Document 6434031

Genevieve M. Bordogna
International Student Advisor
International Services Office
114 Carruth Rizza Hall
Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1326 USA
Phone: (724) 738-2603
Fax: (724) 728-2289
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, SCHOLARS, AND VISITORS
A social security number is a requirement for all persons who work and receive pay in the U.S. Apply for the Social
Security Number (SSN) in person at a local Social Security office. After submitting the application, you should receive
the SSN card within one to two months. If you do not receive the card within 30 days, return to the Social Security office
to inquire or call the toll-free (800) phone number below. Do NOT apply for a second card; you will have only one SSN
in your lifetime. If you continue to experience difficulties obtaining the card, contact the International Services Office.
Although the SSN will be requested during many daily activities such as banking, utilities, phones, etc., it is only required
for employment. For purposes other than employment, ask the service provider about acceptable alternative identification
(ID) numbers. Your SSN has 9 digits - the same as a Student ID number - but it is a different number. When you are asked
for these numbers, be clear about which one is needed. The Student ID Number generally is valid only at SRU. NEVER
give your SSN unless it is required.
To apply for the SSN denial letter (if you are not eligible for an SSN but need documentation required for PA driver’s
license) present yourself in person at one of the nearest Social Security Offices listed below with your original
immigration documents. The denial letter will be provided to you while you wait. You do not need to make an
appointment.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS
International applicants apply in person at the nearest Social Security office NO EARLIER THAN 10 days after arriving
in the US. Only short-term scholars who will be in the US less than 5 weeks should apply for their SSN immediately after
arriving in the US without waiting 10 days. To apply, take the original documents noted in the table below. With the
exception of the Social Security Card Application, all other documents will be examined and returned immediately to you.
Required Documents
SSN Application (SS-5)
Passport
I-94 Card
Non-immigrant document
Special Documents
SOCIAL SECURITY
102 WOODY DRIVE
BUTLER, PA 16001
Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Except Federal Holidays
F-1 Students
Yes
Yes
Yes
I-20
1. CPT authorization on I-20
OR
2. OPT I-20 and the EAD card
OR
3. Status verification SSN
letter signed by Genevieve
4. Letter from Employer
Status
verification
SSN letter
Letter from
Employer
J-1
Scholars
Yes
Yes
Yes
DS-2019
NONE
H-1B Workers
Yes
Yes
Yes
Form I-797: H-1B
Approval Notice
NONE
NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICES
Social Security Administration
Telephone Service: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1-800-772-1213
(national number) More information available at:
www.ssa.gov
Take Lyndora exit from Rt 8. Take Hansen Ave to Pullman
Square. Office is located across from Arbys.
Updated 08/2011
J-1 Students
J-1 Student
Interns
Yes
Yes
Yes
DS-2019