Social Security Numbers (SSN)
Social Security Numbers (SSN)
Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN)
Students can only apply for a Social Security Number if they have work authorization AND already have a job offer. Students with scholarships or teaching/research fellowships are eligible to apply.
Students With On-Campus Employment
- You MUST have an on-campus job offer.
- Log into Terra Dotta here, navigate to the Control Center section, and select the “Social Security Verification Request” option.
- Complete the request, filling out all the required fields. Under the “Approver” section of the request, enter the contact information for your supervisor/hiring manager.
- Click “Submit” after you complete the request.
- Wait for your supervisor/hiring manager to approve the request. They should receive an email with instructions on how to do this. We cannot issue your Social Security Verification Letter without this approval. If it takes longer than a few weeks for the request to be approved, please follow up with your supervisor/hiring manager via email.
- After the request is approved, it will enter the International Center’s queue for processing. Please allow us some time to process the request.
- We will contact you via your student email address when your letter has been generated. You will be able to download it from your Terra Dotta profile.
- Next, please complete the Social Security Number online application.
- After the application is complete, visit the nearest Social Security Administration Office. You must bring the following documents:
- Most recent I-20, signed and printed
- Unexpired visa and passport
- Form I-94 (you can print this here)
- Offer letter from on-campus employer
- Social Security Verification Letter
- The closest Social Security Offices and their addresses and contact information are:
- 830 Delsea Dr., Glassboro, NJ 08028
- 866-883-5305
- This is the closest office to Rowan University's main campus
- 6 Executive Campus, Suite 200, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
- 866-931-2879
- 532 Fellowship Rd., Suite E, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054
- 866-837-5002
- 830 Delsea Dr., Glassboro, NJ 08028
- When you receive your SSN (usually two weeks after applying), you must provide it to the Payroll Office and the hiring department.
Students With OPT Work Authorization
If you do not already have a social security number, you can apply for one during the OPT application process. When filling out the Form I-765, it will ask if you want the Social Security Administration to issue you an SSN. Check the box for “yes” and fill out the required information, and you will receive one in the mail alongside your EAD.
Students Who Do Not Have Work Authorization
Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need an SSN to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs, or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver's license.