Social Security numbers are necessary for students who will be employed in the United States. It is a registration number issued by a government agency (called the Social Security Administration) and it is used for tax purposes.

Please provide your Social Security number to the student employment office in the Office of Student Financial Aid, Office of the Comptroller (payroll), or the Graduate School after you have received your number.

Please contact the Social Security Administration if you have other questions or to learn the requirements for people with other legal statuses. The Social Security Administration can be reached toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or on the Social Security Administration website.

Social Security Number (SSN) for F-1 Students

Social Security numbers are necessary for F-1 students who have a job or who have been offered a job. Students with F-1 visas who have campus employment may apply for a Social Security number AFTER they have arrived in the United States with valid F-1 visa status.

To apply for your number, follow these steps:

  1. Request certification letter at the Office of International Education (OIE), Holthusen Hall, 4th Floor.
  2. Take the certification letter to your supervisor or employer in the department where you will work. Your employer will complete the section of the letter which indicates your job duties, expected starting date, and the names of your supervisor and employer.
  3. Return with your letter to the Office of International Education (OIE) to request the signature of an OIE advisor. You can return to collect the signed letter two (2) business days later.
  4. Collect your certification (which is now signed by your employer and an OIE advisor) from OIE.
  5. Visit the Social Security Administration (see address below) to submit your application for a Social Security number. Bring your passport, Form I-20, printed I-94 Verification and the certification letter from OIE. 

Location: Social Security Administration
Reuss Federal Building
310 West Wisconsin Avenue, room 260
Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm

The Social Security Administration recommends that you wait at least 10 days after you arrive in the United States before applying for a number. This allows time for your arrival data from the port of entry to be entered in the database which is used to authorize the issuance of your card. If approved, your official Social Security Card with the number will be sent to you by postal mail.

Social Security Number (SSN) for J-1 Students

Social Security numbers are necessary for J-1 exchange visitors who will be employed in the United States. Students with valid J-1 visa status may apply for a Social Security number AFTER arrival in the United States and after they have received authorization for employment. To apply for your number, follow these steps:

  1. Request the necessary confirmation letter for your Social Security application from the Office of International Education (OIE), Holthusen Hall, 4th Floor. This letter will state that you have valid J-1 status and employment authorization as part of the Marquette Exchange Visitor program.
  2. Visit the Social Security Administration (see address below) to submit your application for a Social Security number. Bring your passport, Form DS-2019, printed I-94 Verification and the certification letter from OIE. 

Location: Social Security Administration
Reuss Federal Building
310 West Wisconsin Avenue, room 260
Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm

The Social Security Administration recommends that you wait at least 10 days after you arrive in the U.S. before applying for a number. This allows time for your arrival data from the port of entry to be entered in the database which is used to authorize the issuance of your card.