Social Security numbers are necessary for students who will be employed in the U.S. They are registration numbers issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for tax purposes. Social Security Numbers are only available to students with employment in the U.S. In addition to applying for a Social Security Number, students considering work in the U.S. are responsible to ensure that they have proper work authoriztion in place before beginning any employment.

It is possible to start work without your Social Security Number, but you must provide the number to your employment office (e.g. Student Employment/Student Financial Aid, Office of the Comptroller (payroll), the Graduate School) when you receive it.

Please contact the Social Security Administration if you have questions not addressed below or to learn the requirements for people with legal statuses other than F or J. The SSA 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

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 a certification letter at the Office of International Education (OIE), Holthusen Hall, 4th Floor. (New Teaching and Research Assistantships can usually pick up their certfication letter on the last day of international student orientation.)
  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. Drop off your your letter at the Office of International Education (OIE) to be signed by a DSO.  
  4. Collect your signed letter from OIE. (Allow four to five business days for the DSO signature.)
  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 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.