Social Security Number for F-1

NOTE: A Social Security Number is a lifetime number. If you already received a SSN in the past, you do not need to apply for a new one. If you do not have employment, but have a taxable scholarship or fellowship that needs to be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

You are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you have been hired for an on-campus job or received authorization for another type of F-1 employment, such as CPT or OPT. 

For On-Campus Employment

  1. Ask your on-campus employer to complete the Social Security Verification form. Bring the form to the ISSS office for a signature. We may also need to reprint your I-20 with an original "wet" signature.
     
  2. Complete the online social security number application at https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/start.html. You can complete the online application in the ISSS office when you bring the social security verification form for a signature. Note: When you get to the page for "Social Security Number Documentation", only check the boxes as in the example here. 
     
  3. Go in person to the Eugene (or Portland) Social Security office and bring the original documents listed below, including the signed Social Security Verification form, to complete the social security number request. You must show the documents within 45 days or you will need to submit a new application. 

Preparing for your in-person visit

  • Please gather the documents listed above and bring them with you to the Social Security Administration office (see addresses for Eugene and Portland below)
  • The Social Security office does not schedule appointments to complete social security number applications. 
  • If you have questions before you visit, please visit the ISSS office in Oregon Hall, 3rd floor.
  • The Social Security office prefers that you come alone unless you require help with your visit. If you require help, they can only permit one person to join you.
  • Please follow directions for check-in when you arrive.

After your in-person visit

The Social Security Administration will mail a receipt to the mailing address you provided. Give this receipt to your on-campus employer. The social security card should arrive in two weeks.

Receiving Pay

The social security number/card is not needed to start work and receive pay. Give the receipt to your on-campus employer. As soon as you receive your social security card, give a copy to your employer. 

For Off-Campus Employment

  1. Complete the online social security number application at https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/start.html. Note: When you get to the page for "Social Security Number Documentation", only check the boxes as in the example here. 
     
  2. Go in person to the nearest Social Security Administration office near you. Find the nearest office on the Social Security web site by entering your ZIP code. Bring your original documents to complete the social security number request. You must show the documents within 45 days or you will need to submit a new application. 
  • Foreign Passport
  • I-94 with Unexpired Foreign Passport (retrieve at cbp.gov/I94)
  • CPT or OPT I-20 Certification of Eligibility (original signed I-20 is required)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)

Preparing for your in-person visit

  • Please gather the documents listed above and bring them with you to the Social Security Administration office nearest you.
  • The Social Security office does not schedule appointments to complete social security number applications.
  • If you have questions before you visit, please call your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213.
  • The Social Security office prefers that you come alone unless you require help with your visit. If you require help, they can only permit one person to join you.
  • Please follow directions for check-in when you arrive.

After your in-person visit

The Social Security Administration will mail a receipt to the mailing address you provided. Give this receipt to your on-campus employer. The social security card should arrive in two weeks.

Receiving Pay

The social security number/card is not needed to start work and receive pay. Give the receipt to your on-campus employer. As soon as you receive your social security card, give a copy to your employer. 

Social Security Administration Offices

Eugene Social Security Office

Address: 2504 Oakmont Way, Eugene, OR 97401

Phone: 866.563.3450

Hours: Open 9am – 4pm Monday thru Friday

Directions by bus: Take bus #67 - Coburg Road/VRC from the Eugene Bus Station. The SSA office is located across from the Oakway Center behind Albertson's supermarket. 

Portland Social Security Office

Address: 17925 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97236

Phone: 800.772.1213

Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday thru Friday