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Office of International Services

Social Security

  • Social Security now offers an online appointment tool to schedule your visit to the local office. Following submission of online SSN application, you will be given the option to schedule your appointment.
  • F-1 and J-1 applicants are required to meet individually with a Social Security Administration (SSA) staff member when applying for a SSN because the SSA is required to ask certain questions during the application process. This is true even if you use the oSSNAP system to submit your SSN application electronically. F-1s and J-1s cannot use the document drop off services offered at Social Security, including their document hand-off service or the document drop box.

A Social Security number (SSN) is a number issued by the U.S. Federal government for tax purposes. All students and scholars who are currently employed are required to apply for an SSN. Students in F-1 or J-1 status who are not currently employed are not eligible to apply for an SSN. F-2 dependents are not eligible for an SSN; J-2 dependents are only eligible if they’ve applied for and received work authorization from USCIS. The SSN is NOT required to obtain an NC State driver’s license or to open a bank account with some financial institutions.

Please note:

New international students/scholars must first attend a scheduled check-in with OIS before applying for an SSN so OIS can activate/validate the SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 record. After receiving confirmation that their SEVIS record has been activated/validated, OIS recommends the student or scholar to wait at least five days before applying for the SSN. OIS also recommends that new students/scholars wait 10 days after arrival to the U.S. before applying since the Social Security Administration must confirm the port-of-entry details posted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry (there is a delay of up to 10 days for that interface to occur).

Applicants must also be within a 30 day window before their employment start date in order to successfully apply per the Social Security Administration. Social Security will not accept applications for start dates more than 30 days into the future.

Step 1:

Social Security has very specific document requirements to successfully apply for a SSN. Before you begin your application (Step 2), we recommend that you make sure you have all the required documents needed to apply. Some of the required documents may take several business days to acquire, including those that may be needed from OIS (depending on visa type and employment authorization). Ensuring you have all the required documents will allow you to also schedule your SSA appointment knowing that you have everything needed to apply.

Please review the required documents in the section below and pay careful attention to the additional documents that may be required based on your visa type and employment authorization (if applicable). Any documents received electronically (I-94, I-20, etc.) need to be printed before your appointment. SSA does not have a printer for public use.

Step 2:

The Social Security Administration recommends that applicants submit their Social Security application online. You can begin that process on their website: Social Security Number and Card | SSA. Once you complete the online application, you will need to print the confirmation page that includes the reference control number associated with your application. You will need this page when you visit a Social Security field office to complete your application.

Applicants can also still choose to apply via paper application by completing Form SS-5 and bringing it with you to your appointment. This form can be completed by computer (form fillable PDF) or by hand (print a blank form and complete in ink) but it must be presented as an ink signed physical application at the time of your visit to Social Security.

Step 3:

The Social Security Administration requires first-time applicants to visit a field office in person with all the required documents according to your visa type (see section below). As a first time applicant, you will be required to meet with them in-person to complete the application process so you cannot use document drop off services that may be offered at the Social Security field office. Following completion of the online application referenced above, you will be given the option to schedule an appointment with our local SSA office. We strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment to avoid longer waiting times as a walk-in applicant.

Once you have scheduled your appointment, double check that you have all required documents based on your visa type (see section below) and make transportation arrangements to reach their office. You can review the transportation section below for suggestions.

The Raleigh Social Security Administration office is located at 3315 Poole Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27610. Their telephone number is 877.803.6311 or they can be reached by TTY at 919.790.2782. Their office hours and directions can be found here. 

Step 4:

Once you have completed steps 1-3 above and visited Social Security to submit your application, the Social Security card is typically mailed to the applicant’s address 2-4 weeks. Note that there may be delays if you apply before your SEVIS record is activated or if additional document verification is required.

To see the International Students And Social Security Numbers Electronic Fact Sheet click here.

  • A completed application for a SSN (or the printed confirmation page that includes your reference control number if you submitted your application online – see section above).
  • Passport and visa (visa can be expired)
  • I-94 Record
    • You must provide the electronic printout (in English) at your SSA appointment.
    • The SSA office does NOT have a printer for public use and they may require you to reschedule if you do not have your I-94 printed prior to your appointment.
  • I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students/scholars)
    • SSA will accept the electronic version of the I-20 as the original for the purpose of SSN applications. You must have the I-20 printed and signed by you in advance, just as you would when entering the United States
    • As of June 5, 2023, Social Security has confirmed they will accept the electronic version of the DS-2019. Applicants will need to print the DS-2019 and sign it in ink before their trip to Social Security. They will also continue to accept original DS-2019 documents issued on paper with ink signatures.
  • Additional documents may be required depending on your visa type and employment situation. See “Additional Application Document Requirements by Visa Type” below.

Once you apply for your Social Security Number (SSN), a physical card will be mailed to you at the address you provide on your Social Security application.  You MUST provide your US address in the correct format in order to successfully receive your card.  Incorrect addresses may cause delays or even require you to reapply in person.  For example, a common issue is failure to include an apartment number if your address includes one.  Please pay careful attention to the following address information:

Line 1: Street number followed by street name
Line 2: Apartment number (if you have one)  
Line 3: City, State and Zipcode

So the proper address format looks like:
1887 Wolfpack Way
Apt. 101
Raleigh, NC 27695

The Raleigh Social Security Administration office is located at 3315 Poole Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27610. Their office hours and directions can be found here. 

For applicants with access to a personal vehicle, the Raleigh SSA office has free parking.

The Raleigh SSA office is also accessible by GoRaleigh bus. It takes approximately 1 hour to travel by bus (each way) but actual travel time varies depending upon when you plan to go. The GoTriangle Trip Planner is a useful resource that allows you to plan your trip according to the day and time of your SSN appointment.

Many people also choose to use Uber, Lyft, or taxi services to reach the Social Security office. If possible, schedule appointments alongside friends to split the cost of these services.

Additional Application Document Requirements By Visa Type

  • An offer letter from the hiring department or office confirming employment. For students on TA/RA contracts, you can find your offer letter in MyPack (Employee Self Service>Payroll and Compensation>View T&C). SSA will currently accept print copies of offer letters as long as they have the required information below. Original offer letters with hand signed ink signatures will also be accepted. The letter must contain certain information required by The Social Security Administration. If the letter does not follow the prescribed requirements, it is the responsibility of the student to request a new letter from the hiring department/office. Letters must:
    • Be on departmental/campus unit letterhead
    • Include the signature of the hiring official
    • Include the job title
    • Include the employment start date
    • Include the salary
    • Include the Employer Identification Number (EIN) assigned to NC State
  • The Social Security Administration also requires that the Designated School Official (DSO) in OIS write a support letter.  The OIS letter is in addition to the letter from the hiring official. Therefore, F-1 students needing to apply for a SSN must submit an SSN Letter Request form. OIS needs to confirm student and immigration status prior to creating the SSN Letter. Once you have completed the request form, the letter will be emailed to you within 10 business days. You must print and bring a copy with you to your SSN appointment. SSA does not have a printer for public use and they may require you to schedule another appointment if you do not have your DSO letter printed for your appointment.

Must show proof of CPT authorization on page 2 of your I-20, after authorization by OIS.  No additional documentation from OIS required, however, you cannot apply for a social security number until 30 days before your employment start date.

Must show Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS after authorization.  No additional documentation from OIS required, however, you cannot apply for a social security number until 30 days before your employment start date. The Social Security Administration will not process your application until your EAD start date has passed.

  • If employed on-campus, J-1 students must complete the OIS form, J-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Request . Students will be emailed when their form is ready.
  • If employed under Academic Training an updated DS-2019 that indicates Academic Training authorization and an Academic Training authorization letter from OIS must be provided.
  • An offer letter from the hiring department or office confirming employment. SSA will currently accept print copies of offer letters as long as they have the required information below. Original offer letters with hand signed ink signatures will also be accepted. The letter must contain certain information required by The Social Security Administration. If the letter does not follow the prescribed requirements, it is the responsibility of the student to request a new letter from the hiring department/office. Letters must:
    • Be on departmental/campus unit letterhead
    • Include the signature of the hiring official
    • Include the job title
    • Include the employment start date
    • Include the salary
    • Include the Employer Identification Number (EIN) assigned to NC State

J-1 Student Interns also need a letter from OIS in order to apply for an SSN.  New Student Interns will be provided with a SSN letter at the time of their required OIS check-in. If you are a current Student Intern but do not yet have a letter from OIS in support of your SSN application, you can request a letter by emailing ois@ncsu.edu.  The letter takes several business days to process and you will be emailed when it is ready.

J-1 Research Scholars/ Short-term Scholars/ Professors do not require any additional documentation as long as “Research Scholar”, “Short-term Scholar”, or Professor” is noted in Item 4 of the DS-2019.