Social Security

Quick Guide to the SSN Process

SSN Basics

What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, a United States government agency. It is used primarily for tax-reporting purposes. Once you receive a Social Security Number (SSN), it will remain yours for life. 

*Note that a Penn ID number is not an SSN, and is for internal use only. 

How do I know if I need an SSN?

You will need to apply for an SSN if you will hold employment in the US, including on-campus positions. The employer will use your Social Security number to withhold taxes on earnings and you will need it to file a tax return.

*You are not eligible if you do not have authorized employment.  

Important Notes

You are eligible to apply for an SSN once both of the following criteria have been met: 

  • You arrived in the U.S. under your most recent visa status at least 10 business days ago; and 
  • Your SEVIS record has been validated/registered by ISSS 

Once you receive your Social Security Card (approximately 2-6 weeks via mail), UPDATE the following: 

  • F-1 and J-1 students: Your university records (i.e. the registrar and tax office)  
  • All: Your personal records (banks, employer, etc.) 
  • SCHOLARS: if employed at Penn you must also update your department’s business administrator and corporate tax officer 
  • A Social Security number will only be granted if it is needed for employment purposes. If you are not eligible for an SSN, please review Handling Practical Matters without a Social Security Number. 

Required Documents

All F-1 and J-1 Social Security number applicants must complete and print out the Social Security Card application (Form SS-5). All documents must be original copies with wet signatures.

On-Campus Employment (Students)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, a United States government agency. It is used primarily for tax-reporting purposes. Once you receive a Social Security Number (SSN), it will remain yours for life. 

  1. Start the SSN application online and make an appointment
  2. Social Security: On-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students 
    • ​You will complete Part A, while the hiring department will complete Parts B and C. Note: You must obtain a wet signature on this form from your hiring department. 
    • Submit the completed form via the Social Security Letter Request for On-Campus Employment e-form in iPenn. 
  3. ISSS Social Security Letter  
    • Note: You must pick up an original signed copy of the letter at the ISSS office when your SSN Letter Request is approved.  
  4. J-1 students only: In addition to the Social Security Letter Request above, J-1 students must also submit a J-1 Student: On-Campus Employment Authorization Request and the corresponding eform in iPenn. 
  5. I-20 or DS-2019 
  6. Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record 
  7. Letter from On-Campus Employer (optional) 

Off-Campus Employment (Students)

For F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Note: Your application will not be processed more than 30 days in advance of the CPT employment start date.

  1. Start the SSN application online and make an appointment 
  2. I-20, endorsed for CPT 
  3. Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record 

For F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Note: Your application will not be processed more than 30 days in advance of the CPT employment start date.

  1. Start the SSN application online and make an appointment
  2. I-20, endorsed for OPT 
  3. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 
  4. Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record 

For J-1 Student Academic Training (AT)

  1. Start the SSN application online and make an appointment
  2. ISSS Academic Training Authorization Letter 
  3. DS-2019, endorsed for Academic Training 
  4. Passport, visa stamp,printout of I-94 record 

H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3

  • Start the SSN application online and make an appointment
  • Employment Offer Letter 
  • Original I-797 Approval (TN and E-3 will only have I-797 if case is processed by USCIS in the US instead obtaining status upon entry to US) 
  • Passport, visa (stamp), I-94 card (if issued paper I-94) or printout of I-94 record (if issued electronic I-94) 

J-1 Scholars & Student Interns 

J-1 Scholars (Research Scholar, Professor, Short-term Scholar) 

  • Start the SSN application online and make an appointment. 
  • DS-2019 
  • Passport, visa (stamp), printout of I-94 record 
  • Appointment Letter from Hiring Department 

J-1 Student Interns 

  • Start the SSN application online and make an appointment
  • Social Security Letter completed and signed by ISSS (submit request in iPenn under “Social Security Letter Request for J-1 Scholars). ISSS will only issue an SSN Support Letter if the J-1 Student Intern is employed by the University of Pennsylvania and being paid
  • DS-2019 
  • Passport, visa (stamp), printout of I-94 record 
  • Appointment Letter from Hiring Department

Applying For an SSN

Apply at the Social Security Administration Office 

On the date and time of your appointment, you will bring the required documents (including original signed copies of your ISSS SSN Support Letter and On-Campus Work Authorization form, if applicable).

You will need to take your completed application packet to the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office where you scheduled your appointment to finalize your application. 
 
Be sure to ask for a receipt to verify your submission. 

Philadelphia SSA Office

Address

2 Penn Center, Suite 2000B, 1500 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone Number

1-877-541-5846

Hours

Monday-Friday, 9AM – 4PM

Website

https://www.sss.gov/phila/

Location of the Philadelphia SSA Office

Philadelphia SSA Website

How to Handle Practical Matters without an SSN

There are a variety of services you can obtain without having a Social Security number.  

PLEASE NOTE: these details are for informational purposes only. Requirements are subject to change without notice. 

Opening a Bank Account

Commerce Bank, Citizens Bank, PNC Bank and Student Federal Credit Union accept 1) a valid passport and 2) a valid Penn ID card in place of an SSN. 

Be sure to contact a representative of the bank for the most up to date information on opening an account. For more information on banking visit the Financial Matters section of our site.  

Off-Campus Housing

Present the following documents in place of a SSN: 

  1. A valid passport 
  2. A letter of acceptance from your school 
  3. A copy of your I-20/DS-2019 to prove financial resources 

For more information visit the Housing section of this site. 

PA Driver’s License/State ID

Present the following documents in place of an SSN: 

  • A letter of denial/indecision from the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center 

For more information including the full list of required documents, consult PA Driver’s License section of our site.  

PECO Energy Company

Present the following documents in place of a SSN at PECO‘s office located at 23rd and Market Street: 

  • A valid passport 
  • A valid Penn ID 

Cell Phones

Be sure to contact a representative of the cell phone company for the most up to date information on what documents are needed to obtain a cell phone. 

For more information, consult Cell Phones & Computers section of our site.