{
  "url": "https://www.buffalo.edu/international-student-services/social-security-card---income-tax-filing/social-security-card.html",
  "title": "Social Security Card - International Student Services - University at Buffalo",
  "content": "Any student who will work in the U.S. must apply for a Social Security Number. The employer must use the SSN to report wages and taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA). F-1 students are eligible to apply for an SSN after they have received an offer of employment that meets SSA standards.\nUB's Office of the Registrar must get your correct identifying number to file certain information returns with the IRS. For students, this will be your social security number (SSN) or, if you are not eligible to obtain an SSN, your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).\nAfter receiving your SSN, you must report it to the University using Form W-9(S). This form is also used for students who need to provide or correct their SSN or ITIN on file.\nSocial Security numbers are not general purpose ID\u2019s. If a business representative or service provider asks you for a Social Security number, carefully consider if it's necessary.\nYou should not need a Social Security number to:\nOpen a bank account\nRent an apartment\nOpen a utility account (e.g. electricity, gas)\nSet up a cell phone account\nRegister your children for school\nConduct business with financial institutions\nThe only exceptions should be business providers who require a credit check before doing business with you or opening an online account for you.\nIf You Are Not Working In The U.S.\nIf you are not working in the U.S., you also do not need a Social Security number to submit tax forms (e.g. Form 8843) to the Internal Revenue Service, which is the U.S. government\u2019s tax agency. For this purpose, you should apply instead for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For information on how to do this at UB, please contact Human Resources' International Services.\nIf You Are Working In The U.S.\nIn order to work in the U.S., you will need a Social Security Number. To obtain one, you will have to document that you are eligible to work in the U.S.\nApply for a Social Security Number (SSN)\nON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT\nA letter from your on-campus employer on the employer's letterhead verifying that you have secured employment. If it is not on original office letterhead, it must have an original signature in blue ink.\nYour academic department cannot issue the employment letter.\nThere are several employers at UB (State of New York, Research Foundation, UB Foundation, Campus Dining & Shops). If you are not sure who your employer is, please ask your department who will pay you.\nIf you are employed by the State of New York or Research Foundation, your letter will automatically be sent to you when your new hire paperwork is received by Human Resources. If you have not received the employer letter, please check with your department to see if your paperwork was submitted. If your paperwork was submitted and you still have not received the employer letter, please contact the appropriate person below.\nState of New York (SUNY or State)\nContact: Amanda Brown or Carlos Gallardo - 645-4429 or 645-4430\nResearch Foundation (RF)\nContact: Amanda Brown or Carlos Gallardo - 645-4429 or 645-4430\nCurricular Practical Training authorization on page 2 of your I-20 (The CPT employment start date must be within 30 days of the date on your Social Security application.)\nOR\nValid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) for Optional Practical Training or Economic Hardship Employment Authorization.\nF-1 STUDENTS\nLetter from a Designated School Official (DSO) confirming your full-time enrollment at UB. Instructions on how to apply for a DSO letter are below.\nJ-1 STUDENT OR STUDENT INTERN\nLetter from ISS (or your program sponsor if UB did not issue your DS-2019) verifying your employment or eligibility to work in the U.S. Instructions on how to apply for the employment eligibility letter are below.\nJ-2 DEPENDENTS WHO HAVE WORK AUTHORIZATION\nA letter confirming your immigration status is not needed. You will need your EAD Card.\nHow do I request a DSO or ARO letter?\nFollow the directions below to submit a request to ISS:\nLogin to UB Global using your UBIT Name and Password.\nFind the e-form:\nF-1 Students: Click on \u201cF-1 Student Services\u201d and then \u201cSocial Security DSO Letter Request.\u201d\nJ-1 Students: Click on \u201cJ-1 Student Services\u201d and then \u201cSocial Security ARO Letter Request.\u201d\nYou must complete the entire e-form and upload a copy of your On-Campus Employment Letter. Generally this is issued by your employer's Human Resources (HR).\nThis letter must be on letterhead and is different from your offer letter.\nOnly documents saved as a PDF or JPEG are acceptable.\nE-form Processing Times\nISS prioritizes e-form requests based on timing of submission and order of processing priority for the office. Find a list of e-form processing times for all ISS e-forms.\nAre You on CPT or OPT?\nIf so, you do not need a letter confirming your immigration status. You may use your CPT I-20 or OPT EAD card to apply for your SSN.\nPlease wait to complete the following steps until you have your DSO letter.\nWe will not expedite your request because you scheduled an appointment.\nBefore you can schedule an appointment, you must complete the online SSN application.\n1. Complete the Online Social Security Number Application Form\nClick \u201cRequest number for the first time\u201d under \u201cNumber and card\u201d. Then click Start application, and answer the questions when prompted.\nClick the \"Continue\" button.\nClick on the \"Apply Now\" to complete the Online Social Security Number Application.\nYou will receive a control number upon successful completion of the online application (You will be instructed to print/write down your control number to bring into the Social Security office).\nIn the bottom left corner of the confirmation page you will see a button that says \u201cSchedule an Appointment\u201d. Please click that button and then click \u201ccreate an account\u201d on the next screen.\nFrom there you will be able to schedule an appointment. Please note, any problems scheduling an appointment should be directed to the SSA office (800-772-1213). ISS can not help schedule appointments.\nPlease only go to their office on the day/time you scheduled an appointment, with all required documents.\nWalk-ins are not encouraged.\nYour application is not complete until you have met in-person with SSA staff. You must present your original documents to Social Security on the date of your appointment which must be within 45 days of completing the online Social Security Number application.\nTips for Completing the Social Security Card Application Form\nCitizenship \u2013 Check \u201cLegal Alien Allowed to Work\u201d\nMother\u2019s Maiden Name \u2013 Please put the name your mother had before marriage (if it was different).\nMother\u2019s Social Security Number \u2013 If your mother ever lived in the U.S. and had a Social Security Number, put it here. If not, leave this blank.\nFather\u2019s Social Security Number \u2013 If your father ever lived in the U.S. and had a Social Security Number, put it here. If not, leave this blank.\nMailing Address = Your Residence in Buffalo\n2. Immigration Documents (Original Documents + One Set of Photocopies)\nValid passport\nValid I-94 card (if you were issued one when you entered the U.S.) OR Admission stamp in passport + Print-out of electronic I-94 card\n3. Your original I-20 (F-1 Students) OR DS-2019 (J-1 Students and Student Interns).\nDo not enlarge the photocopies\nThey should be the exact same size as the original immigration documents.\n3. Employment Letter (F-1 students and J-1 students or student interns)\nOn-Campus Employment\nThe letter you received from your on-campus employer on the employer's letterhead verifying that you have secured employment.\nOff-Campus Employment\nCurricular Practical Training authorization on page 2 of your I-20 (The CPT employment start date must be within 30 days of the date on your Social Security application.)\nOR\nValid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) for Optional Practical Training or Economic Hardship Employment Authorization.\n4. Letter Confirming Your Immigration Status (F-1 Students) OR Eligibility to Work in the U.S. (J-1 Students)\nF-1 Students\nLetter from a Designated School Official (DSO) confirming your full-time enrollment at UB. Instructions on how to apply for a DSO letter are below.\nJ-1 Student or Student Intern\nLetter from ISS (or your program sponsor if UB did not issue your DS-2019) verifying your employment or eligibility to work in the U.S. Instructions on how to apply for the employment eligibility letter are below.\nJ-2 Dependents who have work authorization\nYour Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card).\nThe Social Security Office where you will need to finish your Social Security Card application is based on the zip code of your U.S. address (the U.S. address where you are currently living). You can look up the address for your local Social Security office by using the SSA Office locator.\nOnce you know the SSA office where you will need to finish your application process, you can visit based on your SSA appointment details.\nThe SSA may continue to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, if you have traveled outside the U.S. by means other than land travel, such as car, bus, ferry, or train, you must be inside the U.S. for 5 or more days before you can enter a Social Security Office.\nIf you do not have a residence in Buffalo yet, it is best to wait to apply for a card when you have one.\nThe U.S. Post Office will not forward your Social Security Card or deliver it to you at another person\u2019s address. Do not use c/o addresses!",
  "headings": [
    {
      "level": 1,
      "text": "Social Security Card"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "On This Page"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "About Social Security Numbers"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "If You Have a Social Security Number"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "When You Do & Don't Need a Social Security Card"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "General Information"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "If You Are Not Working In The U.S."
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "If You Are Working In The U.S."
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Secure your Employment Letter"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "State of New York (SUNY or State)"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "Research Foundation (RF)"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "University at Buffalo Foundation (UBF)"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Request and collect your letter confirming your immigration status (F-1 students) or Eligibility to work in the U.S. (J-1 students)"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "F-1 STUDENTS"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "J-1 STUDENT OR STUDENT INTERN"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "J-2 DEPENDENTS WHO HAVE WORK AUTHORIZATION"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "How do I request a DSO or ARO letter?"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Complete your Social Security Number Application online and prepare your documents to take to the Social Security Office"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "1. Complete the Online Social Security Number Application Form"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "Tips for Completing the Social Security Card Application Form"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "2. Immigration Documents (Original Documents + One Set of Photocopies)"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "3. Employment Letter (F-1 students and J-1 students or student interns)"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "On-Campus Employment"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "Off-Campus Employment"
    },
    {
      "level": 3,
      "text": "4. Letter Confirming Your Immigration Status (F-1 Students) OR Eligibility to Work in the U.S. (J-1 Students)"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "F-1 Students"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "J-1 Student or Student Intern"
    },
    {
      "level": 4,
      "text": "J-2 Dependents who have work authorization"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Locate and go to your Social Security Office to finish the application process"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "New Students"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Activities"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Immigration & Visa"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Social Security Card & Income Tax"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Life in Buffalo"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "About Us"
    },
    {
      "level": 1,
      "text": "Your Privacy is Important To Us."
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [],
  "important_links": [
    {
      "text": "3/31/25Your I-20 & Next Steps",
      "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/your-i-20---next-steps.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "4/18/25Visa Information",
      "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/immigration-and-visas.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "2/10/25E-form Processing Times",
      "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "2/10/25Financial Documentation",
      "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/financial-documentation.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "2/10/25Information Sessions",
      "url": "/international-student-services/workshops-trips-events/workshops.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "Form W-9(S)",
      "url": "https://www.buffalo.edu/registrar/transcripts-and-records/personal-student-information/social-security-number.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "e-form processing times",
      "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "3/31/25Your I-20 & Next Steps",
      "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/your-i-20---next-steps.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "4/18/25Visa Information",
      "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/immigration-and-visas.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "2/10/25Information Sessions",
      "url": "/international-student-services/workshops-trips-events/workshops.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "2/10/25E-form Processing Times",
      "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html"
    },
    {
      "text": "2/10/25Financial Documentation",
      "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/financial-documentation.html"
    }
  ],
  "categories": [
    "immigration",
    "employment",
    "fees",
    "housing"
  ],
  "scraped_at": "2025-04-25T23:49:15.253949",
  "path_hierarchy": [
    "international-student-services",
    "social-security-card---income-tax-filing",
    "social-security-card.html"
  ],
  "domain": "www.buffalo.edu"
}