You’ve been hired on-campus? Congratulations! Here’s a simple run-down to getting your social security number:
For F-1 visa holders…
Step 0: Congratulations on your new job!
Step 1: Visit the ISSO on the second floor of the Corner House
Step 2: Collect your letter of employment – if you haven’t been contacted with about it, all you have to do is fill in a form requesting a letter of employment to serve as proof of your employment.
Step 3: While you’re at the Corner House, collect the following documents:
ISSO’s instructions for applying for a social security number
Application form for the Social Security Administration (Form SS-5)
Step 4: Follow the ISSO’s instructions and prepare the following documents:
Your I-20 form
Your Passport
Your SS-5 form from the Social Security Administration
Your letter of employment and a letter from the ISSO confirming you’re a) a student of Clark University, b) completing a full course of study, c) hold an F-1 visa, and d) working an on-campus job
Make sure you’re registered/validated in SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Program)
I-94 form – you should already have this formed filled out for your initial move before coming to Clark University, but if you visit the website, you can get a printout for more recent information.
Step 5: Head on over to the Social Security Administration on 51 Madison Street – there are plenty of ways to get there! You could choose to walk from the front of Clark University down Main Street, turn right when you come to Chandler Street and you’ll quickly see the Social Security Administration. Alternatively, you could also take a bus or even borrow a bike from Clark’s Bike Share service.
Step 6: Once you’ve gone through the process at the Social Security Administration, all you have to do now is wait for your Social Security card to arrive in your Clark mailbox (or whichever mailing address you provided).
Step 7: Protect your social security number! Once you’ve received it, try to memorize your number and keep your card somewhere safe in your room – don’t carry it around with you. It’s essential that you keep your social security number a secret; careless handling of your card might lead to susceptibility to identity theft.
Step 8: Carry on with your new job, and good luck!
For J-1 Visa holders:
Follow the exact same instructions, except when you’re preparing your documents for visiting the Social Security Administration:
Just like for F-1 visas, you also need to bring your passport, letter of employment authorization, i-94 form
However, instead of an I-20 form, bring your DS-2019.
Also, if Clark University is not your program sponsor, contact your program officer for assistance
Additionally, while J-2 visa holders are eligible for a social security number, you can only apply after receiving employment authorization.
