Step 1
You must have an active record in SEVIS. For new students, your ISS advisor needs to update your SEVIS record from initial to active.
If you are a new student and you need to apply for an SSN earlier, please contact your International Student Advisor to make sure your SEVIS record is already active.
Step 2
Obtain your work authorization and/or complete your employment verification form:On-campus employment: You can apply for your SSN no earlier than 30 days before your on-campus employment start date.
When you have found an on-campus job, you must complete the On-Campus Employment Social Security Verification Form.
Once your employer has signed the form, bring it to your ISS advisor for a final signature at the bottom of the form.
On-Campus Employment Social Security Verification FormCurricular Practical Training (CPT):
You can apply for your SSN no earlier than 30 days before your CPT start date. Before you apply, you will need to go through the process with your International Student Advisor to get your CPT approval.
CPT authorization on page 2 of your I-20 is proof of your job offer and your work authorization. In addition, ISSS will issue you a letter at the same time as the issuance of your CPT approved I-20.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): The form, I-765, Application for Employment Authorization students file to apply for OPT include questions that allow students to apply for SSN at the same time.
Visit the ISSS Employment Page for more detailsStep 3Schedule an appointment at a Social Security Administration office closest to your local address.

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