International Student Services

 

Step 1: Proof of Employment and Work Authorization

In order to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires all F-1 students to provide proof of valid F-1 status, proof of employment and of work authorization. Depending on the job, the required documents vary:

If your first U.S. job is on campus:

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• Have your employer provide you with a letter using the template of On-Campus Employment Offer Letter.
• Take the letter to the Career Center for a signature.
• Go to the ISSO and request a SSN letter. You will need information from the Career Center letter to complete the request form.
• The next business day you will be emailed to pick up the ISSO letter. (hide)

If your first U.S. job is Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

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• A Career Center letter is not required; the information on page 3 of your CPT I-20 is your proof of employment.
• When you request the CPT I-20 from the ISS Office, also request a SSN letter.
• You will be emailed when the I-20 and letter are ready for pickup. (hide)

If your first U.S. job is Optional Practical Training (OPT):

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• When you receive the OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD), request a SSN letter from the ISSO. You will be emailed when the letter is ready for pickup.
• You do not need a job offer or Career Center letter. Your OPT I-20 plus EAD meet the work authorization requirements. (hide)

Step 2: The Social Security Office

Take all the following to a Social Security Administration Office:

• Documents from STEP 1
• Passport, F-1 visa and I-94
• Form I-20

*We suggest you take the originals and a copy of your immigration documents.

At the Social Security Administration Office, you will be given a short form to complete and the clerk will check your immigration documents. You can also complete the form online in advance and bring it with you to the SSA office. The SSN card will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

The process usually takes two to three weeks, though it can be longer if your immigration documents require further inspection. If you use the ISSO address, we will email you on the day we receive your card.

When to Apply

The following are Social Security Administration application limits. If you apply too early your application could be delayed or denied.

• Newly arrived:  At least 10 days after arrival in the U.S.
• CPT: 30 days or less before the CPT start date
• OPT: On or after the EAD start date 

Getting to the Social Security Administration Office:

The SSA Office located closest to UT Dallas is:
10824 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, Texas 75231
1-800-772-1213 (phone)

With your Comet Card, free DART pass, and the UT Dallas campus shuttle, you can conveniently use public transportation to reach the SSA Office:

• Take the DART campus shuttle to the George Bush Turnpike DART rail station.
• Ride the DART rail station to the Walnut Hill train stop
• Take the 502 DART bus to the Social Security Administration Office

To plan your trip, please visit the DART website for current schedule.