Obtaining a Social Security Number and a Job

The social security number is a personal identification number issued by the U.S. government for tax purposes. Many stores and offices (such as cell phone stores and banks) request your social security number prior to cashing a check or granting you their benefits to you.

The temporary JMU social security number that you were given at the beginning of your JMU days to activate your e-ID is only valid within JMU for this purpose only.

The only way for international students on a F-1 visa to acquire a social security number is to be employed. Refer yourself to this section for employment restrictions and guidelines. With this in mind, you can look and apply for jobs.

On-campus job listings can be found at the Office of Student Employment's homepage. International students are restricted to Institution Employment or IE jobs. After you apply and are offered a job, you will need to come to our office to take care of the following steps:

  • Complete an I-9 form which Gina Kudrav or Delo Blough will need to sign
  • Make an appointment to meet with Sherry Willis - Payroll Office, Tel. 568-8034 to discuss visa treaties implications and other related payroll matters.
  • Obtain a letter from International Student and Scholar Services verifying that you are authorized to work at JMU pursuant to the terms of your visa and/or exchange agreement which your supervisor will also need to sign.
  • Apply for a social security number at the Social Security Office located downtown. You will need the following documents:
    • The letter from the ISSS office signed by both Gina Kudrav or Delo Blough AND by your supervisor
    • You passport with your stapled I-94 card
    • Your I-20 or DS-2019
    • The completed Social Security Number Application form.