Social Security Number Application Information (Employees & Scholars)

If you are applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) for the first time, you must be physically in the United States.

Overview of the Process

To get an SSN, you must:

  1. Enter the United States in J-1 status and access your I-94 Arrival Record

  2. Validate your SEVIS record with OIS by completing the J‑1 Document Check‑In through IP Connect

  3. Complete the SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card (online)

  4. Make an appointment to go to your local Social Security Administration office to provide your documentation (passport, visa, I-94, letter of employment (for Exchange Visitors in the Student Intern category)

  5. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days

Note: The Social Security Administration recommends waiting at least 10 days after you arrive in the U.S. before visiting the Social Security office. This waiting time allows your arrival information to be updated in the SAVE system.

Working and Getting Paid Before You Have an SSN

You can be added to OSU payroll before you receive your Social Security Number.

However:

  • OSU may be required to withhold (prepay) more taxes until your SSN is received

  • This means your paychecks may be smaller than expected at first

Once OSU receives your SSN, your tax withholding can be adjusted.

If you have questions or concerns, contact the OSU Payroll Office.

More Information

For additional details, review Social Security Numbers for Non-Citizens (PDF)

  1. J-1 Exchange Visitors:

  2. Categories of Researcher, Professor, Short-Term-Scholar, or Student Intern

  • Original DS-2019
  • Valid passport
  • Current printed Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
  • One additional piece of identification establishing identity and age (e.g. J-1 visa stamp)
  • Job offer letter (required only for Exchange Visitors in the Student Intern category)

J-2 Dependents:

J-2 dependents must have an approved Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization) before applying for a social security card. A social security number can be requested directly on the I-765 form.

  • Original DS-2019 of dependent
  • Valid passport
  • Current printed Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
  • One additional piece of identification establishing identity and age (e.g. J-2 visa stamp)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS

H-1B Employees:

Note: Individuals on other dependent visas (e.g. H-4, F-2, TD, etc.) are not eligible for social security numbers

Social Security Office Information:

Office Locator and Hours: see the Social Security Office Locator

The closest Social Security Office to the OSU Corvallis campus is in Albany, Oregon at 1390 Waverly Drive SE, Suite 110, Albany, OR 97322

Phone: 1-800-772-1213