Social security numbers are granted by the U.S. Social Security Administration (S.S.A.). A social security number is assigned only to people who are eligible to work in the U.S. Please be advised that a Social security number is not employment authorization and does not entitle a foreign person to accept a job without proper written approval. The purpose of a Social security number is to post wages for social security records. International students are encouraged to apply for a social security numbers 10 days after their arrival in the U.S., provided that they are eligible and authorized to work on- or off-campus.

How to apply for a Social Security Number

Address:
The closest S.S.A office to the School is located at 237 West 48th Street (between Broadway and Eighth Ave.), Fifth Floor. However, you may apply at any local S.S.A office in your neighborhood. Visit www.ssa.gov to locate a local office.

How to get there:
The S.S.A office is within walking distance, or you may take the 1 or 9 trains to 50th St. station.

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Be prepared to spend at least two hours there. Wait line may be long.)

• Valid Passport
• I-94 card (small white card stapled to your passport)
• I-20 or DS-2019 form
• Work authorization letter from the International Advisement Office (very important!)

What happens next?
The Social Security Office will mail the Social Security Card directly to you in approximately 3-8 weeks. Please consult the International Advisement Office if you have waited for more than 12 weeks after you applied.

Important reminder:
You must print your name on your Social Security application exactly the way it appears on your I-20 (or DS-2019). Do not use nicknames.

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