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Cornell University

International Services

Office of Global Learning

Apply for an SSN

  • For Everyone

All Cornell employees in paid positions must apply for a Social Security number (SSN). An SSN is used by employers and employees for tax-reporting purposes. Your employer reports taxes withheld from your paycheck using your unique number, and you provide your SSN when you file an income tax return.

An SSN is not a work permit. You don’t need an SSN to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or get a credit card. SSNs are only required for tax reporting.

Eligibility

In general, all international students, faculty, and staff need authorized employment to be eligible to apply for an SSN. All Cornell employees in paid positions must apply for an SSN. 

F-1 and J-1 Students 

You are eligible to apply for an SSN if one of the following is true:

  • You have a campus job or assistantship.
  • You have off-campus work authorization, you are within 30 days of the start date of your CPT, or you have started your OPT.
  • You have at least two more weeks before the end of your employment on or off campus.
  • You are a J-2 dependent, and you have applied for and received a work card from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F-2 dependents are not eligible.

J-1 Exchange Visitors 

You will need a letter from International Services verifying you are eligible for an SSN.

I’m eligible! When can I apply?

You can apply after you have been in the U.S. for at least 10 days, and your job or appointment has started. International students and workers—including J-1 exchange visitors—who wish to apply for a new or replacement SSN card may start the process online. After entering the required information, you must present your original documents to the local Social Security Office within 45 days. 

I’m not eligible. What do I do?

An individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN) is an option for people who have to file tax returns but are not eligible for an SSN.

I got an SSN when I worked in the U.S. before. Do I need to apply again?

Your SSN is yours for life. You don’t need to apply for a new SSN if you already have one from a previous time in the United States.

Are you ready to apply for an SSN?

Here’s what you need to do. 

  1. Gather Docs
  2. Complete Form
  3. Go to Office
  4. Wait for Mail

1 Gather your documents.

Have these documents ready on the day you plan to apply.

A first time applicant for an SSN must show original, current, unexpired proof of age, identity, and lawful resident status. While one document may be used for two purposes, it cannot be used for all three.

  • Valid passport
  • I-94 arrival record created when you entered the U.S.
  • I-20 (F-1), DS-2019 (J-1), or I-797 (H-1B, O)

If you are an F-1 or J-1 student with a campus job or assistantship, you will also need:

  • Letter from International Services verifying that you are eligible for an SSN. Complete the F-1 SSN Eligibility Letter or J-1 SSN Eligibility Letter request. Please note that once we produce this letter, it is only valid for 30-days. Please request the letter when you know you will be making your application to the Social Security Office within the next two weeks.
  • Pay stub or letter (on letterhead) from your hiring department verifying your employment

Note: If you are a Cornell Tech student and have a Cornell Tech campus job or assistantship, please contact studentaffairs@tech.cornell.edu for your hiring department letter and your SSN eligibility verification letter.

If you are an F-1 or J-1 student with an off-campus job, you will also need:

  • Off-campus work authorization approval (I-20 or DS-2019) instead of the SSN Eligibility Letter
  • Employment letter
What should my hiring department say in the employment letter?

Ask your department to print your F-1/J-1 student employment letter on department letterhead and follow these guidelines:

  • Open by stating, “This is to confirm that [your name] is appointed as a [job title], starting on [start date].”
  • Briefly describe your job duties.
  • State the number of hours per week you work (no more than 20 hours during the fall and spring semesters).
  • List the department contact information, including the name and telephone number of your immediate supervisor, and employer identification number (EIN).
  • End with an original signature, the signer’s job title, and the signature date.

If you are a J-1 scholar, you will also need:

I’m a J-1 scholar at Cornell Tech. Where should I get my letter?

Obtain a letter from International Services via MyStatus Portal verifying that you are eligible for an SSN.

2 Complete the online SSN application.


3 Go to the Social Security Office.

Bring your documents and completed SSN application to the local Social Security Office. The Ithaca office is at 127 West State Street, on the second floor of the Greenstate Building.

4 Wait up to three weeks to receive your Social Security card in the mail.

After you receive your SSN, it’s best not to carry the card in your wallet. Instead, memorize the number, and keep the card in a safe place with your other important documents. Don’t lose your card! Replacing it is tricky.

Not eligible for an SSN?

An individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN) is an option for people who have to file tax returns but are not eligible for an SSN.

Next Up: Apply for an ITIN