International students are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have an offer of employment. Those seeking employment, either on-campus or off-campus, must follow both University and Federal regulations governing international student employment.

Social Security Office Information

Social Security Office - Albany

Suite 110
1390 Waverly Drive SE
Albany, OR 97322

The Social Security office in Albany, OR can be reached by taking the bus. For more information please visit the Corvallis Transit System website.

Application Process

  1. Receive employment offer or authorization document
  2. Collect appropriate supporting documentation (see below)
  3. Apply at a Social Security Administration office no more than 30 days before employment starts
  4. Take your receipt to your employer to complete hire paperwork
  5. Receive your SSN via mail within 2-4 weeks
New Students

New students need to complete check-in procedures and register full-time before the Office of International Services can complete your form. The Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) advises that applicants should be in the United States for 10 days before going to the social security office to apply to allow time for arrival information to transfer between systems.

Dependents and SSNs

  • F-2 dependents are not eligible to apply for SSNs or employment

  • J-2’s may apply for a SSN during their application for employment authorization with USCIS

F-1 Students

Bring the following items to the Social Security office:
  • Original I-20
  • Valid passport
  • Copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure form (front and back if a card, or print from online)
  • Employment Verification (1):
    • Social Security Verification Form; OR
    • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval (noted on page 2 of your I-20); OR
    • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS
Employment Verification
On Campus:
  1. Find a job
  2. Ask your employer to complete the Employer Section of the Social Security Verification Form
  3. Bring the signed form to OIS for completion
CPT:
  1. Receive a job offer letter
  2. Apply for CPT with OIS
  3. Receive CPT I-20
EAD-based:
  1. Request SSN as part of I-765; OR
  2. Receive EAD
  3. Apply for SSN after start date has been reached

J-1 Students

Bring the following items to the Social Security office:

  • Original DS-2019

  • Valid passport

  • Copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure form (front and back if a card, or print from online)

  • Employment Verification (1):
    • Social Security Verification Form and Employment Authorization Letter from your program sponsor; OR
    • Academic Training Authorization from OIS and job offer letter
Employment Verification
OSU Sponsored DS-2019s

If you are a student sponsored by OSU, bring the letter from your employer and either the Social Security Verification Form or the Academic Training request to OIS. Within 7 days, an advisor will create an employment authorization letter verifying your authorization to work.

Program Sponsors other than OSU

If OSU is not your program sponsor, you will need to contact your program sponsor to obtain an employment authorization letter.