Last Updated: April 16, 2025
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. Once received, an SSN is connected only to you, is permanent and does not change, and does not expire. Students who do not plan to work while studying are not eligible to receive an SSN.
An SSN is NOT work authorization. This page provides the basic steps to apply for an SSN. It assumes that you already have the appropriate work authorization.
Steps to Apply for Social Security Number (SSN)
All new incoming, change of level, or transfer-in students must have their immigration records "activated" by ISS through SEVIS registration to be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). For ISS to complete SEVIS registration, you must:
- Arrive in the U.S. as F-1 or J-1 student
- Complete the online ISS Immigration Course
- Make sure your Current Residence address and phone number appear correctly in your MyUH Portal
Length of Time
- At least 10 days after your arrival into the U.S. (as recorded on your I-94 record)
- At least 3 days after the SEVIS registration date
Please be aware: Due to extra steps in requesting your SSN and hiring processes, bring sufficient funds to pay for housing, food, books and fees until your first paycheck arrives. The pay lag can be up to nine weeks or longer for new international students.
Skip and go to Step #2 if you have received the following employment authorizations:
These can be used in place of a certification letter but must be applied for separately.
- F-1 CPT authorization on 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
For F-1 on-campus work, ISS must issue a certification letter.
- Submit an online request to the ISS Office.
- After logging in, from the drop-down menu for "Request Type," select "Social Security Number."
- Upload a copy of one of the following documents via UH Filedrop to <issstaff@hawaii.edu>:
- For general on-campus employment, upload an employer letter (see template on Forms page); or
- For a Graduate Assistantship, upload the offer letter. The GA letter must be the officially-recognized UH contract signed by the dean of the school or college.
- After uploading, click "Submit" at the bottom of the original screen to log your request.
- 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.
Go to the Social Security Administration website, Request Social Security number for the first time. Click on the link for Get Started to begin your application. Once you complete and submit the application, you will be given an opportunity to schedule an appointment to visit the local SSA office, where you will present your documents in person.
At the end of the application, it will ask you to select ORIGINAL documents that will prove your identity, age and lawful status. For most situations, this is the passport, I-94 and I-20 or DS-2019, which are in the documents listed by the application. However, in addition, you need to bring the documents listed in Step #3 for your situation.
There are two Social Security Administration Offices on Oahu:
Honolulu
Rm 1-114 Fed Bldg
300 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96850
Kapolei
970 Manawai Street
Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
For other locations in the U.S., go to the SSA Office Locator.
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, after your record has been properly activated (see Read This... section above) |
| On-Campus Employment as a Graduate Assistant |
|
|
| 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 |
|
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 as long as your record has been properly activated (see Read This... section above) and work authorization falls within program dates |
| On-Campus Employment as a Graduate Assistant | ||
| Academic Training | ||
| Economic Hardship | ||
| Student Intern | ||
| J-2 Work Authorization |
| On or after start date of EAD, if you did not apply for an SSN on the form I-765 |
Go to your appointment and present your documents listed in Step #4. Once you complete this step successfully, the SSA estimates that you will receive your card in the mail within 14 days.
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.