Social Security Number

Social Security cards are used for various identification purposes on campus and in the community. A U.S. Social Security number must be obtained in order for you to start your new job (and get paid!), get a driver’s license, and open a bank checking account. There are many benefits of getting a Social Security card, so apply now!

 

Obtain a Work Authorization Letter from the International Center:

*Note: The earliest you can apply is 30 days before the start of the semester.

  1. Register full-time for classes (12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits).
  2. Bring your original I-20 to the International Center, 410 Union.
  3. Fill out a blue Services Request Form.
  4. Submit the form and your I-20.
  5. Pick up your Work Authorization Letter and I-20 in approximately 3 business days.
Obtain an Offer Letter

F-1 students must provide evidence that he or she has secured employment or a promise of employment before the Social Security Office will assign an SSN. You need to get an offer letter from your employer or future employer.

Apply for a Social Security Card:
  1. Complete an Appication for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). You can download the form at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html or find it at the Social Security Office.

  2. Bring the following to the Social Security Office:
    • Bring Form SS-5
    • your Work Authorization Letter
    • Offer Letter
    • original I-20
    • passport

    Address: 202 West 400 South (one block north of McDonald's)
    Phone: 801-524-4115 (or toll free 1-800-772-1213)
    Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:00

    Social Security Office

  3. Once you apply, you will need to wait until you receive a receipt in the mail. Your Social Security card will arrive 10 days later.

  4. It may take 2-6 weeks for you to receive your card, but you may call by phone for your Social Security number ahead of time. For more information, refer to http://www.ssa.gov.

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If you are a J-1 Scholar:

  1. New incoming J-1 holders: you may only apply for a SSN 10 business days after your arrival in the U.S. and after checking with International Center to confirm that you have been activated on the SEVIS system.

  2. Complete an Appication for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). You can download the form at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html or find it at the Social Security Office.

  3. Bring the following to the Social Security Office:
    • Form SS-5
    • Original DS-2019
    • Passport

  4. Once you apply, you will need to wait until you receive a receipt in the mail. Your Social Security card will arrive 10 days later.

  5. It may take 2-6 weeks for you to receive your card, but you may call by phone for your Social Security number ahead of time. For more information, refer to http://www.ssa.gov.

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