Social Security Number for J-1/J-2

You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you have received work authorization from International Student & Scholar Services for on-campus student employment or academic training. If you are applying on the basis of an on-campus job, you must first complete the J-1 Student Employment Authorization Form before you can go to a Social Security office to apply for a Social Security Number.

For On-Campus Employment

  1. Ask your on-campus employer to complete the J-1 Student Employment Authorization Form. Bring the form to the ISSS office for a signature.
     
  2. Complete the online social security number application. You can complete the online application in the ISSS office when you bring the J-1 Student Employment Authorization 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 (except instead of I-20 you are checking DS-2019). 
     
  3. Go in person to the Eugene (or Portland) Social Security office and bring the documents listed below, including the signed J-1 Student Employment Authorization 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.

Getting Paid

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. 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. 
     
  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 I-94 at I-94 Travel Website)
  • DS-2019 Certification of Eligibility
  • J-1 work authorization Letter (provided by ISSS)
  • J-2 work authorization document (EAD)

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. 

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.

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