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Social Security Number

Obtaining a Social Security Number
J-1 and J-2 Visas

A Social Security number (SSN) is a permanent nine-digit identification number/card issued by the United States government. It is used primarily for taxing income in order to provide retirement and medical benefits. For tax purposes, anyone receiving income must provide their US employer with a social security number. Recent changes in Social Security Administration regulations have restricted the issuing of SSNs to certain foreign student categories. J-1 students do not need a job or job offer, but must obtain an “employment authorization letter” from their J-1 sponsor in order to apply for a SSN.

1. How To Apply

In order to obtain a social security number, you must apply in person at the local Social Security Administration office. Follow the procedures below depending upon your type of nonimmigrant status. The name you put on your social security application needs to match the name you have on your DS-2019, your passport, your I-94 card, and your University of Minnesota records.

2. Social Security Administration Offices

• 1811 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis
• Sibley Bldg, Suite 800, 190 5ht St. East, St.paul
• 5215 Industrial Boulevard, Edina
• 3220 County Road 10, Brooklyn Center

Office hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Phone: 800/772-1213. Website: www.ssa.gov/

3. STANDARD DOCUMENTS

All nonimmigrants must show the following documents in order to complete an application:

• Valid Passport
• Valid I-94 card
• DS-2019
• One other piece of identification - student ID card, driver's license, credit card, etc.

4. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS (depending on your status)

J-1 Students Sponsored by University of Minnesota. J-1 students with “University of Minnesota” listed in Item 2 of their DS-2019 must go to ISSS in 190 Humphrey Center and request a “J-1 employment authorization letter” verifying your fulltime enrollment and employment authorization at the U of Minnesota. J-1 students must submit this letter in addition to the standard documents listed above.

J-1 Scholars. J Scholars simply need to present the standard documents above. They do not need to submit additional materials. No letter from ISSS is required. No employer letter is required.

J-2 Dependents. J-2 visa holders may apply for Social Security numbers only if they secure work permission through USCIS. Talk to ISSS about how to do this. Once you have the EAD, you can take it, along with passport, I-94 card, DS-2019 and another piece of identification to the local social security office.

5. Steps for Students Employed by University of Minnesota

• Bring all of the documents listed above to:

-University of Minnesota Payroll Office (West Bank Office Building, 1300 S. 2nd St, Room 545 or Donhowe Building Room 170) to fill out UMN payroll forms.

• Apply for Social Security card at a US Social Security Administration office.

Those persons requiring an identification number for tax filing or some other specific legal purpose, but who do not qualify for a Social Security number (F-2, J-2, and H-4 visas), See Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), for more information.

Last Update: November 14, 2007