Social Security Number (SSN)

Social Security Number (SSN) for International Students

What is an SSN?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a Tax Identification Number used by the U.S. government to identify employees and track earnings for tax purposes. It is the most common type of tax ID number in the U.S.

Important: The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not issue an SSN for opening a bank account, getting a driver’s license, or obtaining a phone number. It is only for employment purposes.

Do You Need an SSN to Work?

• You do not need an SSN before starting a job, but you must apply for one immediately after you are hired.

• To apply for an SSN, you must have a job or a job offer.

• After applying, you will get a letter from the SSA confirming your application. Your employer can use this letter while you wait for your SSN card.

Important Rules for F-1 Students

• For non-EAD based F-1 employment (such as CPT or on-campus jobs), you cannot apply for an SSN more than 30 days before your job start date.

• For EAD-based F-1 employment (such as OPT), your employment start date on the EAD card must have arrived before you apply for the SSN.

What If You Have a Scholarship but No Job?

If you receive taxable scholarships, grants, or stipends from U.S. sources but are not employed, you should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN.

More Information

For detailed information, visit: SSA: International Students and Social Security Numbers

Instructions for F-1 Students Applying for an SSN
with On-Campus Employment

Step 1: Verify Your Employment

• You must have a job or a job offer from an on-campus department.

• Your employing department needs to complete the Understanding of International Student Employment Eligibility Form to confirm your employment.

• This verification is required by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

• The form must be signed by an advisor from the International Student Services Department (ISSD).

Step 2: Complete the Social Security Waiting Period

• Your F-1 SEVIS record must be registered and validated at least 2 days before you apply for your SSN.

• If you are a new student, you need to complete your Check-in with ISSD first.

• You must wait 2 days after your Check-in is verified before submitting your SSN application.

Step 3: Apply for Your SSN at the Social Security Administration Office

• You must make an appointment before going to the SSA office to apply.

• Bring your verification form and all required documents (passport, I-20, proof of employment, etc.) when you go.

Social Security Ineligibility Letter

What If You Are Ineligible for an SSN?

Some students or dependents may not be eligible for an SSN but still need an Ineligibility Letter to apply for a Florida driver’s license.

How to Get an SSN Ineligibility Letter

1. Complete the SSN Ineligibility Letter Request form.

2. Make an appointment with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

3. Bring these original documents to your appointment:

   • Passport

   • Most recent visa (even if expired) OR I-797 Approval Notice for Change of Status to F-1

   • F-1 I-20 (pages 1 and 2 only)

   • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

SSA Office Hours

• Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on Federal Holidays)

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

An ITIN is a tax number issued by the IRS for individuals who receive income from U.S. grants or scholarships but are not employed and therefore not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Important:

• All students or scholars receiving U.S. income must file income tax returns.

• If you are not employed in the U.S., Social Security offices will deny SSN applications, as SSNs are only issued for employment purposes.

Any F-1 student who receives any of the following are eligible to apply for an ITIN: 

• Reception of a grant, fellowship or scholarship (such as student athletes, etc.)

• Interest from stock options, lottery or gambling winnings

• Other types of non-wage income

ITIN Application Steps

1. Complete Form W-7 – “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number”

2. Submit a certification letter including your full name and SEVIS number (request here)

3. Provide copies of identity and foreign status documents, including:

   • Most recent Form I-20

   • Any other documentation required for Form W-7

Note on Online Tax Filing Software

International students should not use TurboTax, 1040.com, or similar tax software advertised online. These programs are designed for U.S. citizens and do not use the correct federal tax forms for non-residents.

For non-resident tax filing, consider using GLACIER Tax Prep, one of the few online programs that supports international students.

Resources Regarding Tax Filing

Residency Status – Resident Alien vs. Nonresident Alien

• Determining Alien Status 

• Taxation of Nonresident Aliens

• Taxation of Resident Aliens

• Taxation of Dual-Status Aliens

Federal Tax Forms: Download the necessary forms

• Form 1040NR – Instructions

• Form 1040NR

• Form 1040NR-EZ Instructions

• Form 1040NR-EZ

• Form 8843

• Form W-7 (to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not already have a Social Security Number or ITIN)

• Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Federal Tax Return

IRS Form 8843 – (Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition)
All nonresident aliens must file the Form 8843 if they were:

• Inside the U.S. during the last calendar year, and

• in F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, Q-1, or Q-2 visa status

Both nonresident students who have received income and those who have not received any income are required to file this form.

Internationalstudent.com has a free online resource to assist with completing the 8843 – 8843 Form Wizard.

Information on Preparing Form 8843 – Item 9: When asked to provide the Name, Address, and Telephone number of the academic institution that you attended, please enter:

South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
(954) 637-2268

Additional Tax Forms

Nonresident aliens who have earned or received income in the U.S. (e.g., payment for employment, scholarships, stipends) may be required to file additional income tax forms.

Tax Payer Identification Number

In general nonresident individuals may apply for either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for use on income tax related documents (not IRS Form 8843).

• Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN’s) for Foreign Students & Scholars

• Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (Form W-7)

Income Tax Resources

• IRS Homepage

• International Students and Scholars IRS Resources

Income Tax Publications

• U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens (Publication 519)

• Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities (Publication 515)

• U.S. Tax Treaties (Publication 901)

• Tax Benefits for Education (Publication 970)

• Exemptions, Standard Deductions, and Filing Information(Publication 501)

• Employer’s Tax Guide (Publication 15)