Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN)
Every student studying under a F-1 visa who would like to work in the United States, needs a free social security number (SSN).
Steps For Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN):
1. Schedule an appointment to talk with Shannon Hone, VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), about working and training in the U.S.
The PDSO will confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN and help you with the steps listed below. Please contact the PDSO at shannon.hone@vcsu.edu.
2. Wait 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before applying for an SSN.
This allows enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems.
3. Submit a Social Security Number Application (SS-5) online
Complete and submit the social security application online. You must print confirmation that you have completed this!
4. Schedule an appointment and visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office in Fargo, ND
Visit the SSA Office at 657 2nd Ave N, Room 320 Federal Building, Fargo, ND 58102 to finish the application process and share your documents. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. Their phone number is 1-877-335-4114 and they are open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-4:00PM.
5. Take the following documents with you to your SSA Office appointment:
a. For On Campus Employment
- Original On-campus Employment Offer Letter with a wet signature (digital signatures or photo copies will not be accepted)
- Original SSN Support Letter from VCSU's PDSO with a wet signature (digital signatures or photo copies will not be accepted)
- Most recent I-94 Arrival Form from VCSU's PDSO
- I-20 Form
- Passport
- Visa (Canadian students do not need this)
- Printed confirmation of your submitted online Social Security Application (SS-5)
b. For Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Employment (off campus employment that is an integral part of your major's established curriculum while you are going to school)
- Original Employment Offer Letter with a wet signature (digital signatures or photo copies will not be accepted)
- Most recent I-94 Arrival Form from VCSU's PDSO
- I-20 Form with CPT Authorization listed on page 2
- Passport
- Visa (Canadian students do not need this)
- Printed confirmation of your submitted online Social Security Application (SS-5)
c. For Optional Practical Training (OPT) Employment (12-24 months of employment that is directly related to your major and typically starts right after graduation)
- If you asked for an SSN when you submitted your OPT online application, you do not have to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card. If the United States Customs and Immigration Services approves your OPT application, you will receive two documents: your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and in another envelope your SSN card. They will mail your EAD and SSN cards to the address you listed on your OPT application. You should receive your SSN card no later than seven business days after you receive your EAD from USCIS.