Social Security

U.S. federal law requires all individuals employed in the U.S. to have a Social Security Number (SSN). SSN’s are used to identify employees and tax salaries, and are only issued for the purpose of employment. Please note that the Social Security Administration will not issue a SSN for the purpose of opening a bank account, or obtaining driver's license or telephone.

A SSN is not required to begin employment, but must be obtained immediately after being hired. Please note that: for non-EAD based F-1 student employment (CPT and on-campus employment) SSA will not process an application for a SSN if it is more than 30 days in advance of the scheduled employment start date; in the case of EAD-based F-1 employment, the employment start date on the EAD must already have been reached before SSA will process the application for a SSN. More information...

Campus Department Employers

Syracuse University campus departments who employ international students and scholars:

Social Security Administration procedures require employers to certify employment of international students. Complete Section A (online) of the Employment Certification Memo below then print and sign. Give the completed memo to the student to bring to the for the Slutzker Center to complete Section B.

Employment Certification Memos

SU F-1/J-1 Student

SU J-1 Scholar

SUNY-ESF F-1/J-1 Student

SU F-1/J-1 students and SUNY-ESF F-1/J-1 students who want to work on SU campus: Please click here for Social Security Number and I-9 instructions.

SUNY-ESF F-1/J-1 students who want to work on ESF campus: Please click here for Social Security Number and I-9 instructions.

Off-Campus Employers

Social Security Administration procedures require employers to certify employment of international students. Complete Section A (online) of the Employment Certification Memo below then print on your letterhead and sign. Give the completed memo to the student to be submitted to the Slutzker Center to complete Section B. Additional information regarding employer resoonsibilities when hiring foriegn nationals is available online.

Employment Certification Memo

Off-Campus F-1/J-1 Student

For international students to be eligible for an SSN with off-campus employment you must:

Step 1: Have valid work authorization

Step 2: You must be employed or have a promise of employment

Step 3: Ask your off-campus employer to do the following
OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYER - Follow these steps:

  1. Fill in the Certification of Off-Campus F-1/J-1 Student Certification Form.
  2. Print the form on your letterhead
  3. Return the form to the student to be submitted to the Slutzker Center for our signature.
Step 4: APPLICATION
  1. Apply for a SSN at the Social Security Administration office. It is located on the 4th Floor of the Federal Building at 100 S. Clinton Street in downtown Syracuse. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. See map on reverse side. Never go to the SSA on the first or the last day of the month because the waiting time on those particular days may be several hours. If you are out of Syracuse, please check your nearest Social Security Administration
  2. Take the following with you:
    • Your valid passport
    • Form I-94 (small white card in your passport)
    • Off-Campus F-1/J-1 Student Certification Form
    • F-1 students: Form I-20 or for J-1 Students: Form DS-2019
Step 5: In approximately two to eight weeks you will receive your SSN in the mail. Therefore, be sure to request a RECEIPT for your application. You may be required to present this receipt to your employer immediately after obtaining it.

Step 6: Upon receiving your real SSN by mail, you may need to submit a copy of your Social Security card to your employer. Please follow your employer's business process.