Social Security Card
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About Social Security Numbers
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.
If You Have a Social Security Number
UB'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).
After 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.
Questions on submitting your Form W-9(S)?
Contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.
When You Do & Don't Need a Social Security Card
General Information
Social Security numbers are not general purpose ID’s. If a business representative or service provider asks you for a Social Security number, carefully consider if it's necessary.
You should not need a Social Security number to:
- Open a bank account
- Rent an apartment
- Open a utility account (e.g. electricity, gas)
- Set up a cell phone account
- Register your children for school
- Conduct business with financial institutions
The only exceptions should be business providers who require a credit check before doing business with you or opening an online account for you.
If You Are Not Working In The U.S.
If 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’s 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.
If You Are Working In The U.S.
In 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.
How to Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
Secure your Employment Letter
ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
A 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.
- Your academic department cannot issue the employment letter.
- There 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.
- If 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.
State of New York (SUNY or State)
Contact: Amanda Brown or Carlos Gallardo - 645-4429 or 645-4430
Research Foundation (RF)
Contact: Amanda Brown or Carlos Gallardo - 645-4429 or 645-4430
University at Buffalo Foundation (UBF)
Contact:
ubfhr@buffalo.edu - 645-3013
OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
Curricular 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.)
OR
Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) for Optional Practical Training or Economic Hardship Employment Authorization.
Request and collect your letter confirming your immigration status (F-1 students) or Eligibility to work in the U.S. (J-1 students)
F-1 STUDENTS
Letter from a Designated School Official (DSO) confirming your full-time enrollment at UB. Instructions on how to apply for a DSO letter are below.
J-1 STUDENT OR STUDENT INTERN
Letter 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.
J-2 DEPENDENTS WHO HAVE WORK AUTHORIZATION
A letter confirming your immigration status is not needed. You will need your EAD Card.
How do I request a DSO or ARO letter?
Follow the directions below to submit a request to ISS:
- Login to UB Global using your UBIT Name and Password.
- Find the e-form:
- F-1 Students: Click on “F-1 Student Services” and then “Social Security DSO Letter Request.”
- J-1 Students: Click on “J-1 Student Services” and then “Social Security ARO Letter Request.”
- You 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).
- This letter must be on letterhead and is different from your offer letter.
- Only documents saved as a PDF or JPEG are acceptable.
Are You on CPT or OPT?
If 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.
Complete your Social Security Number Application online and prepare your documents to take to the Social Security Office
1. Complete the Online Social Security Number Application Form
- Go to the Social Security Number and Card page located on the Social Security Administration’s public website (www.ssa.gov),
- Click the "Start" button and answer the questions when prompted.
- Then click the "Continue" button.
- Click on the "Apply Now" to complete the Online Social Security Number Application.
- You 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), and
- Visit a local SSA office (with the control number) within 45 days and submit the required documentation for the application.
Tips for Completing the Social Security Card Application Form
- Citizenship – Check “Legal Alien Allowed to Work”
- Mother’s Maiden Name – Please put the name your mother had before marriage (if it was different).
- Mother’s Social Security Number – If your mother ever lived in the U.S. and had a Social Security Number, put it here. If not, leave this blank.
- Father’s Social Security Number – If your father ever lived in the U.S. and had a Social Security Number, put it here. If not, leave this blank.
- Mailing Address = Your Residence in Buffalo
2. Immigration Documents (Original Documents + One Set of Photocopies)
- Valid passport
- Valid 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
3. Your original I-20 (F-1 Students) OR
DS-2019 (J-1 Students and Student Interns).
- The signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 must be an original signature. It cannot be a stamped or electronic signature except during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- During COVID-19 an electronic signature may be accepted. If you are not sure what is accepted at the time you apply please contact your local office for details.
Do not enlarge the photocopies
They should be the exact same size as the original immigration documents.
3. Employment Letter (F-1 students and J-1 students or student interns)
On-Campus Employment
The letter you received from your on-campus employer on the employer's letterhead verifying that you have secured employment.
Off-Campus Employment
Curricular 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.)
OR
Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) for Optional Practical Training or Economic Hardship Employment Authorization.
4. Letter Confirming Your Immigration Status (F-1 Students) OR Eligibility to Work in the U.S. (J-1 Students)
F-1 Students
Letter from a Designated School Official (DSO) confirming your full-time enrollment at UB. Instructions on how to apply for a DSO letter are below.
J-1 Student or Student Intern
Letter 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.
J-2 Dependents who have work authorization
Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card).
Locate your Social Security Office
- The Social Security Office where you will need to submit 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.
- Once you know the SSA office where you will need to submit your application, you can visit during their normal business hours (no appointment is necessary).
- The 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.
If you do not have a residence in Buffalo yet, it is best to wait to apply for a card when you have one.
The U.S. Post Office will not forward your Social Security Card or deliver it to you at another person’s address. Do not use c/o addresses!
Be sure your name is on your mailbox.
No Backpacks Allowed
Backpacks are not permitted in Social Security Offices.