Last Updated: June 20, 2023
What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique identifier used to track payments from work, tax withholding and benefits. Students with F-1 or J-1 student visa status must obtain an (SSN) for employment. Students who do not plan to work while studying are not eligible to receive an SSN.
However, an SSN is NOT work authorization. By itself, it does not grant students any kind of authorization. This page provides the basic steps to apply for an SSN. It assumes that you already have the appropriate work authorization.
You do not need to apply for an SSN again if you already applied through the form I-765 for the following authorizations:
- F-1 OPT
- F-1 Economic Hardship Employment Authorization
- J-2 Employment Authorization
If you did not receive an SSN card within two weeks of the start date of these authorizations, contact ISS immediately.
Once received, an SSN is connected only to you, is permanent and does not change, and does not expire.
Steps to Apply for Social Security Number (SSN)
Skip this step if you received any of the following authorizations:
- F-1 CPT authorization on page 2 of form I-20
- F-1 OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- F-1 Economic Hardship EAD
- J-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter
- J-1 Academic Training Authorization Letter
- J-1 Economic Hardship Authorization Letter
- J-2 EAD
In all other cases, ISS must issue a letter that confirms you are eligible for an SSN.
- Submit an online request to the ISS Office. Login with your UH username and password.
- After logging in, you will need to enter information on the next screen. From the drop-down menu for "Request Type," select "Social Security Number."
- Following the directions for uploading documents via UH Filedrop, upload a copy of one of the following:
- After submitting the document via UH Filedrop, click "Submit" at the original screen for the online form.
- You will receive an email from issstaff@hawaii.edu when your request has been assigned.
- You will receive another email when your request has been completed/processed, and instructions to pick up your ISS letter from the ISS Office.
- If you are entering the U.S. for the first time an an "Initial" on your F-1 or J-1/J-2 record, or if you are an F-1 transfer or on a pending "change of level," ISS must register (activate) your record in the SEVIS database first, then you must wait a certain number of days before applying. See the table in Step 2 under "When to apply."
[1] A template for the employer letter is available on the ISS Forms page. Whether using that template or not, the employer letter for F-1 on-campus employment must contain the following:
-
- Offer on employer letterhead
- Job description
- Employment start date
- Number of hours (per week) to be working
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Employer contact information, including phone number and immediate supervisor’s name
- Employment status (i.e., hired)
- Original (wet ink) signature of employer with signatory’s name, title and date
[2] The graduate assistantship letter must be the officially-recognized UH Manoa contract signed by the dean of the school or college. In lieu of this, an employer letter as described above may be submitted.
F-1 Students
The type of employment authorization you have will determine the documents you need for your application. Use the table below as a guide.
| Type of Work or Authorization | Documents Required | When to Apply | |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Employment (general) |
| No earlier than 30 days before the employment start date | If you are a newly-arrived "Initial" F-1 student, you must also wait at least 10 days after your U.S. entry and 3 days after your SEVIS activation by the ISS Office. Or, if you are an F-1 transfer or a student with a pending "Change of Level," you must also wait at least 3 days from the date ISS registers (activates) your record in SEVIS for your new program. |
| On-Campus Employment as a Graduate Assistant |
| No earlier than 30 days before the employment start date | |
| On-Campus Employment for a Scholarship or Reduced Tuition |
| No earlier than 30 days before the employment start date | |
| Curricular Practical Training |
| No earlier than 30 days before the employment start date | |
| Optional Practical Training | On or after the start date of the EAD, if you did not apply for an SSN on the form I-765 | ||
| Economic Hardship | On or after the start date of the EAD, if you did not apply for an SSN on the form I-765 | ||
J-1 Students, J-2 Dependent Spouses
If you are a J-1 student, all employment authorizations will require the same documents for your SSN application. Use the table below as a guide.
| Type of Work or Authorization | Required Documents | When to Apply | |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Employment (general) |
| Any time within the program start and end dates | If you are a newly-arrived "Initial" J-1 student or J-2 dependent, you must also wait at least 10 days after your U.S. entry and 3 days after your SEVIS activation by the ISS Office. |
| On-Campus Employment as a Graduate Assistant |
| Any time within the program start and end dates | |
| On-Campus Employment for a Scholarship or Reduced Tuition |
| Any time within the program start and end dates | |
| Academic Training |
| Any time within the program start and end dates | |
| Economic Hardship |
| Any time within the program start and end dates | |
| J-2 Work Authorization | On or after start date of EAD, if you did not apply for an SSN on the form I-765 | ||
The application for a Social Security Card is generally simple, but there may be some questions that may be confusing. The following are questions that may need more attention.
Question #1. Name to be shown on card. This will be considered your legal name by the Social Security Administration. Be absolutely sure that the way you enter your name here is how you want it to be in all future documents related to your Social Security Number, and it should be supported by your identification documents. Remember that in the U.S., "Last" refers to your family name, or surname. "First" refers to the given name you might be commonly called on personal basis in the U.S. The name order in your country as shown on your passport may not reflect the common U.S. understanding of first and last names. The Social Security Administration will use the name on your form I-20 or DS-2019 if it matches the name on your passport. If you show a valid EAD, they will use the name on the EAD.
Question #5. Citizenship. You should check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work."
Question #15. Mailing Address. This is the address to which the Social Security Administration will mail your card. Be sure that you can receive mail at this address.
- Go to the Social Security Administration Office with all your documents. (see table in Step 2)
- When you walk into the Social Security Administration Office, you should take a ticket number, and wait until they call your number.
- When they call your number, go to the window and present your documents.
- They will run a check of your immigration record.
- If everything goes smoothly, they will take your application and return your documents.
- If there is any problem, they will refer you back to the school. This may mean that you applied too soon and your record had not yet been activated.
There are two Social Security Administration Offices on Oahu:
Honolulu
Rm 1-114 Fed Bldg
300 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96850
Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Sat and Sun Closed
Closed Saturday and Sunday and on Federal Holidays
Kapolei
970 Manawai Street
Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday and on Federal Holidays
The average wait time to receive the SSN card in the mail is 2 weeks from the date you submitted your application. When you receive the card, you should sign it, memorize the number, and show it to your employer if needed. Then, keep the SSN card in a safe place. Do not carry it with you like an ID.
Remember: once you receive an SSN, it is connected only to you, is permanent and does not change, and does not expire.