In order to accept any form of employment either on or off campus, it is necessary to have a Social Security number. To obtain a Social Security number, you must visit a Social Security office and complete an application. It will take approximately two weeks to receive your card in the mail. When you apply, you will receive a receipt from the Social Security office. You should retain this receipt; in the event that you begin working before receiving your Social Security card, you must present the receipt to your employer. You should be aware that a Social Security number does NOT authorize you to accept employment off-campus. Accepting unauthorized off-campus employment is a violation of your F-1 status.
How do I apply for a Social Security card?
To apply for a Social Security card, you must be hired to work on campus and present the following at the SS office:
A completed social security application form. (You will receive this form from the
receptionist at the social security office. Social Security application forms are also
available online at www.ssa.gov.)
Your passport (Your passport must have an issue date earlier than one year from the date you applied for your Social Security card. If not, you will need to bring picture ID of some sort with a date in the same effect. A picture ID in a language other than English is permitted. The Social Security Administration will translate your ID, but expect processing delays.)
Your original stamped I-20 and subsequent I-20s issued to you
Your I-94 card (Generally stapled inside your passport)
A letter of employment (The letter of employment must be written on company letterhead and state your position, hours, start date, and end date.)
A letter of employment (The letter of employment must be written on company
letterhead and state your job position, location and start date)
All documents must be originals; the Social Security office cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
Local Social Security Offices
Phone Number: 1-800-772-1213 Website:www.ssa.gov Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Above information applies to all offices)
Clifton Social Security Office
Location:
935 Allwood Road Clifton, NJ 07012
Driving Directions: Take Route 17 South to Route 3 West. Exit at Broad Street. Turn right onto Allwood Road. The Social Security office is located on your right-hand side at 935 Allwood Rd.
Hackensack Social Security Office
Location:
22 Sussex Street Hackensack, NJ 07601
Driving Directions: Located near Bergen County courthouse opposite court plaza between Main Street and State Street. From the north, take State Street South and make a left onto Sussex Street. From the south, turn left onto Sussex from Main immediately past the courthouse.
Hoboken Social Security Office
Location:
5 Marine View Plaza Hoboken, NJ 07030
Driving Directions: Take the train from the Rutherford train station to Hoboken. The SS office is within walking distance of the Hoboken train station.
