 800-772-1213 for more information.