Social Security Number Application
A social security number (SSN) is primarily used by employers and employees for tax reporting. In general, international students and scholars need to have authorized employment to apply for a social security number.
A social security number (SSN):
- must be applied for in-person from the Social Security Administration, a federal agency.
- is not a work permit. An SSN is used only for tax reporting purposes.
- is not required to open a bank account, rent an apartment, start a mobile phone contract, or get a credit card.
- is yours for life. You don't need to apply for another one if you already have
When and How to Apply
- Go to iHawk and complete Evidence of On-Campus Job for SSN Application under F-1 Student Services.
- Pick up Evidence of On-Campus Job for SSN Application letter for the SSN application in ISS. You will receive an email once it is ready for pick up.
- Complete the SSN Application online and keep the application reference number.
- Take all original immigration documents, Evidence of On-Campus Job for SSN Application letter, and application reference number to the Social Security Administration. (*SSA Consent Form: optional but recommended)
*Note: In order for KU to get your SSN directly from the Social Security Administration, you have the option of submitting an SSA Consent form at step 4. This may help you get paid faster. Without the consent form, you must wait to get your SSN card in the mail so you can report your SSN to KU. The SSA Consent form is available in ISS, the Shared Service Centers, and the Recruitment and On-boarding Center.
J-1 students need to first submit their work authorization request in iHawk. This could be the on-campus work permit or the academic training request. ISS will then issue an employment authorization form.
Once you have the ISS work authorization letter, you should:
- Complete the SSN Application online and keep the application reference number.
- Take all original immigration documents, ISS work authorization letter, and application reference number to the Social Security Administration. (SSA Consent Form: optional but recommended)
Supporting Documentation
- Passport
- I-94 record
- DS-2019 form
- ISS work authorization letter
- *SSA Consent Form
*In order for KU to get your SSN directly from the Social Security Administration, you have the option of submitting an SSA Consent form. This may help you get paid faster. Without the consent form, you must wait to get your SSN card in the mail so you can report your SSN to KU. The SSA Consent form is available in ISS, the Shared Service Centers and the Recruitment and On-boarding Center.
Please Note: if KU is not your J-1 program sponsor, then we can not issue an ISS work authorization letter. The student will need to work with their sponsor to get documentation necessary to apply for an ssn.
J-1 scholars do not need any additional documentation from ISS to apply for a SSN. Your SEVIS record must be validated before you begin the social security number application, otherwise, you application will go through SAVE verification and will take significantly longer. You need to take the following documentation:
- DS-2019 form
- Passport
- J-1 visa stamp
- I-94 record
- SSA Consent Form
- Complete the SSN Application online and keep the application reference number.
Note: In order for KU to get your SSN directly from the Social Security Administration, you have the option of submitting an SSA Consent form (pdf) when you go to the Social Security Administration. We strongly recommend you submit the consent form.