Obtaining a Social Security Number

Student Staff Positions

Instructions for Student Staff Positions

• You must first have a written job offer.
  1. Have your employer/supervisor type a letter, using the template provided by the Office of International Student Services.
  2. Have your supervisor print the letter on office letterhead and sign it.
  3. Take the letter to the Office of International Student Services (UHB 1006) for a Designated School Official to sign.
  4. Visit the Social Security Office, taking with you the following items:
     • employment letter
     • completed Application for a Social Security Card (PDF)
     • Form I-20
     • Most recent form I-94
     • Passport
  5. Give these 5 items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.

Graduate Hourly Positions

Instructions for Graduate Hourly/GA/GPSI Positions

• You must first have a written job offer.
  1. Have your employer/supervisor type a letter, using the template provided by the Office of International Student Services.
  2. Have your supervisor print the letter on office letterhead and sign it.
  3. Take the letter to the Office of International Student Services (UHB 1006) for a Designated School Official to sign.
  4. Visit the Social Security Office, taking with you the following items:
     • employment letter
     • completed Application for a Social Security Card (PDF)
     • Form I-20
     • Most recent form I-94
     • Passport
  5. Give these 5 items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.
  6. Once you receive your social security card in the mail, you will need to email your assigned coordinator to schedule a new hire appointment:.
     
     • Grad Hourly: studentemployment@uis.edu
     • GA: gaprog@uis.edu
     • GPSI:  gpsimail@uis.edu

Optional Practical Training

Instructions for Optional Practical Training

1. You must first have your EAD card. Or, Apply for your SSN While Applying for your Work Permit (PDF)
2. Visit the Social Security Office, taking with you the following items:
   • EAD card
   • Employment letter, if available
   • Completed Application for a Social Security Card (PDF)
   • Form I-20
   • Most recent form I-94
   • Passport
3. Give these items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.

Curricular Practical Training

Instructions for Curricular Practical Training

1. You must first have an internship and have your CPT approved by the Office of International Student Services. Eligibility and process to apply for CPT can be found on the CPT Webpage.
2. Employer must type a job offer letter. Required information to include on the letter can be found on the CPT Webpage.
3. Once your CPT is approved, you will receive a new form I-20 with the CPT approval dates.
4. Visit the Social Security Office, taking with you the following items:
   • Employment letter
   • Completed Application for a Social Security Card (PDF)
   • Form I-20 with CPT recommendation
   • Most recent form I-94
   • Passport
5. Give these 5 items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.

International Students and Social Security Numbers (PDF)