Social Security Number (SSN)

International students and scholars are only required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they will be employed in the US. An SSN is used solely for taxation purposes and will remain the same number for your entire life. The application is free.

Applying for a Social Security Number

 

When to Apply

International Scholars (visa types: J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3)

  • J-1 Visas: wait at least 10 days after you have received an email from SEVIS indicating your visa record has become "Active". You will automatically receive this email from SEVIS once you've completed the ISSO check-in process. ISSO advisers will email you if you are missing check-in data or documents; be sure to respond right away so as not to delay your eligibility to apply for a SSN. Emails may go to either your UCSF email address or personal email address depending on which address you gave HR during your onboarding.
  • All other visa types: wait at least 10 days after you check in with Human Resources

International Students (visa types: F-1 or J-1 in the student category)

  • J-1 Visas: wait at least 10 days after you have received an email from SEVIS indicating your visa record has become "Active" (this may go to either your UCSF email address or personal email address depending on which address you give HR during your onboarding)
  • F-1 Visas: Wait at least 10 days after you have completed the ISSO Check-In process and your hold in the Student Portal has been lifted.

 

Making an Appointment With the SSA Office

 

 

What to Bring

Before you can visit the SSA Office in San Francisco (see below), you must make an appointment. Walk-in visits to the SSA office are not permitted. 

Schedule your appointment for a date at least 10 days after you receive the SEVIS email confirming your record is"Active".  If you attempt to apply before, you will be turned away to make an appointment in the future. 

The earliest appointments tend to be about 2-4 weeks in the future. 

 

All applicants must complete the Form SS-5: Application For A Social Security Card and bring the following:

International Scholars (visa types: J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3)

  • J-1 Visas: passport, DS-2019, I-94, UCSF appointment/invitation letter printed on UCSF letterhead
  • All other visa types: passport, I-797 Approval Notice (if applicable), I-94, UCSF appointment/invitation letter printed on UCSF letterhead

International Students (visa types: F-1 or J-1 in the student category)

  • J-1 Visas: passport, DS-2019, I-94, on-campus work authorization letter from ISSO
  • F-1 Visas: passport, I-20, I-94, admission letter from department indicating your campus position (ex: GSR), "DSO letter" from the ISSO

 

Where to Go

Apply for your SSN in person. Please visit the SSA office you schedule an appointment with (see above). There are multiple SSA offices in San Francisco. The office that most students and scholars at UCSF use is:

1098 Valencia St, San Francisco 94110 (between 21st and 22nd Street)

However, if there are earlier appointments elsewhere in San Francisco or the Bay Area that you have access to, feel free to apply at alternate locations. 

Request a “Verification Receipt” before leaving the Social Security office. Additional SSA offices can be accessed at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Caution: Never mail original legal documents such as passports or DS-2019s to the Social Security Office to apply for your SSN. Your original legal documents can get lost and you will need to reapply for them at your own expense.

 

After you Apply

Your social security card will be mailed to the address that you listed on the SSN application 7-10 business days after you apply. After you receive your Social Security Number, contact your HR generalist for next steps. ISSO does not need a copy of your social security number or card.

If you have questions regarding the status of your SSN, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778.

Important Notes

  • An SSN is not legally required to open a bank account, obtain a driver's license, open a cellular phone account, etc.
  • Because your SSN is a unique identifying number, it is often used to target individuals in identity theft schemes. ISSO strongly discourages sharing your SSN or card electronically, by email, by phone, or with others that you do not know for reasons other than employment.

Scam Alert

  • You will never be contacted by the social security office about your social security number. If you are ever contacted by someone claiming to be from SSA, please ask for their contact information, end the call, and contact your ISSO adviser. Do not share your SSN or alternative identifying information with callers.