Social Security & Taxes

What is an SSN?

Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number that helps record wages and employment earnings. Federal regulations require that F-1 and J-1 students demonstrate that they have a specific job in order to be issued an SSN. While some organizations may request an SSN for non-work related matters, there are often other documents that you can use to provide proof of your status if you are not eligible to receive an SSN.

If you have a job offer, you should request an SSN support letter from the ISO through the ISOGateway. An ISO advisor will then issue you a letter that you will use, along with other required documents, to apply for an SSN with the SSA.

Please note that Social Security Numbers are very sensitive numbers and should be kept private. Only share your SSN when required for official matters such as employment and taxes. Reputable organizations will not ask you for your social security number in order to apply for a job. For information on keeping your SSN safe, please visit our webpage on avoiding scams.

What are the steps to obtain an SSN?

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, the International Services Office (ISO) will provide you with a support letter to facilitate your application for an SSN if you have an offer for On-Campus Employment.

Step 1: Ensure you are eligible to receive an SSN

As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are eligible to obtain a social security number for work purposes if you:

Have successfully completed the ISO Online Check-in (new students)
Are enrolled in a full course of study (12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduate students, or have an authorized reduced course load or FTC)
Have received an on-campus offer of employment, a fellowship, or a graduate assistantship (GTA, GRA, GAA). The SSA is not currently issuing social security numbers to students unless they can verify employment at the time of application.
Have an offer that starts within 30 days from when you submit your Social Security Support Letter Request to the ISO. The SSA will not process an SSN application for an F-1 student if the start date of the on-campus work authorization is more than 30 days in the future.

Step 2: Request a Social Security Support Letter from the ISO

To request a Social Security Support Letter from the ISO, visit your ISOGateway and select "Social Security Support Letter." If you are a new student and do not see this option, that is because the ISO has not yet approved your Online Check-In. You will be able to request a support letter once your check-in has been approved.

If you are requesting permission to engage in on-campus employment:

In the Social Security Support Letter eform you will need to upload a copy of the original offer letter (on letterhead) from your employing department including the following information:

Position title
Employment start date
Number of hours you will work per week
Location of the on-campus employment

F-1 students with fellowships or Graduate Assistantships (GTA, GRA or GAA) can provide a copy of their award letter in lieu of the on campus employer letter.

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

ISO does not provide Social Security Support Letters for off-campus employment. However, please visit the SSA website to verify the documents that you would need to request a social security number for off-campus employment.

Step 3: Pick up your Social Security Support Letter from the ISO

When your letter is ready, you will receive an email notification from [email protected] with instructions to pick up your letter from the ISO. Please bring your GWorld card to the office with you.

Step 4: Apply for an SSN with the SSA

Once you have the Social Security Support Letter from the ISO, you will need to submit your documentation to the SSA. You can do so online first, or you may simply visit the SSA office in person. Always check the SSA website for the most up to date requirements for obtaining an SSN.

The SSA requires original documents establishing age, identity and lawful alien status to create an SSN. These include:

I-20
Passport
A copy of your most recent I-94 (please visit the CBP website to download your most recent I-94)
Social Security Support Letter (from ISO)
Letter from Employer
GWorld Card

Step 5: Visit an SSA Office Within 45 Days of Your Online Request

If you choose to submit your documents online, you must visit your local Social Security office or card center with your documentation within 45 calendar days. You may be eligible to schedule an appointment before visiting your local Social Security office or card center.

After SSA verifies your document(s) and completes your request, you will receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days.

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

After the SSA verifies your documents and completes your request, you will receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days.

SSN Frequently Asked Questions

Is my SSN my work authorization?: Your SSN is not work authorization. Please visit our pages on F-1 Employment and J-1 Employment to learn more about work authorization for your visa type.
I do not have a job offer, but I would like an SSN. Can the ISO help me get an SSN without a job offer?: The SSA will not issue an SSN to F-1 or J-1 students without an offer of employment. While some organizations may request an SSN for non-work related matters, there are often other documents that you can use to provide proof of your status if you are not eligible to receive an SSN.
How should I keep my SSN safe?: Your SSN is a very sensitive number and should not be shared with others except for in specific circumstances. You should never need to provide your SSN to apply for a job, although you will need to provide it after accepting a job. Do not carry your social security card with you - keep it in a safe place at home. Please see our page on tips for avoiding scams for more information about how to keep your information safe.
I will be starting a job more then 30 days in the future. Can I apply for a SSN in advance to speed up the process?: The SSA will not process SSN requests if your employment start date is more than 30 days in the future.
Who issues my SSN?: The Social Security Administration issues SSNs. If you have received an on-campus offer of employment, a fellowship, or a graduate assistantship (GTA, GRA, GAA), the GW ISO will issue a social security support letter.
Does the ISO provide a Social Security Support letter for off-campus employment?: ISO does not provide Social Security Support Letters for off-campus employment. However, please visit the SSA website to verify the documents that you would need to request a social security number for off-campus employment.

Taxes

As an international student, you may be required to file taxes depending on your specific circumstances such as income, nationality, and the length of your stay in the U.S. It is important to understand your tax obligations, as they may vary by individual.

Please note that while the ISO is here to assist you with immigration-related questions, we are unable to provide direct advice on tax matters. If you have questions about your tax responsibilities, we encourage you to visit the GW Tax Department website or reach out to them directly via email at [email protected].

Additionally, every spring semester, the ISO hosts a Tax Workshop in partnership with the GW Tax Department to help guide international students through the process. We highly recommend attending this workshop for a better understanding of your tax filing requirements. If you are unable to attend the workshop, we encourage you to visit the Tax Department's Sprintax page to attend a webinar.