Obtaining a Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker’s lifetime. The Social Security number itself is not a work permit.
F-1 students who are employed in the U.S. must apply for a Social Security number. Dependents in F-2 status are not eligible for a Social Security number. (Students who will not work on campus but who receive a taxable scholarship should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes).
The Social Security Administration office nearest to Elmhurst University is located at 230 West Lake Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. However, if you live off-campus please locate the closest SSA office to your current address.
Click each of the below sections to access and review pertinent information.
To issue a Social Security number, the Social Security Administration requires evidence that you:
- Are eligible to work in the U.S.
- Are a full-time student
- Have received a formal offer of on-campus employment, OR
- Have been authorized for off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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 “non-work” reasons. The Social Security Administration must also verify your immigration documents and status with Immigration before issuing the Social Security number.
Step 1: Internal (Elmhurst University) Process
- Log in to the myElmhurst Portal and select the Etrieve Forms app.
- Access, complete, and submit the F-1 SSN DSO Support Letter Request form.
- Attach your Elmhurst University Hiring Manager/Supervisor “Employer Letter”.
- The “Employer Letter” must be completed by your Elmhurst University Hiring Manager/Supervisor, signed in ink, scanned, and uploaded.
- Attach your Elmhurst University Hiring Manager/Supervisor “Employer Letter”.
- Once received, ISS will issue your DSO SSN Support Letter for your SSN application (Step 2).
STEP 2: External (Social Security Administration) Process:
- Complete an SSN Application and assemble the following documents:
- Form SS-5
- Passport
- F-1 Visa
- I-20
- I-94
- Employment specific documents (based on your employment reason for applying):
- On-Campus Job Offer:
- Hiring Manager/Supervisor “Employer Letter”
- DSO SSN Support Letter
- Authorized CPT
- CPT Approved I-20
- Requested OPT
- SSN application is built into the I-765 (OPT application)
- On-Campus Job Offer:
- Contact your local SSA office for appointment information (walk-in vs. scheduled, hours of operation, etc.) once you have your entire SSN application assembled.
- If all goes well, you should be approved and receive your SSN in the mail.
- Afterward, submit your SSN and any outstanding hiring documents to SFS.
