Social security number

In the U.S. a Social Security number (SSN) is issued to track pay over a worker’s lifetime. A SSN is not an off-campus employment authorization and a SSN is not required to apply for a driver's license, open a bank account, rent an apartment, start a mobile phone contract or get a credit card.

If you are employed in the U.S. you must apply for a SSN. If you are not employed then you are not eligible for a SSN.

• If you have been previously issued an SSN in the U.S., your SSN number belongs to you and you do not need to request a new number.
• If you lost your SSN card and you are currently employed or have secured an on-campus job, you will need to start the SSN process again with the ISSC and then submit the replacement card application request to the Social Security Administration.
• If you are J-1 students with DS-2019 that is not issued by ASU, please contact your J-1 program sponsor for further guidance on how to apply for a SSN.

How to Apply for Social Security Number

For F-1 and J-1 ASU On-Campus Employment

If you are an F-1 or J-1 student employed by ASU, Aramark or the Follet Bookstores, please review the SSN application process here. 

For F-1 CPT and OPT students

You can apply for a social security number using your CPT I-20 or OPT EAD card.

• For CPT, you will not be able to apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the employment start date listed on your CPT I-20.
• For OPT, you will not be able to apply for an SSN before the employment start date on your OPT EAD card.
• Apply for a social security number at a Social Security Card Administration office based on your zip code. Before visiting an SSA office, complete the Online Social Security Number Application. This digital form will allow the Social Security Card Administration to gather your information before you arrive at their office.
• Upon completion of your online application, it is highly recommended you schedule an appointment through their system. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, the Social Security Administration office will still accept drop-ins during their normal business hours. 

You will need to take the following ORIGINAL documents to a Social Security Card Administration near you:

• Passport
• I-94
• OPT I-20 or CPT I-20
• Confirmation page from online application
• Offer letter from employer
• EAD card (for OPT students only)

For J-1 Academic Training students

You can apply for a social security number using your Academic Training DS-2019.

Apply for a social security number at a Social Security Card Administration office based on your zip code. Before visiting an SSA office, complete the Online Social Security Number Application. This digital form will allow the Social Security Card Administration to gather your information before you arrive at their office.

Upon completion of your online application, it is highly recommended you schedule an appointment through their system. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, the Social Security Administration office will still accept drop-ins during their normal business hours. 

You will need to take the following ORIGINAL documents to a Social Security Card Center near you:

• Original letter from your employer
• Confirmation page from online application
• Passport
• I-94
• Academic Training DS-2019