Social Security Number (SSN)

Social Security Number (SSN) for F-1 Students

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique tax identification number used by the U.S. government to track earnings and taxes. It is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Important: The SSA issues SSNs only for employment purposes. You do not need an SSN to open a bank account, get a driver’s license, or obtain a phone number.

When Do You Need an SSN?

If you want to work in the U.S. (on-campus job, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or other authorized employment), you must apply for an SSN.

You must have a job or a written job offer before applying.
Your employer must provide a verification letter confirming your employment.
Your SEVIS record must be active and validated at least 2 days prior to applying.
New students must complete immigration check-in with ISSD and wait 2 days before submitting the SSN application.

How to Apply for an SSN

Obtain your employer’s verification letter confirming your job offer.
Submit the letter to your International Student Services Department (ISSD) for necessary signature and confirmation.
Make an appointment with the Social Security Administration office.
Bring original documents to your appointment:
- Valid passport
- Most recent visa (even expired)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Form I-20 (pages 1 and 2)
- Employer verification letter signed by ISSD
Complete the SSA SS-5 application form either before or at the SSA office.

Schedule an appointment online here.

What If You Are Not Eligible for an SSN?

If you do not have employment authorization but receive taxable scholarships, grants, stipends, or other income subject to U.S. taxes, you should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS instead of an SSN.

ITINs are used for tax reporting only.
To apply for an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7 and submit it with required documents and a certification letter from ISSD.
ITIN holders must still file tax returns if they earn income.

Useful Information and Reminders

You must apply for your SSN after starting a job or having a job offer.
For non-EAD based employment (e.g., on-campus jobs), do not apply more than 30 days before your employment start date.
For EAD-based employment (e.g., OPT), your employment start date on the EAD card must have arrived before applying.
You will receive a receipt confirming your SSN application while waiting for your SSN card.
Protect your SSN and ITIN carefully; never share them by email or with untrusted parties.
The IRS never sends unsolicited emails requesting SSNs or ITINs.

Contact and Additional Resources

For help or questions about employment eligibility, consult ISSD.
For tax assistance, use recommended tax preparation specialists or programs designed for international students.
Avoid common tax scams and fake refund emails.

For detailed SSA information, visit SSA’s official Social Security Number page.

Taxes

ISSD handles immigration matters, not taxes. For tax questions or help, contact a Tax Preparation Specialist or visit the Filing Taxes as an F-1 student page.

Tax Scams

Be cautious of refund emails! The IRS never sends unsolicited emails requesting personal or financial information.
Do not open suspicious emails – they may contain viruses or malware.
Never share your SSN or ITIN by email.

See our Scam Info Page for more resources.

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

Federal Tax Forms: Download the necessary forms

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).

Income Tax 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)