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Social Security and Tax Identification Numbers

Nonresidents who receive employment income in the United States are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) and must apply for one to comply with U.S. tax laws. Faculty, researchers, graduate assistants, staff members, and temporary employees have 30 days to receive their number and may begin work while applying. The application process should start upon a nonresident’s arrival to the U.S. or start of employment. Generally, the SSN is issued within two weeks, but may occasionally take 30-60 days. Once an employee receives their SSN, they must contact askHR to update their I-9 and Payroll records.

SSN Application Instructions

Jump to instructions for:

F-1/J-1 students

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will only issue Social Security numbers (SSN) to F-1 and J-1 students who meet the following three criteria:

  1. You have been in the U.S. for at least 10 days
  2. You are registered full-time for classes
  3. You have a secured job offer from Northwestern

Complete the following application steps:

  1. Obtain a Job Offer Letter (see a sample) from Northwestern hiring department. 
  2. Using this Job Offer Letter, F-1 and J-1 students must request a Social Security Letter from the International Office.
    How to apply for an SSN
  3. Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:
    • Original Job Offer Letter (dated within 30-days of SSN application);
    • Social Security Letter from IO (dated within 30-days of SSN application);
    • Passport;
    • Original I-20 or DS-2019;
    • Printout of your I-94 Record (retrieve your record)
    • Social Security Application (Tip: write name appears exactly as it appears on your I-20 or DS-2019);
  4.  J-1 Student Interns should proceed to the J-1 Scholar section below.
F-1 Students on CPT or OPT

Students with approved CPT (reflected on page 3 of a CPT I-20) may apply for an SSN with the I-20 reflecting CPT and their passport. You may not apply for an SSN any earlier than 30-days before the start-date of your CPT authorization.

Students with approved OPT must have an EAD card and passport to apply. You may not apply for an SSN any earlier than the effective start-date listed on your EAD.

J-1 Scholars, J-1 Student Interns & H-1B Employees

You can apply for a Social Security Number 10 days after you arrive in the U.S.

Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:

  • Original Job Offer Letter from Northwestern hiring department;
  • Passport;
  • Printout of your I-94 Record (accessible online);
  • Social Security Application(Tip: write name appears exactly as it appears on your immigration documents);
  • Additional original documents:
    • H-1B Scholars must bring original I-797, H-1B Approval Notice
    • J-1 Scholars must bring original DS-2019

The closest Social Security offices are located at 2116 Green Bay Road in Evanston and 605 W Washington Blvd in Chicago. Additional offices can be found on the Social Security website. Office hours are generally Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Nonresidents who receive stipends from a scholarship or fellowship must apply for an ITIN, if they do not have or are not eligible to obtain a SSN (see Social Security Administration website for information and international student information).

The IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant tool may be used to help you determine if you are eligible to apply for an ITIN.

ITIN Application Instructions

For more information on applying for an ITIN, please visit Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for F-1 and J-1 Students.