Social Security Number

The Social Security number has become a de facto national identification number for taxation and other purposes.

Please review the Social Security Administration (SSA) fact sheet on International Students and Social Security Numbers for more information.

Do I need a Social Security Number?

If you plan to work in the U.S., you should apply as soon as possible after you arrive in the U.S. as it takes a minimum of two to three weeks for a Social Security card to be issued. Students must apply for their social security number in person at the Social Security Administration office; social security numbers cannot be requested from abroad.

Note: Although often requested, SSNs are NOT required to apply for a driver's license, to open an account at some banks, rent an apartment, or obtain a cell phone. International students need to be assertive and remind these offices the law does not require an SSN for these services.

J-1 Students/Scholars

• Meet with your International Student Adviser (in the Office of International Programs) to obtain a Social Security Memo before applying for an SSN. Schedule an appointment.
• Take all immigration documents (passport, DS-2019 and I-94*) along with the completed J-1 SSN Memo to the Social Security Office. * You can print your I-94.

F-1 Students

F-1 students must have a job offer to apply for the SSN.

Applying for SSN for On-campus Employment:

1. Print the F-1 SSN Memo Form.
2. Give the form to your UNCW employer to complete and sign Part I.
3. Once the form is signed by your UNCW employer, give the form to your F-1 advisor to complete Part II.
4. Call the Social Security Administration office at (866) 964-6227 to schedule an appointment.
5. Take the following original documents to your appointment:
   • Immigration documents - passport, most recently issued I-20, and I-94 record
   • SSN Memo Form completed and signed by your UNCW employer and F-1 advisor
   • Application for Social Security Number

Applying for SSN on Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

1. Apply for CPT and receive a new I-20 with CPT authorization.
2. Call the Social Security Administration office at (866) 964-6227 to schedule an appointment.
   • Note: you cannot apply for a social security number more than 30 days before your employment start date.
3. Take the following original documents to your appointment:
   • Immigration documents - passport, I-20 with CPT authorization, and I-94 record
   • Application for Social Security Number

Applying for SSN on Optional Practical Training (OPT):

If you don't have a SSN at the time of applying for OPT, you have two options to apply for the SSN:

1. Apply for the SSN with the OPT application sent to USCIS. See USCIS Form I-765 instructions.
2. After you receive the EAD card from USCIS, call the Social Security Administration office at (866) 964-6227 to schedule an appointment to apply for the SSN. Note:
   • You cannot apply for SSN more than 30 days before your employment start date.
   • The Social Security Administration will not process your application until your EAD start date has passed.

Important Tips

Protecting Your SSN

• Please review brochure from the Social Security Administration on protecting your SSN from identity theft.
• The social security number is yours for life and can be used to open financial accounts in your name, so be very careful about who you provide the number to. Don't carry your SSN card in your wallet in case it gets lost, and don't send the number via email.
• Social security scams are common. Please review this SSA page and the OISS Scam Alerts page for more information.

SSN Appointment Tips

• Be sure to ask for a receipt showing you applied for the SSN. With the receipt and your passport, you can return to the Social Security office the following day and receive your SSN. However, your physical Social Security card will arrive in the mail two to three weeks after your appointment.
• Visit the Social Security Office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for quicker service. Also, avoid the beginning and end of the month as those are peak times.
• If you have issues with your application, contact your OISS advisor. We can work with the Social Security office to clarify issues.

SSN Application U.S. Address Format

When you apply for the Social Security Number (SSN), a physical card will be mailed to you at the address you provide on your SSN application. It is important to make sure your U.S. address is correctly formatted. Otherwise, delivery of your SSN card may be delayed or you may be required to reapply for the SSN.

SSN Application U.S. Mailing Address Format:

Line 1: Street number followed by street name, Apartment number (if you have one)
Line 2: City, State and Zip code

Example of Off-Campus Address:

123 Chancellors Drive, Apartment 601
Wilmington, NC 28403

Example of On-Campus Address:

601 South College Road, UNCW Station CB#_ _ _ _ _
Wilmington, NC 28407 - _ _ _ _

CB# = Campus Box Number. Add the last 4 digits of your campus box number after the UNCW zip code.

If you don't know your campus box number, follow the steps on the Seahawk Mail website to view your current box assignment.