Social Security Number
WHAT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS AND HOW TO GET ONE
Social Security Number
In the U.S, a Social Security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. A SSN is important because you need it to get a job on campus and off campus. Many other businesses, such as cell phone companies, banks and credit companies, also ask for your SSN. You cannot apply for a SSN until you have a job offer and an employer cannot pay you until you provide them with your SSN.
According to the Social Security Administration, you must have a job offer for on-campus employment authorized by a Designated School Official and the Department of Homeland Security in order to apply for a Social Security number.
Once you have been offered a position, your hiring supervisor will complete the necessary paperwork and send it to the appropriate hiring office. You will also need to complete an I-9 form in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Once the appropriate office receives all of this paperwork (Human Resources for Graduate Assistants or Student Employment for student workers), they will send an ENDORSEMENT LETTER to ISSS for verification of your status and employment eligibility.
Once ISSS receives this letter, we will verify your status, stamp the letter, and notify you by WKU email that your STAMPED ENDORSEMENT LETTER is ready to be picked up. This process could take up to 2 weeks depending upon how quickly ISSS receives the letter. Note: The STAMPED ENDORSEMENT LETTER is your ticket to filing for your Social Security number. When you come to our office, we will then give you a handout on what documents to take with you to the Social Security Administration (in addition to the endorsement letter).
To apply for a SSN
Bring the following documents to Social Security Office, located at 2724 Chandler Drive, Bowling Green KY 42104:
- A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating the job title, work hours, start date and rate of pay.
- A letter from your school's International Student Advisor confirming your eligibility to work.
- Your passport and visa and I-94 Card
- Your SEVIS I-20
The SSN application, can be picked up at the SS Office, or downloaded online from the social security website.
If your application is approved, you will receive your Social Security Card within a few weeks. Keep your SS Card in a safe place - it is difficult, time consuming and costly to replace.
