Step 1: Secure on-campus employment. You must have an on-campus job offer before starting this process.

Step 2: Log into Terra Dotta and submit a Social Security Verification Request via the Control Center. J-1 students select the "On-Campus Employment Request" option. You cannot do this until you are within 30 days of your start date.

Step 3: 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. Do not enter your own information or the information of your International Student Advisor!

Step 4: Click "submit" at the bottom of the request.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: 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.

Step 7: Complete the online Social Security Number online application.

Step 8: After the application is complete, visit your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office location. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also make an appointment online. Bring the following documents:

• Most recent I-20/DS-2019, printed and signed
• Unexpired passport and visa
• Form I-94 (you can print this here)
• Job offer letter from on-campus employer
• Social Security Verification Letter from the International Center
• SSN supporting letter from your supervisor [download template here]

Step 9: You will receive your SSN a 1-2 weeks after applying at the SSA. Once you receive it, you must provide it to the Payroll Office and your hiring department.

Step 1: Apply for and receive CPT authorization.

Step 2: Complete the online Social Security Number online application. Note: you can only receive an SSN if you are within 30 days of your CPT start date!

Step 3: After the application is complete, visit your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office location. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also make an appointment online. Bring the following documents:

• Most recent I-20 with CPT approval, printed and signed
• Unexpired passport and visa
• Form I-94 (you can print this here)
• Job offer letter from employer

Step 4: You will receive your SSN a 1-2 weeks after applying at the SSA. Once you receive it, you must provide it to your employer.

Step 1: Apply for and receive OPT authorization. You must have your EAD card in-hand to get an SSN.

Step 2: Submit your EAD card to the International Center. You must do so via the "Upload EAD Card Copy" request in Terra Dotta.

Step 3: Receive your "OPT Approved I-20" from the International Center. This I-20 is required for your SSN as it indicates your OPT approval on page 2.

Step 4: Complete the online Social Security Number online application. You can only receive an SSN if you have your EAD card physically in-hand, and the OPT start date has passed.

Step 5: After the application is complete, visit your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office location. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also make an appointment online. Bring the following documents:

• OPT Approved I-20 (with remark on page 1 and approval on page 2)
• Unexpired passport and visa
• Form I-94 (you can print this here)
• Job offer letter from on-campus employer
• I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS
• EAD card

Step 6: You will receive your SSN 1-2 weeks after applying at the SSA. Once you receive it, you must provide it to your employer.

Step 1: Receive Academic Training authorization from the International Center.

Step 2: Complete the online Social Security Number online application. Note: you can only receive an SSN if you are within 30 days of your AT start date!

Step 3: After the application is complete, visit your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office location. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also make an appointment online. Bring the following documents:

• Most recent DS-2019 with AT approval, printed and signed
• Unexpired passport and visa
• Form I-94 (you can print this here)
• Job offer letter from employer
• Academic Training authorization letter from the International Center
• Letter of recommendation from your academic advisor

Step 4: You will receive your SSN a 1-2 weeks after applying at the SSA. Once you receive it, you must provide it to your employer.

The below instructions are for scholars, interns, and postdoctoral researchers working at Rowan.

First, determine your eligibility. Only scholars and interns who will be paid by Rowan University are eligible for an SSN. You must also have your J-1 status validated in SEVIS by checking in with the International Center after you arrive. If you are not validated in SEVIS, you will not be able to receive your SSN.

Next, gather required documentation. All documents must be original – no photocopies! See below for a list of required documents:

• Passport
• J-1 visa
• DS-2019
• I-94 arrival/departure record – if you do not have this, you can retrieve it here
• Letter from your supervisor/department verifying your status as an employee
  • This letter is different from your invitation/offer letter
  • The letter must:
    • Be on departmental/campus letterhead
    • Include the name and wet signature of your supervisor
    • Include the job title, start date, and salary
    • Include Rowan’s Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Lastly, complete the SSN application and visit your local Social Security Administration office.

• Complete the online SSN application, found here.
• After you complete the application, visit your nearest Social Security Administration office. See above for the closest locations. Make sure to bring your documents!
• You will receive your SSN in the mail within a few weeks. You must provide it to the Payroll Office in order to receive pay for your work.

Students without employment authorization and/or an on-campus job are ineligible for an SSN.

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.