Social Security & Taxes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a Social Security Number (SSN) to those in F or J status unless they are employed. If students have a job, they should submit a SSN support letter request through the ISOGateway. An ISO advisor will then issue the student a letter that the student will take with the employer's letter to the SSA office to apply for an SSN.

If you are requesting permission to engage in On-Campus Employment:

Students are requested to submit a letter from the employing department, on GW letterhead, stating the following information:

1. Position title
2. Number of hours per week student is expected to work
3. Location of employment

**F-1 students with fellowship or Graduate Assistantship (GTA, GRA, GAA): please provide a copy of award letter in lieu of the on-campus employer letter.

If you are requesting permission to engage in Off-Campus Employment:

Students authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must provide their I-20 with a CPT endorsement on Page 2 when applying for a Social Security Number at the Social Security Administration Office. All previous I-20s must also be included.

Students authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or severe economic hardship must provide a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Students authorized for Academic Training should present their work authorization letter and academic training DS-2019.

To apply for a SSN:

The Social Security Administration requires original documents stating age, identity and lawful alien status. The ISO has prepared a comprehensive Social Security Number Guidelines on how to apply for an SSN.

Please bring

1. I-20
2. Passport
3. Visa or I-797 Approval Notice of Change of Visa Status
4. I-94 Card
5. Social Security Support Letter (from ISO)
6. Letter from Employer
7. GWorld Card

The nearest Social Security Administration to the Foggy Bottom campus is located at 1300 D St. SW.