Social Security Numbers
Q. What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?
A: The United States has a nationwide pension supplement system known as Social Security. A nine-digit number is assigned to all U.S. citizens, permanent residents and some international visitors and is used to keep a record of income for tax purposes. This nine-digit number is referred to as a Social Security Number or SSN.
As an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, you are not required to pay into the Social Security system until you have lived in the United States for any period of time during five calendar years (For the specific calculation, please contact Mary Chenault in the Controller's Office). However, you are required to have a Social Security Number if you are employed. You may encounter various requests for an SSN for identification purposes while conducting business in the United States. The SSN is often used by banks as an access code; for example, if you phoned your bank and asked for your current balance, you may be asked for the last four digits of your SSN to verify your identity. Other agencies may ask for the SSN as a way to distinguish you from other people or to check your credit history. Despite these requests, you are not eligible for an SSN unless you are earning income in the United States.
Q: Do I need a Social Security Number?
A: Social Security Numbers are meant for tax purposes only. If you are receiving wages from an employer in the United States (such as receiving a stipend from Emory or working in an on-campus job), you will need a Social Security Number. You may only receive an SSN if you will be employed in the United States.
Q: If I get a Social Security Number, does it mean I can accept any job?
A: No! SSNs issued to non-immigrants (individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) are valid only in conjunction with a corresponding work authorization appropriate for their visa status. The SSN is not work authorization in itself.
Q: Do I need a number before I may be employed in the United States?
A: Any person who will be employed in the United States must have an SSN. You will not receive the SSN immediately after submitting your application, but you may begin working once you have applied. If you are employed by Emory, Human Resources will assign you a “dummy” ID number in the Emory system for use until the SSN is received. Students should not use the “dummy” ID number assigned by Emory as an ID number anywhere else outside of Emory! No tax treaty benefits will apply until the student obtains the SSN and provides a copy of the SSN card to Mary Chenault in the Office of the Controller (1599 Clifton Road).
Q: I have been given a student ID number by Emory University. Do I still need an SSN? Do I have to change my ID number?
A: A student ID number is not an SSN. You do not need to change your ID number. However, when you obtain your SSN, you should notify Susan Newborn in the division of Data Services in Human Resources at 404-727-7563 AND Mary Chenault in the Controller's Office immediately.
Q: I need to apply for a Georgia Driver's License, and I was told that I need to have an SSN in order to apply for one. How can I obtain a Georgia Driver's License if I cannot get an SSN?
A: To apply for a Georgia Driver’s License, you must provide your SSN or official evidence that you are not eligible for an SSN. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue Form SSAL-676 (essentially a "denial" or "rejection" letter) if you are not eligible for an SSN if you wish to apply for a Georgia Driver’s License. You must bring your immigration documents to the SSA and receive SSAL-676 before submitting an application to the Department of Driver Services. For more information, please see the section entitled Driving in the United States.
Q: When may I apply for an SSN?
A: You should not attempt to apply for an SSN until you have been in the United States for at least 10 business days. Information from the U.S. Port of Entry database must be reported to the SSA so they can confirm your legal status before issuing the number. If an application is submitted too early, procedures to find the information could actually delay the processing of your SSN. Additional wait times may apply depending on which type of employment you will pursue (see below).
The SSN application process is free and no appointment is necessary. When you enter the SSA office, you may have to wait in line for several hours. It is recommended that you go early in the morning, take a number when you enter and be prepared to wait. When your number is called, you will step up to the appropriate desk and present your application. The clerk will examine your documents and may take copies of them along with your application form.
Q: How long does it take to get the SSN?
A: On average, it takes two weeks to receive the SSN. It will be mailed to the address on your application form. If you move from this address before you receive your card, it will not be forwarded to you. You will need to go back to the SSA in person to present your documentation again.
As indicated above, SSA must verify your immigration information. They use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database for this purpose. If your information is not yet in the SAVE database or if there is a discrepancy between your immigration documents and the SAVE database, the SSA must send an inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security. The SSA cannot process your application until the Department of Homeland Security has verified your immigration status and information. Consequently, the application process may be significantly delayed. In general, the clerk who processes the SSN application will notify you in writing that additional verification is required so that you are aware of the status of your application. If you encounter this situation, there is nothing ISSS or the SSA can do to expedite the process. However, if you still have not received your SSN five weeks after submitting the application AND have not been informed that additional verification is needed, you may contact the ISSS staff to find out if there are any steps that can be taken to inquire about your application.
Q: What documents do I need to bring with me to the SSA?
A: Social Security Number applications for are taken in person. All F-1 and J-1 student applicants should bring a completed Form SS-5 and original immigration documents (passport, Form I-20 or DS-2019 Form issued by Emory University, and valid I-94) to the SSA.
F-1 Students
- F-1 students who are applying for an SSN based on on-campus employment must also bring a letter completed by both the on-campus employer and ISSS. The on-campus employer should complete the top portion of the ISSS template [pdf], print the document on letterhead, and bring the letter to an International Student Advisor in ISSS for completion of the DSO portion. Students may apply for an SSN up to 30 days prior to the on-campus employment start date.
- F-1 students who are applying for an SSN based on Curricular Practical Training should request a letter of confirmation from ISSS in conjunction with the CPT application. Students may apply for an SSN up to 30 days prior to the CPT start date listed on page three of the I-20.
- F-1 students who are applying for an SSN based on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) received as approval for Optional Practical Training, Employment with an International Organization or Employment for Severe Economic Hardship must also bring the EAD. Students may apply for an SSN once the EAD start date has been reached.
J-1 Students
- J-1 students who are applying for an SSN based on on-campus employment must also bring a letter completed by both the on-campus employer and ISSS. The on-campus employer should complete the top portion of the ISSS template [pdf], print the document on letterhead, and bring the letter to an International Student Advisor in ISSS for completion of the ARO portion.
Please note: Students in J-1 status sponsored by organizations other than Emory University must contact their J-1 sponsor to request the employment authorization letter.
- J-1 students who are applying for an SSN based on Academic Training must also bring the authorization letter issued by ISSS and the offer letter from the employer.
Q: Where do I apply for an SSN?
A: There are several locations in the Atlanta area. Three of the closest locations are listed below. Other locations are available on the Social Security Administration website.
- South DeKalb SSA Office:
- Address: One South Dekalb Center, South Dekalb Mall, 2801 Candler Rd, Decatur, GA 30034. Phone:1-800-772-1213
- Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., excluding holidays.
- Directions by Emory CLIFF Shuttle: South Dekalb Mall is accessible through the Cliff (Emory University) South Dekalb shuttle, which transports passengers in between Emory University and South Dekalb Mall every weekday. Upon arrival at South Dekalb mall, One South Dekalb Center is directly in front of you as you depart the shuttle. You will see the Social Security Administration office to the left of the arched entrance to One South Dekalb Center. Cliff shuttle schedules are available here.
- Downtown Atlanta SSA Office:
- Address: Suite 2860, 401 W. Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30308. Phone: 404-331-4155 or 1-800-772-1213
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., excluding holidays.
- Directions by MARTA: Catch Bus #6 Northbound at the bus stop at the corner of Clifton and North Decatur Roads (Bus #6 runs nearly every 20 minutes. See the MARTA website for schedules). Ride it for approximately 20 minutes to the Lindberg MARTA Center Station. Exit the bus and board the southbound train. Get off at the Civic Center (the fourth station after Lindbergh). Walk South on West Peachtree Street. The office is located in the Peachtree-Summit Federal Building at the corner of Ralph McGill Boulevard and West Peachtree Street.
- Norcross SSA Office:
- Address: 4365 Shackleford Rd, Norcross, GA 30093. Phone: 678-380-5827 or 1-800-772-1213
- Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., excluding holidays.
- Directions by car: Bear left on North Decatur Road NE and go 1.5 miles. Turn left on Scott Boulevard and go 0.6 miles. Bear right on US-29 North and go .06 miles. US-29 North becomes US-78 East; continue 1.1 miles. Take the I-285 exit towards Greenville and go 5 miles. Take exit #33 onto I-85 North towards Greenville; continue 7.3 miles. Take exit #102 /GA-378 onto Beaver Ruin Road NW towards Lilburn and go 0.5 mile. Turn left on Shackleford Road NW; continue 0.4 miles. Arrive at 4365 Shackleford Road, Norcross, on the left. This trip will probably take 30-45 minutes in non-peak traffic times.
Q: What else do I need to do after I receive my card?
A: The SSN card is a valuable document which should be kept safely with personal records. You should carry the original card with you only when using it for official business, such as getting onto payroll. You should not keep it in your wallet. When you receive your Social Security Card, you should memorize your number and keep the card in a safe place for your personal records. The number is issued for you to use your entire life. If the card is not sent, you will need to contact the SSA office to inquire.