Your Guide to Getting a Social Security Number

Who's eligible for a Social Security Number?

International students with F-1 or J-1 visas may be eligible if they:

Have been offered a job or internship in the U.S.
Possess the necessary work authorization.

F-1 Students

May qualify through:

On-campus employment
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)

J-1 Students

You may qualify with:

Employment authorization from their program sponsor

Requesting a Job Offer Letter

Request a Job Offer Letter from your employer.
Wait for a pick-up email from International Services.
Pick-up your Job Offer Letter in-person at the Jim D. Morris Center.

*J-1 students must request an Employment Authorization Letter from their J-1 Sponsor.

What doc do i need?

You will need the following documents to obtain your SSN.

This is the application form for a Social Security card, available online or at the SSA office.

Get the form
An unexpired passport and the relevant visa.
Continued Attendance I-20 (for F-1 students) or
DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
Your I-94 can be accessed online and should be printed.

i-94 form
Click on the button below to get the form.

Questionnaire form
- F-1 (ON-CAMPUS)
  Job Offer Form (completed and signed by hiring
  department & International Services)
- F-1 (CPT & OPT)
  Employer Offer Letter
  International Services Letter
  EAD (OPT only)
- J-1 (STUDENT)
  Employer Letter
  Authorization Letter from sponsor

How do I apply for a Social Security Number?

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: You can apply online or call (877) 850-7824 to schedule your appointment.

Address :	Hours of Operation:
1570 W Battlefield Rd, Suite 100 Springfield, MO 85807	Monday–Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM Saturday–Sunday: Closed

Note:
*Some SS offices allow appointments, while others may require walk-ins.
*Walk-in appointments subject to availability. Calling ahead for appointment availability is recommended.

WAIT FOR PROCESSING: It can take a few weeks to receive your SSN card after your application is processed.

Next Steps for Employment

After Receive SSN

OnCampusEmployement

Visit Foreign National Payroll Procedures, then select International Student and GA Procedures.

Email InternationalPayroll@MissouriState.edu or call (417) 836-3395 to make an appointment.

ChartwellEmployement

Go directly to the Chartwells office to complete your employment paperwork instead of International Payroll.

IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS

WHEN TO START WORK: Per university policy, you must wait until you receive your Social Security card and complete your employment paperwork with International Payroll.
PROTECTING YOUR SSN: Memorize your Social Security Number. Do not share your number with anyone. Your number is used to keep records of your earnings, tax information, credit cards, bank accounts, etc. Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet or purse. If you lose your card, you’ll need to reapply for a new card through the Social Security Administration.
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS: The SSA requires original documents, not copies.
TIMING: You can apply for a SSN no earlier than 10 days after your initial arrival in the US and no more than 30 days before your employment start date.
UNEXPIRED DOCUMENTS: All immigration documents and work authorization must be valid.
PLEASE NOTE: Dependents of F-1 students (F-2 visa holders) are not eligible to work or apply for an SSN.