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Social Security Numbers (SSN)

  • Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)
    The purpose of a Social Security Number (SSN) is to help the U.S. government track an individual's earnings for tax purposes. Once you are offered a job, you will need to apply for an SSN from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    Eligiblity

    Eligibility for an SSN is based on the offer of paid employment, and regulations require you to provide valid employment offer letter and authorization from VIS or USCIS to apply for a SSN. SSNs are issued exclusively by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and applicants, except those filing the I-765, must visit an SSA office in person to complete the application process.

    Any international student accepting employment during their program - whether it is on-campus or off-campus (CPT, OPT, or STEM) must obtain an SSN.

    You do NOT need an SSN to:

    • Open a bank account. F and J-visa holders do not need a Social Security Number to open a bank account or for most other financial transactions. The bank may ask F and J-visa holders to fill out Internal Revenue Service form W-8BEN to prove that they are exempt from the requirement of providing a Social Security number.
    • Obtain a NYS Driver's License. Although some states require that you have a Social Security number in order to obtain a driver's license, New York State does not have such a requirement. Click here for more information on driving in New York State.
    • Rent an apartment
    • Open a utility acount (e.g. electricity or gas)
    • Set up a cell phone

    SSN Authorization Letter for On-Campus Employment

    For those applying for their SSN with on-campus employment, before visiting the Social Security Administration, you must first receive an SSN Authorization Letter from VIS.

    This requires you to have an offer letter from your on-campus employer. The letter must meet certain standards or it will be rejected.  If your employer needs assistance with writing this letter, please ask them to email vis@stonybrook.edu for assistance.

    Note, if you are applying for an SSN based on CPT or OPT authorization, an SSN Authorization Letter from VIS is not required.
     
    Step 1: Submit your request in accessVIS
    Step 2: Wait for your employer to confirm your employment
    Step 3: VIS Review & Processing
    Step 4: Pick up in VIS office

    Upon picking up the SSN Authorization letter, you can follow the instructions below on how to apply for the SSN.

    SSN Application Process

    To apply for an SSN based on on-campus employment, CPT, or OPT authorization, follow the directions below.  

    Step 1: Submit your SSN application online
    Step 2: Gather all required documentation
    Step 3: Visit the Social Security Office
    Step 4: Receive your SSN in the mail

    Important considerations

    • Social Security Administration cannot process your SSN application if your on-campus employment or CPT/OPT start date is more than 30 days from your application date.
    • You are expected to apply for an SSN at the Social Security office closest to where you live.
    • After receiving your SSN for on-campus employment, you must report it to the Office of the Registrar
    • SSA verifies lawful resident status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system. If they are not able to verify through SAVE, or if there is a discrepancy, they then must institute secondary verification through direct contact with USCIS, which often takes several weeks.
    • If it has been more than 30 days since you've applied, reach out to your VIS advisor for assistance.
    • Social Security fraud is a serious offense. If you are offered on-campus employment and receive a SSN without intending to honor the employment arrangement, this may be considered fraud. You must contact your on-campus employer immediately if you are unable to work.


    For more information, you can refer to the International Students and Social Security Numbers guide or explore options for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you are ineligible for an SSN.

  • Directions to the SSA Office


    Directions to the Patchogue SSA Office


    Directions by car

    1. Take Nicolls Road (Rt. 97) South to the Long Island Expressway (L.I.E.) (Rt. 495).  Take the L.I.E. East (toward Riverhead) one exit to Exit 63 South (North Ocean Avenue). Take North Ocean Avenue (Rt. 83) South to Patchogue. Continue on North Ocean Avenue past Sunrise Highway (Rt. 27) for one mile to Oak Street (on your left).
    2. Turn left onto Oak Street and continue for one block.
    3. Arrive at 75 Oak Street on your Right. Main Street (Montauk Highway / Rt. 85) is one block South of Oak Street, if you come to Main Street, you have gone too far.

    Directions by public bus

    1. Take the Suffolk County S-60 bus to Port Jefferson Village.
    2. Once you arrive at the Port Jefferson Ferry bus stop, ask for a transfer. Change to the S-61 bus to Patchogue. The S-61 bus will go down Route 112 to Oak Street in Patchogue.
    3. The Social Security Office is located one block away from the bus stop, on the same side (75 Oak Street).

    For more information on using Suffolk County Transit, call (631) 852-5200, or visit: www.sct-bus.org.


    To find a Social Security office closest to you, use the Social Security Office Locator.

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