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How to Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)

Information for International Students, Scholars and Employees

More Information

When do you need a Social Security number?

Social Security numbers are issued for work purposes only. They are not general purpose ID’s. Accordingly, you do 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 other financial institutions

If a business representative or service provider asks you for a Social Security number, simply inform him/her that you are an international student and do not have a Social Security Card.

However, as a nonimmigrant in the U.S., you will need a Social Security Number if you wish to work. In order to obtain one, you will have to document that you are eligible to work in the U.S. Please refer to the section below which corresponds to your visa category to find out the type of documentation which you need.

Once you have your Social Security number, please be careful:

  • Identity Theft is a big problem in the U.S.
  • It can happen if someone with ill intentions finds out your Social Security Number.
  • DO NOT CARRY your Social Security Card or SSN with you. Instead, memorize the number and keep the card in a safe place at home!
  • For more information on protecting yourself, see the Social Security Administration's brochure at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.pdf.

 

What You Need to Apply for a Social Security Number

To apply for a Social Security number, you must appear in person at the Social Security Office, complete an application form and provide original supporting documents to verify your age, your identity and your lawful non-citizen status.

Social Security Forms

If you are in F-1 Status, you should bring the following items with you:

  • valid passport
  • valid I-94 card
  • all of your original I-20's (your first one will have a red immigration stamp)
  • verification of your employment authorization

    For on-campus employment:

    1. a letter from a Designated School Official (DSO) in ISSS, 210 Talbert Hall, North Campus confirming your status as an F-1 student and
    2. a letter from the on-campus employer* on the employer's letterhead verifying that you have secured employment.
      * In order to obtain the employer letter, you must first find out who your employer will be. There are several employers at UB (SUNY, Research Foundation, UB Foundation, Campus Dining and Shops) so, if you are not sure, please ask your department who will pay you. Once you know who your employer will be, please contact the appropriate person below. Please note that your department cannot issue the employer letter:

    State of New York (SUNY or State)
    Contact: Amanda Maines 645-5000 Ext. 1286

    Research Foundation (RF)
    Contact: Amanda Maines 645-5000 Ext. 1286

    University at Buffalo Foundation (UBF)
    Contact: Josephine Zenosky 645-3013

    Campus Dining and Shops
    Contact: Susan Bradley 645-2521 Ext. 321

    For off-campus employment:

    1. Curricular Practical Training authorization on page 3 of your I-20 OR a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) for Optional Practical Training or Economic Hardship Employment Authorization

If you are in J-1 status, you should bring with you:

  • valid passport

    • Social Security Forms

  • valid I-94 card
  • all of your DS-2019's (your first one will have a red immigration stamp)
  • verification of your employment authorization
    • a letter from ISSS (or your program sponsor if UB did not issue your DS-2019) confirming your status as an J-1 student / J-1 scholar and indicating your authorization to work

J-2s who have employment authorization should bring the above documents (except the “verification of employment authorization”) and their Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card).

If you are in H-1B status, you should bring with you:

  • valid passport
  • valid I-94 card
  • your I-797 approval notice stating the validity dates of your work authorization


Tips for Completing the Social Security Card Application Form

#2. Mailing Address = Your Residence in Buffalo
  • The U.S. Post Office will not forward Social Security Cards or deliver them to you at another person's address. Do not use c/o addresses!
  • If you do not have residence in Buffalo yet, it is best to wait to apply for a card when you have one.
#3. Citizenship – check “Legal Alien Allowed to Work”
#8. A. Mother's Maiden Name – Please put the name your mother had before marriage (if it was different).
B. 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.
#9. A. Father's Name – Please put your father's name.
B. 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.


Tips for Completing the “Supplement to Social Security Number Application” Form (attached)

#4. Passport Issuance Date – date your passport was made
#5. Passport Expiration Date – date your passport will become invalid
#7. I-94 Number – number in top left corner of your I-94 card (little white card)
#8. I-94 Issuance Date – date you entered the U.S. or approval date of change of status


Social Security Office Information

The Social Security Office is open from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays for the processing of UB international students' Social Security Card applications. It is located at:
3131 Sheridan Drive
Century Mall (Extension of Northtown Plaza)
Amherst , New York 14226-1960
Telephone: 1-800-772-1213

Directions

By Car from UB's North Campus:
Take Maple Road west (toward Niagara Falls Boulevard) to Alberta Drive. Turn left onto Alberta. Take Alberta straight into the Northtown Plaza parking lot. Keep to the left. Pass the Bon-Ton store. Turn right. The Social Security Office is in the back of the Plaza in the Century Mall Extension building.

By Car from UB's South Campus:
Take Bailey Avenue north (toward North Campus). Turn left into the Northtown Plaza / Century Mall (before Sheridan Drive). The Century Mall EXTENSION is the building straight ahead. The Social Security Office is in this building.

By Metro-Bus:
Take Metro Bus #34 to Sheridan Drive . When you get out of the bus, take a right and walk a short distance to Northtown Plaza. An alternative is to take Metro Bus #34M, which drives into Northtown Plaza.