Social Security Number

What is Social Security?

Social Security is a U.S. government program that provides benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S permanent residents, usually for retirement. It is financed by taxes withheld from the paychecks of working people. 

What is a Social Security Card?

A Social Security card is required for everyone who works in the U.S., even non-immigrants. On the card will be your unique Social Security Number (SSN) that you will keep for life.  You will need the number for employment purposes and paying taxes.  A Social Security card is not a work permit. Visit the Social Security Administration’s website for more information.

An SSN is issued once per lifetime.  If you have previously had an SSN, but do not have the card or do not remember the number, you can apply for a replacement card at the Social Security Office if you meet the eligibility requirements above. 

JHU Temporary ID: When an international individual begins study or work at JHU and does not yet have an SSN, they are usually provided a Temporary ID number, starting with 988. The Temporary ID is also referred to as a “JHU Government ID” or sometimes a “TEMP SSN”.  It’s important to know that this ID is only for internal purposes at JHU and cannot be used in lieu of an SSN outside JHU.  Temporary IDs are sent to international individuals by email to set up JHED account for the first time. If you are unsure of your Temporary ID, please contact the SEAM Office to request this. 

Social Security Number Safety

Although an SSN is only meant to be used for tax and government purposes, it is often used by financial institutions, businesses, and other organizations as a unique identification (ID) number. Because the SSN is a unique ID, it is often the target of “identity theft”. Therefore, you should be very careful about where and to whom you give your SSN. 

• Memorize your SSN so that you know it by heart and can recite it without any notes or text
• Never carry your Social Security card or number with you. Keep it at home in a secure place 
• Only give your SSN to someone who has a specific and legitimate need for it
• Be very careful with any forms, applications or other materials that may have your SSN on it 
• Never give your SSN to someone who phones you. You should initiate the call or meet in person 
• Never reply to email or web sites that request an SSN
• Never use your SSN as a login or password

Business Uses for Social Security Numbers

Most businesses do not need an SSN from you unless it is for credit purposes (loans, credit cards, etc.) If a business requests an SSN solely for ID purposes, you can request that the business create an ID for you. You do not need an SSN to open bank accounts. If a bank clerk insists on an SSN, ask to speak to a manager. 

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Social Security Number?

• F-1 students with a job offer letter and work permission 
  • such as paid on-campus employment, or off campus employment with employment authorization such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), IO (international Organization) 
• F-1 students with a stipend  
  • If you have or will receive a stipend or scholarship payment in exchange for services from Johns Hopkins University 
• J-1 students with a job offer and work permission from their DS-2019 sponsor 
• J-1 scholars who are being paid by JHU or another U.S. source 
• J-2 dependents with work permission (EAD) from USCIS  
• Individuals with other types of immigration status allowing employment (i.e. H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3) 

Note: F-2 dependents are not eligible for Social Security Numbers but may apply for ITINs

When to Apply for a Social Security Number

To avoid delays, make sure to apply for your Social Security Number (SSN) only after meeting certain conditions:

• Applications submitted too early may be rejected or delayed.
• Students, visiting scholars and temporary workers must be physically present in the U.S., as the Social Security Administration (SSA) is required to verify legal entry before issuing an SSN. 

Student Application

• New F-1 and J-1 students must wait at least 10 business days after arrival in the U.S. and the Check-In eForm must be approved by OIS
• Apply no more than 30 days before on-campus or F-1 CPT or J-1 Academic Training (AT) work authorization begins 
• Apply no more than 30 days before the start date on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 

Scholar Application

• New J-1 Scholars must wait at least 10 business days after their DS-2019 start date and the Check-In eForm must be approved by OIS.
• J-2 dependents must have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that begins no more than 30 days from the application date of the SSN. 

Employee Application

• New temporary workers in H-1B, TN, O-1 and E-3 status must wait at least 10 business days after their entry to the U.S. in a temporary non immigrant status 
• Temporary workers should review the information on the SSA website before applying for an SSN. 

Working While Awaiting an SSN

You are allowed to start working while your Social Security Number (SSN) application is being processed. Employers are not legally required to have employees’ SSNs before hiring, and there is no law that prevents you from beginning work before obtaining your SSN. However, you must have employment authorization from your program sponsor or from USCIS before starting work.

How to Apply for a SSN

To apply for an SSN, you must be employed by a U.S. source. First, wait the necessary amount of time after entering the U.S.  Next, gather the required documentation below. 

SSA strongly recommends that students/scholars begin the application process online and schedule an appointment with the SSA office. Complete the SSN application online. Click “Get Started”. Complete the application. Note and save the “control number” provided upon successful completion of the online application. This control number will be needed when scheduling your appointment. After completing the online application, click “Schedule an Appointment.” From there, you will be able to schedule an appointment.  Only go to the SSA office on the day/time you scheduled an appointment, with all required documents. 

Your application is not complete until you have met in-person with SSA staff. You must present your original documents to Social Security on the date of your appointment, which must be within 45 days of completing the online Social Security application. 

Required Supporting Documentation for Application based on Status:

Employer’s Letter (for F-1/J-1 On-Campus Employment)

For specific instructions regarding the letter that you must bring with you from your Employer, please see the SSA Factsheet. See SSA example employer letter here. Students receiving a stipend from JHU can use their admission offer letter instead of an employer letter. 

Your supervisor must sign and date on official letterhead a letter that includes the following information: 

• Your name 
• Your job 
• Your employment start date 
• The number of hours you are, or will be, working; and 
• Your supervisor’s name and telephone number

Note: a screenshot of an e-mail as proof of employment/employment letter is unacceptable. 

Letter from OIS for F-1 Students with on-campus employment/stipend

Only F-1 students who are applying for SSN with on-campus employment or a stipend require an SSN letter from OIS.  

Complete the following process to request an SSN letter: 

1. Go to iHopkins 
2. Click “Login” under “Active JHED Login” 
3. Login with your JHED ID and password 
4. Click “University Employment” on the left side of the screen
5. Select “SSN Letter Request”
6. Complete the eForm and upload a copy of your employment letter (see Employer’s Letter requirements above) or admission offer letter (students receiving a JHU stipend).  
7. You will be contacted by email when your SSN letter is shipped 

Frequently Asked Questions