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A Social Security Number (SSN) allows you to legally work and be paid in the U.S. Your SSN is printed on a small Social Security Card that is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

• Once you have a SSN, You do not need to apply for a new number or card when starting a new job or changing to another immigration status.
• Your card will have the notation "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization" written on it.  In oter words, the card does not frant permission to work. 
• If you become a Permanent Resident (green card holder), request that your card is updated without that notation. you lose your card, it will be difficult to obtain a new one from SSA.

Sunapsis Process to to request a Social Security Letter:

• On-Campus Employment: Submit the “Social Security Letter” request concurrently with your “On Campus Work Authorization” request in  
  • Visit to SSA office is required
    
    
• CPT: Submit the “Social Security Letter” request concurrently with your “CPT Application” in  
  • Visit to SSA office is required
    
    
• All other F-1 employment: Apply for your SSN when you submit Form I-765 to USCIS
  • Visit to SSA office is NOT required

For more information, review the SSA’s page

• F-1 international student must receive work authorization from the Office of International Programs (OIP) before  they apply for an SSN. Immediately.  OIP must register the SEVIS record before the student may apply for an SS#.
• International students may complete the SS# application process ONLY after being present / arriving in the U.S. (in F-1 status).
• SSN applications are made in-person at an SSA office.   Learn more at the SSA's  page. 

• The Office of Social Security Administration may take 10-30 work-days to issue an SSN #..
• We recommend that new students with a TA or RA position enter the U.S.30 days before classes begin (as permitted by the F-1 visa).  This will permit them to start an SS# application before the start of the firstl pay period.  
  • Human resources and Payroll cannot begin the hiring process unti the student provides proof that they have or will have an SS#.
• Please note that UTEP DOES NOT allow international workers (e.g., students, professors, researchers, interns, etc.) to begin working until they have:
  • New Hire documents,
  • Criminal Background Check (CBC),
  • Proof of a Social Security number (card) or notification from the Social Security Administration that the card is in transit.

RESOURCES

• Please review the Hiring Process Student link provided below.
• UTEP Hiring Process Student: Hiring Process Student (utep.edu)
• SSA Hiring Foreign Workers: