ISSS: Obtaining a Social Security Number

F-1 students may apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) once they have been offered employment, either on or off campus. Applications for Social Security numbers are processed by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).

If you are a new student:

You must complete your initial SEVIS Registration in order to be eligible for the SSN.
You must be in the US for a minimum of 14 days before you can submit your application and schedule your appointment.

Steps to Obtain a Social Security Number

Prepare the required documents to provide at the Harrisonburg Social Security Administration Office:

❑ Obtain the letter to the Social Security Administration

[If you will be working for Aramark] Contact Margaret (arnol3me@jmu.edu Wine Price Building lower floor) to obtain a specific Aramark letter for the Social Security Administration. Your Aramark supervisor will need to sign this letter before you bring the completed letter to the CGE for an ISSS advisor to sign the bottom section.

[If you will be working for a JMU dept.] Obtain the letter to the Social Security Administration from the individual in the department/office you will be working. The top portion of the letter needs to be completed and signed by them or your direct supervisor before you bring the completed letter to the CGE for an ISSS advisor to sign the bottom section.

[If you are an athlete] Obtain this letter to Social Security Administration from Amanda Khochareun’s office (khochaar@jmu.edu 205A Godwin Hall). The top portion of the letter needs to be completed and signed by them or your direct supervisor before you bring the completed letter to the CGE for an ISSS advisor to sign the bottom section.

❑ Complete the online SSN Application Form – make sure to print the last (confirmation) page as it contains your confirmation number

❑ Complete JMU’s Student Employment’s I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification (use this video tutorial to help you complete the form) OR Aramark’s I-9 form. You are eligible to fill out this paperwork with a receipt of your SSN appointment receipt.

Take the following documents with you to your SSA appointment:

Passport
Print your Most Recent I-94 (Official Arrival Record)
I-20 Form
Letter to the Social Security Administration (see above)

Go to the Harrisonburg Social Security Administration Office – with all of the documents mentioned above) as early as the following day (after you submit the SSN application) and no later than 44 days.

The office is located at 351 N. Mason Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Please note:

Office hours are: Mon., Tue., Thu. & Fri. 9 am–4 pm and Wed. 9 am–2 pm
Bring all of the documents listed above