Social Security Number (SSN)

In order to obtain a Social Security Card, you must meet one of the following criteria:

F-1 Students

• You have obtained on-campus employment at Lawrence Technological University
• You have been authorized for Curricular Practical Training by a Designated School Official (DSO) from the Office of International Programs
• You have been authorized for Optional Practical Training  by USCIS

When applying for a Social Security Card, you must present the following documents:

• Passport
• I-94 Card
• I-20
• One of the following:
  a.   For on-campus employment, a letter from a DSO with the Office of Internatinal Programs that identifies your employer and the type of work you are or will be doing.  The letter must describe your job, your employment start date, the number of hours you are or will be working, and your supervisor's name and telephone number.  The letter must be printed on University letterhead, signed by your supervisor and dated.
  b.   Form I-20 with page 3 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training by a DSO with the Office of International Programs.
  c.   Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) issued by USCIS (for Optional Practical Training).

J-1 Students

When applying for your Social Security Card you must present the following:

• Passport (Canadians who do not have a passport may present a Canadian birth certificate)
• I-94 card
• DS-2019
• A work authorization letter from the Responsible Officer (RO) with the Office of International Programs

At the Social Security Office, you will be asked to fill out an application.  Depending on the time of day you visit the office, you should expect to wait up to one or two hours.

The official website for the U.S. Social Security Administration answers many questions for international students about obtaining a Social Security number.