International Students SSN Application Process & FNQ

After you secure a position on campus, you will receive information and instructions for completing the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Proceed to PRWC 073 to fill out the form I9. Please note, this Form must be completed prior to your first day of employment. 

If you have not received the Form I-9 and instructions, please email Student Employment at studentemployment@ithaca.edu or HR at  humanresources@ithaca.edu 

Obtain the SSN request letter.

• Contact International Programs at isss@ithaca.edu to request an authorization letter you will need to provide to the SSN Office.

Fill out the online SSN application form and print out of the confirmation page after you submit the application online. Take the printout (which has your application reference number) with you to the SSN appointment. 

Make very sure that you enter your complete and correct address on the form. On-campus students, follow these directions if you are not sure. If the address you enter is incorrect or incomplete, you will not get the SSN card and you will have to make a new appointment and go to the office downtown with all your documents all over again to re-apply.

Use the online SSN application form or call the local SSN office at 866-706-8289 to make an in-person SSN application appointment. Capture that date on your calendar and do not miss the appointment!

The local SSN office is at 127 West State Street (second floor), one block away from the Commons. The office is open 9 am to 4 pm every day Monday through Friday except on federal holidays.

Prepare your SSN application documents . You will need to take these to the SSN application appointment:

• Your passport
• Your I-20 or DS-2019
• Your I-94 Form (Canadian passport holders only)
• The printout of the online SSN application confirmation page or the completed SSN application form
• The SSN certification letter signed by HR and the OIP

Go to the Social Security Administration Office to apply for your SSN.

The SSN officer will review your documents and will return your passport and I-20 or DS-2019. Make sure you get those back, do not leave the office without them.

The officer will give you a receipt confirming that you successfully applied for the SSN. Keep it in a safe place until you get the SSN card in the mail. The office will also inform you when your SSN will be mailed to you.

When you receive your Social Security Number from the Social Security Administration, please bring your SSN card to Human Resources . HR will update your Social Security number in the system.

Keep your SSN card in a safe place – retain it with your other important documents, do not carry it around on your person. Do not give your SSN without careful consideration and beware of identity theft. Do not lose your SSN card as it may be tricky to replace.