A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for everyone who works in the United States, including non-immigrants. It is not a work permit, nor is it a health insurance benefit. The Social Security Number is used by the government to collect taxes from employees’ paychecks to provide stipends to qualifying elderly and disabled people. Certain nonimmigrants (such as F-1) are not required to have Social Security taxes deducted from their pay if they are in the U.S. for less than 5 years. If you are planning to work in the U.S., you must apply for a Social Security Number.
The following people are eligible to apply:
F-1 students with job offer letter and work permission.
F-1 students pending OPT application.
You must be physically present in the United States for ten (10) days in order to make a request to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is required to verify your legal entry before issuing a card or number.
You cannot apply for an SSN until you receive an employment letter and have all the required documents.
IMPORTANT: you must provide a Continued Attendance I-20 that is signed by you under “student attestation” section. The initial attendance I-20 will not be accepted.
Application Process for Social Security Number (SSN)
Collect required documentation: Do NOT send extra documents if not listed below.
Applications must have listed a US phone number that belongs to you (or a roommate). This is not Indiana Tech’s number.
You must sign (in ink) on Section 17. E-signatures may not be accepted.
Section 2 should be blank.
Section 5 Citizenship should state “Other”
Copy of Passport
Copy of I-94
Copy of Continued Attendance I-20 (signed)
Copy of Employer’s Letter
Work Permit (if on CPT/OPT)
Submit all documents to the Social Security Office.
You will need to take the documents above into the office physically. Please make sure to have copies to hand to the officials as well as your originals.
The address is:
SSA – Fort Wayne Office2122 Lincolnway Court Fort Wayne, IN 46819
The faxing option was only available during COVID-19 protocols and has since been ended.
Once the documents have been verified, you will receive a call from the Social Security Office setting up the appointment if needed.
Bring all documents with you to the appointment at the Social Security Office, just in case.
Request a written verification receipt. Your Social Security card will arrive in the mail if you are approved (generally in two weeks).
Application Process for Ineligibility Letter
If you do not have a job offer but need a letter stating that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you will use the following process:
Collect Required Documentation: Do NOT send documents not listed below
You must sign (in ink) on Section 17. E-signatures may not be accepted.
Copy of Passport
Copy of I-94
Copy of Continued Attendance I-20 (signed)
Submit all documents to the Social Security Office.
You will need to take the documents above into the office physically. Please make sure to have copies to hand to the officials as well as your originals.
The address is:
SSA – Fort Wayne Office 2122 Lincolnway Court Fort Wayne, IN 46819
The faxing option was only available during COVID-19 protocols and has since been ended.
The SSA will be in contact with you if there are any additional questions or will send your letter via mail if everything is in good order.
Note: you must provide a valid US mailing address (including apartment number) as the letter will be mailed to you.
SSN Safety
Although an SSN is only meant to be used for tax and governmental purposes, it is often used by financial institutions, businesses, and others as a unique identification number. Because the SSN is a unique ID, it is often the target of “identity theft”. Therefore you should be very careful about where and to whom you give your SSN.
Never carry your Social Security card or number with you.
Be very careful with any forms, applications or other materials that may have your SSN.
Never give your SSN to someone who calls you on the phone.
Never reply to an email or websites that request an SSN.
Due to COVID-19, the Social Security Office is by appointment only. Once you submit your documents, the office will set up an appointment for your meeting.
Please note, if requesting an ineligibility letter, you might not need an in person visit.
Disclaimer
The International Office at Indiana Tech cannot provide status of your application nor can we set up any appointments for you. You are not guaranteed a Social Security Number rather you must be go through the application process and have all items verified prior to the SSA can issue anything.
