Social Security

To be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) an F-1 student must show proof of status, proof of employment, and proof of authorization. This number is a unique identifying number assigned to you and will not change. If you already have an SSN, you do not need to request another. You should keep your Social Security Card in a secure location along with your other important documents. If you have been assigned an SSN but have lost the card, you should follow the instructions found at the Social Security Administration website.

While it is often used for other purposes, the SSN is a tax ID. An offer of employment is REQUIRED for students in F-1 status to request a Social Security Number.

F-1 students may only work on-campus, or upon approval for CPT, OPT, or Economic Hardship.

• If you have an on-campus job:
  • Complete the "SSN On Campus Employment Verification eForm in GlobalMavs" by clicking the button below.
  • Once the form has been signed by an International Advisor, you can make your appointment at the Social Security office. You can go to any SSA office, but the nearest to UTA is in Grand Prairie.
  • You will also need to bring your passport and most recent I-20 to the appointment.

• If you have been approved for CPT:
  • The I-20 with CPT approval serves as employment authorization verification.
  • You should also provide an offer letter from the employer to SSA.

• If you have been approved for OPT/Economic Hardship:
  • The EAD card is the employment authorization verification document.
  • You should also provide an offer letter from the employer to SSA.