What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for an SSN is based upon a person’s eligibility to work in the United States. Those eligible for a Social Security Number include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals — including, in certain circ*mstances, students in F-1 or J-1 student status and J-1 scholars. An SSN is required by the U.S. government in some cases for tax and employment reporting purposes.
A Social Security NumberCard is an important identifying document. Please make sure you keep it in a safe place to avoid identity theft. Do not carry your card with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers!
To learn more about what a Social Security Number is please visit theSocial Security website.
Remember: Social Security Numbers are not valid forms of work authorization! Please read the employment section to learn about student and exchange visitor work authorizationon and off campus.
When can I apply for a Social Security Number?
F-1 Students
- The SSA recommends that you wait at least 10 business days after your SEVIS record is registered at the start of your program, so that your status is updated in all relevant government databases, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database that the SSA checks as part of your application.
- If you have Curricular Practical Training Authorization, you can apply 30 days before the start date of your Curricular Practical Training
- If you have Optional Practical Training Authorization, you can apply after you have both your I-20 with Optional Practical Training endorsem*nt and your Employment Authorization card
- If you are working on campus, you can apply after you receive your On-Campus Employment Letter from the Office of Global Services, but no earlier than 30 days before the start date of your on-campus job.
J-1 Students
- The SSA recommends that you wait at least 10 business days after your SEVIS record is validated at the start of your program, so that your status is updated in all relevant government databases, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database that the SSA checks as part of your application.
- If you have Academic Training Authorization, you can apply 30 days before the start date of your Academic Training
- If you are working on-campus, you can apply after your receive your On-Campus Employment Letter from the Office of Global Services
- Please note: J-1 sponsored students who are not under Northeastern University’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program must seek permission from their Program Sponsor to work on or off-campus.
J-1 Scholars
- The SSA recommends that you wait at least 10 business days after your SEVIS record is validated at the start of your program, so that your status is updated in all relevant government databases, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database that the SSA checks as part of your application.
- After this, if you are receiving a U.S. salary, you should apply for the SSN as soon as possible. If you are not receiving a U.S. salary, you’re not required to apply for an SSN but can do so at any time during your program after this 10 business day window.
What documents do I need?
Please note that X equals document is required.
Where do I apply?
After collecting all required documentation, you can apply for your Social Security Number with the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration has a few locations in the Boston area. When applying for your Social Security Number, you will need to go in person to one of the Social Security Administration locations.
Generally, there are three convenient locations for Northeastern students studying at the Boston campus:
- Social Security Administration
10 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02222 - Social Security Administration
10 Fawcett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 - Social Security Administration
10 Malcolm X Blvd.
Roxbury, Ma 02119
For Northeastern students studying at the Seattle campus:
- Social Security Administration
Suite 901
915 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98174
If you are not located in Boston or Seattle, you can find the nearest Social Security Office near youhere.
How do I apply for a Social Security Number?
BOSTON CAMPUS ONLY
The Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer requires appointments in order to visit an office, and has reverted to the pre-pandemic process of accepting applicants on a walk-in basis. This means you should no longer mail or fax in documents.
Additionally, the SSA has launched a new online portal: OSSNAP – Online Social Security Number Application Portal allows you to enter your personal information prior to your visit to the SSA, so that when you go to the office, the SSA representative will only need to verify your information and check your documents.
OGS strongly encourages students to complete the online application prior to visiting the SSA office in person. It will save time and speed up the process for you.
Please note that the SSA is only able to process your SSN application up to 30 days prior to your employment start date.
How do I apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
- First, you will need to gain proper documentation from OGS by obtaining one of the following documents:
- An on-campus employment letter (if you have obtained an on-campus job)
- F-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter Request
- J-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter Request
- A Stipended Graduate Assistantship (SGA) letter (if you have received an SGA from your department)
- SGA Social Security Number Letter Request
- An I-20 with CPT authorization on the second page (if you have a co-op/internship/etc.)
- CPT Authorization Request
- An on-campus employment letter (if you have obtained an on-campus job)
The SSA office will not be able to process your SSN application if you do not have the proper documentation from OGS.
- Visit OSSNAP – Online Social Security Number Application Portal and start your SSN application by answering the questions online.
- After completing the online application, note down the confirmation number. You must take the confirmation number and visit one of the SSA offices (ideally one closest to your residential address) within 45 days, but not more than 30 days before your employment start date.
For all other campuses, please continue to contact your local SSA office to understand their process. We will continue to update our website as more information becomes available.
How long does it take to get a Social Security Number?
It takes about two to four weeks for an Social Security Number card to be issued. You are allowed to start working with just a letter/receipt from the Social Security Administration (SSA) stating you have applied for a Social Security Number. However, this is at the discretion of your employer. Typically, if an employer will be doing a background check they will only accept a Social Security Number before you can start working. Please talk with the Human Resources Department of your employer about their policy.
Remember! Social Security numbers are not valid forms of work authorization! Please read the employment section to learn about student and exchange visitor employment on and off campus.
If you receive a notice from the SSA stating that they cannot issue you an SSN because “the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is unable to verify the immigrant document you submitted as evidence of your lawful visa status,” please contact OGS for further assistance.
