A Social Security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration to individuals who are authorized to work (provide services for various forms of compensation) in the United States. The SSN keeps a record of income for tax purposes. Even though an SSN is only required if you are employed, SSNs are also used to check one's financial credit history and as a form of identification.

You may be asked to provide your SSN when opening a bank account, signing a lease, applying for a credit card, purchasing a mobile phone plan, etc. If you are not employed in the US, and a cell phone carrier, bank, landlord, etc. asks for your SSN, you should explain that you are not eligible for one. If you do not have an SSN, you will not have a financial credit history, and you may be asked to pay a higher deposit for certain services.

If you are issued an SSN, only share it with those who have a legitimate reason for requesting it (an employer, utility provider, landlord, etc.) to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Be sure to keep your Social Security card in a safe place. Do not carry it in your wallet. 

• Original passport and visa stamp (if applicable)
• Physical immigration document [I-20 (F-1s only), DS-2019 (J-1s only), or I-797 (for all other visa holders)]
• I-94 (Can be downloaded and printed from the US Customs and Border Protection I-94 website.)
• Completed SS-5 form

If you fall into one of the following categories, you should also bring:

F-1 students only

• If you are applying for an SSN based on on-campus employment, you will also need to bring the following:
  
  • Original Offer Letter from On-Campus Employer or Service-Fellowship Provider 
    • You can apply for the SSN as early as 30 days before your employment start date as listed on the offer letter.
    • Provide your employer with our downloadable offer letter template.
    • The employer will need to provide you with an original letter containing a "wet signature" before you apply for the SSN.
    • The letter must be printed on Emory letterhead/official stationary and include the following to be accepted by SSA:
      • Date the lettter was created
      • Student's full legal name (as listed in passport)
      • Name of Emory hiring department
      • Position Title
      • Work location (the full street address including city, state and zip code where you will work on-campus)
      • Start date (must be within 30 days from your SSN application date)
      • End date (cannot be beyond your I-20 end date)
      • Wage information (hourly pay or monthly/semesterly stipend)
      • Work hours per week (Note: if the employment will take place when class is in session, the number of hours per week cannot exceed 20 hours per week)
      • Hiring manager's original signature (electronic signatures may not be accepted by SSA)
  • SSN Support Letter from ISSS
    • Request the letter by completing the Social Security Letter Request e-form found under the F-1 Student Services in ISSS Link
    • Obtain the original letter containing a "wet signature" from ISSS

• If you are applying for an SSN based on Curricular Practical Training, you will also need to bring your original SEVIS I-20 annotated for CPT on page 2. You can apply as early as 30 days before your CPT start date listed on your I-20.

• If you are applying for an SSN based on approval for Optional Practical Training, employment with an international organization, or employment for severe economic hardship, you will also need to bring your employment authorization document (EAD). You can apply for an SSN on or after the start date printed on your EAD. 

J-1 students only

• If you are applying for an SSN based on on-campus employment, bring an on-campus employment authorization letter from ISSS. For more information about J-1 on-campus employment and instructions on how to request an on-campus employment authorization letter, click here>>

• If you are applying for an SSN based on Academic Training (AT), you will also need to bring an AT authorization letter from ISSS. For more information about Academic Training and instructions on how to request Academic Training, click here>>

J-1 scholars only 

• If you are paid by Emory, you will also need to bring the invitation letter provided to you by your host department. If you are not being paid by Emory, you do not need to apply for an SSN.

F and J visa holders must have active SEVIS immigration records when they apply for an SSN. If you apply for an SSN before your record is active, your SSN application will be rejected, and you will need to reapply.

If you are a new student at Emory, complete the International Student Check-in e-form in ISSS Link first so ISSS can activate your SEVIS record. Once you receive an email from ISSS letting you know your e-form was approved and your immigration record is active in SEVIS, it is suggested you wait 5 business days before applying for an SSN.

If you are a new J-1 scholar, complete the New Scholar Arrival e-form in ISSS Link first so ISSS can activate your SEVIS record. Once you receive an email from ISSS letting you know that your e-form was approved and your immigration record is active in SEVIS, it is suggested you wait 5 business days before applying for an SSN. 

Application Process: 

First, schedule an appointment with a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Then, bring the required documents to the SSA office on the day of your appointment.

SSA offices that are close to Emory's campus:

• DECATUR OFFICE: 3554 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032
• DOWNTOWN ATLANTA OFFICE:  401 W. Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2860, Fl. 28th, Atlanta, GA 30308
• NORCROSS OFFICE: 4365 Shackleford Road, Norcross, GA 30093

To locate other SSA offices in the Atlanta area, visit the SSA website>>

If your application is approved, the SSA will mail your Social Security card to you. This usually takes about 2 weeks.

When you receive the Social Security card, email nonresident.tax@emory.edu to let them know you have received your SSN, but do not send the number or a copy of the card via email. 

On-Campus Application days were held on August 26 and 27, 2024. Please visit a local SSA office to apply for a SSN. Some locations require appointments in advance; therefore, you should make an appointment if required.

On-Campus Application Process (the on-campus visits have already occurred for 2024-2025 academic year): 

You can only sign up for an on-campus Social Security appointment if you:

1. Will receive a stipend from Emory based on services you're providing;

2. Have an on-campus job; or

3. Need a Social Security letter of ineligibility to apply for a Georgia driver's license/state ID or ITIN.

Before you can meet with an SSA representative, follow the steps below so that you are prepared for your appointment.

All Students

1. Complete the Online Service To Obtain a Social Security Number Card to register with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

• Complete the online registration form to provide the SSA with your biographical information and upload copies of your documents.
  • Do not proceed to the appointment selection screens.

• Once you have completed the online registration, a code will appear.

• Take a picture/screenshot of the code or print the confirmation page and bring it to your appointment.

2. Complete, print, and sign SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and bring the form along with you to your appointment

F-1 Students Only

1) Obtain an offer letter from your on-campus employer or service fellowship provider. To ensure that the letter meets the SSA requirements, provide your employer with the ISSS template letter.

* Please also note that the signature from your employer on your offer letter must be an original, “wet signature” and that electronic signatures will not be accepted by the SSA.

2) Obtain an SSN Support Letter from ISSS by completing the “Social Security Letter Request” e-form found under the F-1 Student Services in ISSS Link. It is HIGHLY recommended that you submit the e-form at least 5 business days prior to your appointment.

3) The SSA officers must see originals of your documents and must take photocopies back to their office for your file. Bring your original and a photocopy of the following:

• Passport

• I-20 (page 1 and 2)
  • You must sign the I-20 with ink before making a photocopy of pages 1 and 2.

• F-1 visa stamp in your passport (if applicable)

• I-94 (print the electronic I-94 from the CBP website)

• Your offer letter using the ISSS template

• ISSS SSN support letter

J-1 Students Only

1) Obtain an On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter from ISSS by completing the “On-Campus Employment Authorization” e-form found under the J-1 Student Services tab in ISSS Link. It is HIGHLY recommended that you submit the e-form at least 10 business days prior to your appointment.

2) The SSA officers must see the originals of your documents and must take photocopies back to their office for your file. Bring your original and a photocopy of the following:

• Passport

• J-1 visa stamp in passport (if applicable)

• DS-2019 (page 1)

• I-94 (print the electronic I-94 from the CBP website)

• On-Campus Employment Authorization letter from ISSS

If I get a Social Security number, can I accept any job?

No. The SSN is not work authorization in itself.

Can I begin working before I receive my SSN?

If you are working for Emory, you can begin working while you wait for the SSN card to arrive in the mail. If you have been given off-campus work authorization, it will depend on your employer's internal policy as they may require an SSN for background checks or other matters. However, federal law does not prohibit the hiring of a person based solely on the fact that the person does not have an SSN. Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for more information. 

I have an ID number from Emory. Do I still need a Social Security number? Do I have to change my ID number?

An Emory ID number is not a Social Security number. You don't need to change your Emory ID number.

Do I need an SSN to apply for a Georgia driver's license/state ID?

No, but you will need to apply for a Social Security letter of inelibility (Form SSAL 676) if you are not eligible for an SSN before you can apply for a Georgia's driver's license or state ID. The SSA issues letters of ineligibility at the time of application. Visit our Driving in the US page for more information.

How long does it take to get my social security card in the mail?

You should get your Social Security card in about 2-4 weeks. 

What should I do with my Social Security card?

Firstly, memorize your Social Security number, then keep it in a safe place with your personal records. Do not carry it in your wallet.

I got an SSN during my last stay in the US. Do I need a new one now?

No, you should only receive one SSN. It is yours for life and never expires regardless of time out of the US or a change in immigration status.