Janice Lozano
International students in Ohio who are interested in obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) and card should note that this is possible, but they must be either employed or in the process of being hired at Ohio University. Obtaining an SSN is important because financial institutions like banks often require it to open an account. Additionally, it helps the US government correctly identify and record employment earnings. To apply for an SSN, international students must complete the SS-5 application online and submit the required documents, which vary depending on visa type. For instance, F-1 students eligible to work on campus must provide a letter from their school identifying their employer and the type of work they will be doing, along with evidence of employment. J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing their employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of a social security card | Official verification of the social security number assigned to the person whose name is on the card |
| Who needs a social security number? | International students who are employed or in the process of being hired at Ohio University |
| Documents required | Letter from the sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorising employment, F-1 visa, CPT offer letter, CPT-endorsed I-20, Form I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by the designated school official, work permit (I-766) from DHS, J-1 student employment page, ISSS Attestation Letter, Employment Verification Letter (SSN)(EVL) form |
| Application process | Complete the SS-5 application for Social Security online |
| Time taken | Within 14 days of approval |
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What You'll Learn
Required documents for international students
International students in Ohio must submit several documents to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and card. The specific requirements may vary depending on the student's visa status and employment situation. Here is a detailed list of the required documents for international students seeking an SSN in Ohio:
F-1 Students:
- Employment Evidence: If eligible to work on campus, a letter from the school official identifying the employer and the type of work. This can include evidence such as recent pay slips or a letter from the employer.
- Work Authorisation: Evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Form I-20: If engaged in CPT, the I-20 form must include authorization for CPT printed on it.
- Work Permit (I-766): If the F-1 student has a work permit from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this must be presented.
- Employment Verification Letter (EVL): Students on CPT will need their CPT offer letter and the CPT-endorsed I-20, but not the EVL.
- Valid Immigration Documents: This includes a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S."
J-1 Students:
- Letter from Sponsor: The letter should be on sponsor letterhead, authorizing employment and including an original signature.
- Evidence of Employment: J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be registered for a full course of study.
- Form I-20: If engaged in CPT, the form must include an employment page completed and signed by the designated school official.
- Social Security Letter: If the J-1 student is under the sponsorship of an external organization, they should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
- Invitation Letter: The department provided this when the student was invited to visit Ohio.
- ISSS Attestation Letter: The student must be enrolled full time to be eligible for this letter.
General Requirements:
- Valid Passport: All international students must have a valid passport.
- Employment Authorization (EAD) Card: This is required for those engaged in OPT or with J-2 dependent status.
- Campus Employment Letter: Some universities, like UW, require a campus employment letter from the hiring department.
- Online Application Form (SS-5): Students must complete the SS-5 application form online.
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Employment requirements
International students in Ohio who are seeking employment typically need a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job. The SSN is a requirement for various purposes, such as opening bank accounts, applying for credit cards, and tax reporting. While it is possible to avail of certain benefits and services without an SSN, such as registering for school or obtaining private health insurance, it is still a crucial document for international students intending to work.
To apply for an SSN and a Social Security card, international students in Ohio must gather certain documents and complete specific procedures. Here are the employment requirements and steps to obtain a Social Security card:
- Visa and Work Authorization: The first step is to ensure that your visa allows you to work in the United States. If you are lawfully present in the country and plan to work, you can apply for work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This step is crucial to ensuring you are eligible for employment.
- Employment Verification: Once you have confirmed your work authorization or if you are already authorized to work based on your visa type, you will need to gather specific documents for employment verification. The requirements may vary depending on your visa type and student status:
- F-1 Students: If you are an F-1 student eligible to work on campus, you must obtain a letter from your designated school official. This letter should identify your employer and describe the type of work you will be doing. Additionally, you must provide evidence of employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must also sign and date the letter, including their name and contact information.
- Students on CPT: If you are an F-1 student on Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you will need to provide your CPT offer letter and the CPT-endorsed I-20 form.
- J-1 Students: For J-1 students, student interns, or international visitors, a letter from your sponsor is required. This letter should be on official letterhead, include an original signature, and authorize your employment.
Social Security Card Application: After gathering the necessary employment verification documents, you can proceed with the application for a Social Security Number:
- Online Application (SS-5): The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows individuals to complete the SS-5 application for a Social Security card online. This application process is straightforward and accessible.
- In-Person Submission: In some cases, you may need to submit your documents in person or through the mail. Ensure you review the guidelines provided by the SSA to determine if an in-person submission is necessary for your specific situation.
- Waiting for Card Delivery: Once your application is approved, you will receive your Social Security card by mail within approximately 14 days. This card will include your unique Social Security Number. Keep in mind that if you move during the application process, you must promptly notify the Social Security office of your new address.
- Providing SSN to Employer: When you start a new job, you must show your Social Security card to your employer. This step ensures that your employment records are accurate and up to date. Additionally, your employer may require your SSN for tax reporting purposes.
- Financial Institution Requirements: Your Social Security Number is also necessary when interacting with financial institutions. You will need to provide your SSN to banks, credit card companies, and other financial entities. This information is crucial for opening accounts and conducting specific financial transactions.
Remember that your Social Security card and number are sensitive documents. Store them securely and do not share your SSN unless there is a legitimate reason. Additionally, keep yourself informed about any specific requirements or variations in the process based on your visa type and student status.
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Applying for a social security number
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), you must be lawfully present in the United States and plan to apply for work authorization. You can apply for work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and request an SSN from the Social Security Administration simultaneously.
If you are an F-1 student eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official, identifying your employer and the type of work you will be doing. You must also provide evidence of employment, such as a recent payslip or a letter from your employer.
If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor, on sponsor letterhead, with an original signature authorizing your employment.
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can complete the SS-5 application for Social Security online. After your application is approved, you will receive your Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.
Please note that your Social Security card is a sensitive document that must be stored securely. Your number and card can be used by someone else to assume your identity, so do not share your SSN unless you are sure it is for a legitimate reason. You should also not routinely carry your card or other documents that display your number.
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Receiving your social security card
To receive your social security card, you must first apply for a social security number. If you are an international student in Ohio, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a social security number. For instance, you must be lawfully present in the United States and plan to apply for work authorization. Additionally, you must be enrolled full-time to be eligible for the ISSS Form Letter: 9 credit hours for graduate students and 12 credit hours for undergraduate students.
If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official identifying your employer and the type of work you are, or will be, doing. You must also provide evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter, and it must include their name and telephone number.
If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing your employment.
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can complete the SS-5 application for Social Security online. After your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days. It is important to note that you must keep your Social Security card and number secure, as they can be used for identity theft. Do not carry your card with you unless necessary, and only provide your Social Security number for legitimate reasons.
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Storing your social security card
Firstly, it is recommended not to carry your social security card with you every day. Leaving it at home in a safe place is generally a better option. In most cases, simply knowing your social security number is enough. Carrying the card with you increases the risk of it being lost or stolen. If you do need to take it with you, be sure to put it back in its safe place as soon as you get home.
When at home, consider storing your card in a safe or secure box. A fireproof safe is a good option, as it will protect your card not only from theft but also from potential fire damage. You can purchase a fireproof safe at most hardware stores, and some even come with the added security feature of being too heavy to easily move. If a safe is too expensive, consider a fire-resistant box or folder, which can be kept in a secure location such as a locked closet or even a heavy drawer.
Some other places people have suggested for storing their social security card include a self-help book, a bedside table, a wallet, or a sock drawer. While these may be convenient, they are generally not the most secure options, and you should exercise caution if choosing one of these locations.
Remember, your social security card is a sensitive document. Be mindful of who you share it with and always ask why your number is needed and how it will be used. If you do happen to lose your card, don't panic. Social security cards can be easily replaced online, and your local social security office can provide assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor on sponsor letterhead with their original signature authorizing your employment. If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official identifying your employer and the type of work you are or will be doing. You will also need to provide evidence of employment, such as a recent payslip or a letter from your employer.
You can complete the SS-5 application for a Social Security Card online. Once your application is approved, you will receive your Social Security Card in the mail within 14 days.
Many financial institutions, such as banks and credit card companies, ask for your Social Security Number to open an account. It is also used by the U.S. government to correctly identify and record covered wages and employment earnings.
