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Social Security Number (SSN)

The term Social Security number (SSN) refers to a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and other residents to track income and determine benefits. The original intention of the SSN was to track earnings and provide benefits. Now, it is used for additional purposes, such as identifying individuals for tax purposes and tracking credit reports.

 

Individuals in the U.S. are asked to provide their SSN to obtain credit, open bank accounts, obtain government benefits, make major purchases, and more.

With very few exceptions, all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary or working residents have a Social Security number. Even non-working residents (citizens and non-citizens alike) can obtain an SSN, due to its use by businesses and government entities.

 

The legal framework for assigning a Social Security number is provided under Section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S. Code, Chapter 7, Subsection 405). “Compilation Of The Social Security Laws.“

 Social Security numbers and cards are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Flow for IAU Student to Obtain SSN:

1. Meet IAU
2. Employer
3. Fill Out Form
4. Internship Course
5. Prepare Docs
6. SSA Office

Meet with a Career Services Coordinator to discuss Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Internship Requirements.

Contact a Career Services Coordinator by emailing [email protected] to discuss how to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT). After a Career Services Coordinator explains the CPT employment guidelines, required CPT documents (Internship Offer Letter and Cooperative Educational Internship Agreement Form), and corresponding BUS 440/640 Internship Course, you may begin searching for employment suitable for your program curriculum.

Find a suitable employer who will broaden your horizons in the world of management & business.

During your interview, you must inform your employer that you are an F-1 student and would like to take the opportunity to gain more work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) under his or her supervision. They will then see what great of a candidate you are and hand you an Internship Offer Letter.

Both you and your employer must complete and sign the Cooperative Educational Internship Agreement Form with live signatures.

Submit your Offer Letter and Cooperative Educational Internship Agreement Form to your Career Services Coordinator & enroll in the BUS 440/640 Internship Course.

Contact a Career Services Coordinator by emailing [email protected] to submit your CPT documents. If your documents are acceptable, you will be issued a CPT I-20 with your employer’s information along with a DSO Social Security Number Letter. You will also be automatically enrolled into the corresponding BUS 440/640 Internship Course. You are required to obtain 2 internships (paid or unpaid) for a minimum of 8 weeks (1 session) in order to receive credit for this class. Failure to secure an internship will result in no credit received for this class.

Gather the following necessary documents. No photocopies accepted, bring originals!

  1. Passport
  2. Original I-94 and/or original I-797 Notice of Action approval of F-1 status
  3. Original CPT Authorization I-20
  4. Original Offer Letter
  5. DSO Social Security Number Letter

You may need to call your local SSN office to inquire more about the documents required for the SSN, as requirements may vary by location. We also strongly recommend setting up an appointment before visiting.

Visit your local Social Security Administration Office and bring all necessary documents listed above.

You can visit www.socialsecurity.gov to find the closest Social Security Administration Office to you. For more information about Social Security for non-citizens check out https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf!

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