UCLA
Dashew Center
for International Students & Scholars

Social Security Number

WHAT IS A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to receive wages, file taxes, and be eligible for some types of government services in the U.S. A Social Security Number is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary workers by the Social Security Administration. Like your passport, this document should be stored in a safe location and not carried on you.

Eligibility

F-1 Students

F-1 students are only eligible for a SSN if they have a paid job offer through on-campus employment or authorized off-campus employment. Further details and steps to apply for an SSN.

J-1 Students

J-1 students are eligible to apply for a SSN after they have completed visa check-in requirements Once you receive DCISS’s support letter, you will take the support letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to apply for the SSN. Detailed instructions on the location of the SSA and specific documentation to bring to the SSA will be included with your support letter.

How to Obtain

  • Find a Job
  • For F-1 visa holders only, J-1 visa holders can apply for one without a job
  • Complete an Application for a Social Security Card ( Form SS-5 ).
  • Go to Social Security Administration
  • Take all necessary original paperwork (application, passport, and visa documents) with you to the Social Security Administration. You must wait at least 10 days from your arrival to the U.S. before applying for a SSN.
  • Address: 11500 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
  • Phone: 1-800-772-1213.

For more information: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/

Locate your nearest, assigned Social Security Administration Office.

Related Information

Social Security Administration
Address: 11500 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: 1-800-772-1213