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

• Once you have an 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 other words, the card does not grant permission to work.
• If you become a Permanent Resident (green card holder), request that your card be updated without that notation. If you lose your card, it will be difficult to obtain a new one from the SSA office.

Sunapsis Process

• 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.
• OPT/Economic Hardship: Apply for your SSN when you submit Form I-765 to USCIS.
  • Visit to SSA office is NOT required.

• F-1 international students must receive work authorization from the Office of International Programs (OIP) before they apply for an SSN. OIP must register the SEVIS record before the student may apply for an SSN.
• International students may complete the SSN application process only after arriving in the U.S. (in F-1 status).
• SSN applications can be started and then finished by making an in-person appointment at an SSA office. Learn more at the SSA's page.

Important Details About Social Security Numbers

• The Social Security Administration may take 10–30 business 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 allow them to start an SSN application before the first pay period.
  • Human Resources and Payroll cannot begin the hiring process until the student provides proof that they have or will have an SSN.
• 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 SSA 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:

For more information, review the SSA’s page.