Obtaining a Social Security Number

Students holding F-1 and J-1 status who are paid by U.S. sources must apply for a social security number. Students who are not employed, but receive scholarships and tuition waivers may need to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). The primary purpose of the social security number is to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. A social security number is not required to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution or other "nonwork" reason. The Social Security Administration will require evidence that you are eligible to work in the United States, that you are a full-time student, and that you have received a formal offer of employment. The Social Security Administration must also verify your immigration documents and status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before issuing the social security number.

To obtain a social security number if you are an F-1 or J-1 student seeking on-campus employment:

1. If you are a new student at Western, report to International Programs & Exchanges (IPE) for a required check-in. After you are enrolled full-time, International Programs & Exchanges will register you in the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Continuing students should refer to step 2.
2. Get a letter from your employer that confirms you have been hired, using the template provided by International Programs & Exchanges. Make an appointment with the advisor in International Programs & Exchanges and bring your employment letter to the meeting. The International Programs Advisor will provide you with a memo which confirms that you are a full-time student, are maintaining status, and are eligible for work on campus.
3. Please wait 10 - 15 days after initial entry to the U.S. before applying in order to allow time for the Social Security Administration to download your record from the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS database.

   Office Address:

   Social Security Administration
   Federal Building, Rm. 109
   104 W. Magnolia
   Bellingham, WA 98225
   

   Phone Numbers:

   Toll-Free: 1-800-772-1213

   TTY: 1-800-325-0778

   Office Hours:

   Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Except federal holidays)

   Directions to Social Security Office: Downtown Bellingham at the corner of Magnolia and Cornwall in the Federal Building across from the Rite Aid drugstore.

   The application process is brief and simple. Ask for a "Note of Verification" at the Social Security Administration Office, which shows that you have applied for a social security number. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to receive your Social Security Card. Bring with you:

   • Your employment letter and confirmation of status memo
   • Form I-20 (F-1 status) or DS-2019 (J-1 status)
   • Passport
   • I-94 card
4. The department which hires you will help you complete additional employment forms: I-9, W-4, and Payroll Information Form.

To obtain a social security number if you are an F-1 or J-1 student in possession of a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, or if you are authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Academic Training:

1. Apply for a social security number in person at a local Social Security Administration office in downtown Bellingham. Bring with you:
   • Your Form I-20 (updated and endorsed for practical training) or DS-2019
   • Passport
   • I-94 card
   • F-1 students with Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization will need to bring the above documents plus their EAD card
   • J-1 exchange visitors with approved Academic Training will need to bring the above documents plus their letter for employment authorization presented by IPE, or other sponsoring agency.
   • J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to bring the above documents plus their EAD card

Helpful websites:

• Social Security Numbers for Non-citizens: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10096.html
• Applications for a Social Security Card: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html