International Students and Social Security Numbers (PDF)

Obtaining a Social Security Number

  • Student Staff Positions
  • Graduate Hourly Positions
  • Optional Practical Training
  • Curricular Practical Training

  • Instructions for Student Staff Positions

    1. You must first have a written job offer.
    2. Have your employer/supervisor type a letter, using the template provided by the Office of International Student Services.
    3. Have your supervisor print the letter on office letterhead and sign it.
    4. Take the letter to the Office of International Student Services (HRB 10) for a Designated School Official to sign.
    5. Visit the Social Security Office, taking with you the following items:
      6. Social Security Administration
      Address:  3112 Constitution Dr., Springfield, IL  62704
      Phone:  (877) 279-9504
      Hours:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:  9am-4pm, Wednesday:  9am-12pm
    6. Give these 5 items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.
    7. When you apply for your social security card, the Social Security Administration Office will give you a letter. After you receive that letter, you need to email your assigned coordinator to schedule a new hire appointment:
    8. Keep your Social Security Card in a safe place.

  • Instructions for Graduate Hourly/GA/GPSI Positions

    1. You must first have a written job offer.
    2. Have your employer/supervisor type a letter, using the template provided by the Office of International Student Services.
    3. Have your supervisor print the letter on office letterhead and sign it.
    4. Take the letter to the Office of International Student Services (HRB 10) for a Designated School Official to sign.
    5. Visit the Social Security Office, taking with you the following items:Social Security Administration
      Address:  3112 Constitution Dr., Springfield, IL  62704
      Phone:  (877) 279-9504
      Hours:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:  9am-4pm, Wednesday:  9am-12pm
    6. Give these 5 items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.
    7. When you apply for your social security card, the Social Security Administration Office will give you a letter.  After you receive that letter, you need to email your assigned coordinator to schedule a new hire appointment:
      Grad Hourly:  Contact Jé Greer by emailing jgree6@uis.edu.
      GA:  Contact GA Office by emailing gaprog@uis.edu.
      GPSI:  Contact GPSI Office by emailing gpsimail@uis.edu.
    8. Keep your Social Security Card in a safe place.

  • 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:

      Social Security Administration
      Address:  3112 Constitution Dr., Springfield, IL  62704
      Phone:  (877) 279-9504
      Hours:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:  9am-4pm, Wednesday:  9am-12pm

    3. Give these items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.
    4. You will receive your card in about 2 weeks.
    5. Keep your Social Security Card in a safe place.

  • 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:

      Social Security Administration
      Address:  3112 Constitution Dr., Springfield, IL  62704
      Phone:  (877) 279-9504
      Hours:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:  9am-4pm, Wednesday:  9am-12pm

    5. Give these 5 items to the staff at Social Security. They will return your Form I-20 and passport to you.
    6. Wait to begin work until you receive the card, usually around two weeks.
    7. Keep your Social Security Card in a safe place.