How to Apply for a Social Security Card?

• [ ] Printed I-94 Arrival Record (obtain this from the CBP Website using your passport)

• [ ] Passport and Visa

• [ ] SEU ID Card

• [ ] Job offer letter or employment authorization letter from ISS if you will be working on campus

  • Once you have completed the Social Security Form on myHilltop, ISS will email your supervisor for approval. After approval, ISS will generate a signed employment authorization letter for students who will be working on campus. However, if you are applying for CPT or OPT and have never had a Social Security number before, then ISS will issue a new I-20 with a CPT or OPT recommendation. Either way, ISS will email you to pick up the original document at the Student Success Center kiosk in the Moody Hall Atrium. The original letter is required to apply. 

• [ ] Current I-20 for F1 Students (or recently issued I-20 from ISS with CPT or OPT employment recommendation, if applicable)

• [ ] Current DS-2019 for J1 Students

• [ ] Birth certificate is recommended, but not required

1. You will need to complete the SS-5 form. However, we recommend that you complete the form online before going to the SSA office. You do not need to complete the application online in order to make an appointment, but completing it online will reduce the time that you spend in the SSA office once you get there. See below for a few tips that you may follow when completing the form. PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD: If you are under 18, you must visit the SSA office with your original immigration documents and complete the application in-person to apply. You cannot start the application online. 

2. You must visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with your original documentation within 45 calendar days if you decide to complete your application online. Some students at other universities have reported being denied if their appointment was scheduled more than 30 days after their employment start date. While this has not been an issue in Austin, we recommend making your appointment as soon as possible after receiving your job offer to avoid delays.  

3. We recommend completing the application online, since this allows you to schedule your appointment online through Login.gov and the SSA website. See this helpful guide for a step-by-step on how to schedule the appointment. Many offices require an appointment for SSN services, though some may still accept walk-ins. Availability varies by location, so scheduling online is the best way to ensure you are seen. You can find your nearest SSA office here. The closest SSA office to St. Edward’s University is located at:

5508 Hwy 290 W, Bldg B, Austin, TX 78735

There is also another office located at 1029 Camino La Costa, Austin, TX 78752. Some students have also tried scheduling an appointment in other locations, such as Georgetown, TX or San Antonio, TX. This would require you to have transportation to get there. 

4. After applying at the SSA office, you can inform your hiring supervisor that you have applied and you expect to receive your SSN card in the mail within 2 - 3 weeks. 

5. When you receive your SSN card in the mail, take your original SSN card to the Registrar's office in Main Building Room 221 so they can update your student record with your SSN. 

6. If you will be working on campus, you will then contact Human Resources to complete your hiring paperwork. They will provide instructions on what documents they need from you. You can contact HR at HR@stedwards.edu or 512-448-8587, or visit their office in Premont Hall, Room 130. 

• Read the How To instructions attached to the form.

• If you live on campus, but you are not sure that you will be living in St. Edward's by the time that the card is delivered, you may include a safe mailing address in your application where you will get your card. If this place is for someone else, put c/o or in the care of. For example, let's say that you mailed it to your friend John Doe’s home, then it would be c/o John Doe, 3020 First Street, Austin, TX 78704.

• For question 5 on Citizenship, check “Legal Alien Allowed to Work.”

• The form asks for your parents’ Social Security numbers. If your parents have never been assigned Social Security numbers in the United States, then write N/A or check Unknown.

• Visit the Social Security Administration website for more information.

• Read the SSA pamphlet for international students.

• Email ISS at iss@stedwards.edu if you have more questions.

• Download the ISS brochure on how to apply for a Social Security card.

• Download the Step-by-Step Guide on how to schedule an appointment online.