International Student Services
International Programs Office at Benedictine University

Social Security Card

International students with an F-1 or J-1 status who have been offered employment on campus can apply for a social security number.

Applicants must wait at least 10 business days from the date of entry stamped on your I-20/I-94 before visiting the Social Security Administration Office. If you are 18 years or older and have never been assigned a number before, you must apply in person. The Social Security office will not accept photocopies of documents; you have to submit all your original documents in order for your application to be processed. Remember: It is important to show proof of age, identity, and U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Alien status.

Students have to follow these steps in order to apply for a social security number:

1. Receive a job offer on campus
2. Complete a Social Security Card application
3. Obtain a letter verifying your F-1 student status from an advisor at the International Programs Office.
4. Obtain a letter of appointment/offer from the supervisor at your place of employment, which outlines job responsibilities, employment start date, number of hours you will work, supervisor's name and telephone number.
5. Bring your original immigration documents to the Social Security Administration
1. Valid passport
2. SEVIS I-20
3. I-94 card (white card in passport)

Nearest Social Security office:
7440 Providence Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517
Hours: Mon-Fri 9a.m.-4p.m.

For more information and to download an application please see the social security online fact sheet at: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10181.html#apply