Social Security Number (SSN) & ITIN

On This Page

SSN:

• Applying for a Social Security Number
• Proof of Employment and Work Authorization
• The Social Security Office
• When to Apply

ITIN:

• What is an ITIN?
• Who needs to apply?
• How to apply

Social Security Administration Office

The SSA Office located closest to UT Dallas is:

10824 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, Texas 75231
1-800-772-1213 (phone)

You can use the DART to reach the SSA Office. To plan your trip, please visit the DART website for current schedule.

Applying for a Social Security Number

Step 1

Proof of Employment and Work Authorization

In order to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires F-1/J-1 students to provide proof of valid F-1/J-1 status, proof of employment and of work authorization. Required documents vary depending on the job.

F-1 Students

If your first U.S. job is:	SSN Instructions
On campus	After completing hiring paperwork with the Career Center, the Career Center will provide you with a job offer letter. Submit a letter request to the ISSO through iComet with a copy of your On-Campus Employment Offer Letter. ISSO will email you when your letter is ready. You will need both letters for your SSN application.
On campus with retailer	Your employer will provide you with a job offer letter. Submit a letter request to the ISSO through iComet with a copy of your On-Campus Employment Offer Letter. ISSO will email you when your letter is ready. You will need both letters for your SSN application.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)	You are not required to produce a job offer letter. Your CPT I-20 serves as proof of employment eligibility. When you request the CPT Authorization, also request a SSN letter. You will receive an email from the ISSO when the I-20 and letter are ready.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)	You are not required to produce a job offer letter. Your OPT I-20 and OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serve as proof of employment eligibility. Once you receive the EAD card, you can request an SSN letter from ISSO Office through iComet. Please note that the Social Security Administration will not allow you to apply for the SSN until on or after the start date on the EAD. You will receive an email from the ISSO when the letter is ready.

J-1 Students

If you are applying for an SSN for on campus employment, Necessity Employment, or Academic Training:

• A letter from your Program Sponsor authorizing employment.
• Your DS-2019 with work authorization serves as proof of employment.
• Go to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) and request a SSN letter. Processing time is one business day. You will receive an email from the ISSO when the letter is ready for pickup.

Step 2

The Social Security Office

While you can now begin your SSN application online, non-immigrant students must still make an in-person appointment to complete the process. You can contact your local SSA office if you have additional questions about how to submit your SSN application.

Take all the following to a Social Security Administration Office:

• Documents from Step 1
• Passport, F-1/J-1 visa and I-94
• Form I-20/DS-2019

We suggest you take the originals and a copy of your immigration documents. At the Social Security Administration Office, you will be given a short form to complete and the clerk will check your immigration documents. You can also complete the form online in advance and bring it with you to the SSA office. The SSN card will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

The process usually takes two to three weeks, though it can be longer if your immigration documents require further inspection.

When To Apply

The following are Social Security Administration application limits. If you apply too early your application could be delayed or denied.

• Newly arrived: At least 10 days after arrival in the U.S.
• CPT: Not more than 30 days before CPT Start Date. (Note: Some SSA Offices have indicated that they will only process beginning on or after CPT start date. Contact the SSA office you will visit for confirmation.)
• OPT: On or after the EAD start date

Applying for a Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

What is an ITIN?

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) serves a similar function to a SSN, however while a SSN requires that you are employed at the time of application, an ITIN requires that you are NOT employed at the time of application.

An ITIN is a tax processing number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues to an individual who needs to report income but  is ineligible to obtain a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. To apply for an ITIN, an F or M student must submit a Form W-7, “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number,” with a U.S. tax return.

Who needs to apply for an ITIN?

An F or M student who is ineligible for a SSN because they do not have active employment would only be required to apply for an ITIN in the following scenarios:

• Reception of a grant, fellowship, or scholarship
• Receiving interest from stock options, lottery, or gambling winnings
• Receiving other types of non-wage income

How to apply for an ITIN

Step 1: Request an ITIN Letter from the ISSO

• Log in to the iComet portal
• Click “F-1 Current Students”
• Click “Service Letter Request”
• In the drop down menu, select “ITIN Letter”
• Upload the following documents to the Eform:
  • I-20 copy signed by you on page 1 (Signature must be in ink – NO electronic student signatures)
  • Passport copy
  • F-1 Visa copy
  • Most recent I-94
  • A completed and accurate W-7 form. ISSO will check your form for common errors, but it is your responsibility to ensure the form is correctly filled before sending it to the IRS.

Step 2: Submit your ITIN Application to the IRS

• Gather the following documents:
  • The ITIN certification letter issued to you by the ISSO
  • Completed Form W-7
  • Copies of the immigration documents noted in Step 1
  • Any other documentation that may be required for your scenario as indicated on the completed Form W-7
    
• Mail your ITIN application package by either:

U.S. Postal Service
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342

Private Delivery Service
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional, Highway 35
Austin, TX 78741-0000

• Or, follow the instructions on the IRS website to apply in person: https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/how-to-apply-for-an-itin