How to Apply for a Social Security Number

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who are authorized to work.

An SSN is used for taxation purposes and is required for on-campus and off-campus employment.

SSNs are issued only to someone who:

  • Is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or
  • Has a valid job offer or authorization for employment in the U.S.

An SSN is NOT:

  • Intended for personal identification purposes. Passports and state-issued identification cards are sufficient for this purpose.
  • Required to obtain a Georgia state driver's license, a local bank account, or some cell phone accounts.

When to Apply

The following are Social Security Administration application limits. If you apply too early, your application could be delayed or denied.

  • Students newly arrived in the U.S. - Wait at least 10 days after your arrival in the U.S. before applying for an SSN. Also ensure that your SEVIS I-20 record has been in ACTIVE status for at least 2 days. Contact the Oxford international student advisor if you have questions.
  • Students with on-campus jobs - Apply within 30 days of your employment start date.
  • Students participating in CPT - Apply within 30 days of your CPT start date.
  • Students participating in OPT - Apply on or after the start date on your employment authorization card.

Students may begin paid on-campus employment while their SSN application is pending by providing the SSN application receipt to their employer. The SSA website provides information about that here. 

Step 1: Obtain proof of employment eligibility.

  • On-Campus Job - Students hired to work on-campus must obtain an employment letter from the student employment office
    • Fill out the On-Campus Employment e-form in ISSS Link.
    • Receive email approval from ISP
    • This letter requires a signature from Oxford ISP office that verifies the active F-1 status.
  • CPT - Job offer letter and Emory I-20 endorsed for CPT
  • OPT - USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Card

Step 2: Apply for an SSN at the Social Security Administration Office in person.

Take all the following documents to the local SSA office:

Allow up to 5 weeks for an SSN application to be processed. Processing time may be longer if your immigration documents require further inspection.

Your SSN card will be mailed to the address you provide on the Form SS-5. Don't for

How to Apply for a Letter of Ineligibility 

In lieu of an SSN, a "letter of ineligibility", or Form SSA-L67, may accepted in cases when an SSN is required such as when applying for a Georgia Driver's License. This letter is issued by the Social Security Administration Office and requires the same documents listed above with the exception of proof of employment eligibility. 

Social Security Administration - Covington Office

9180 Covington Bypass Road
Covington, GA 30014
877-873-9106

Office Hours: 

Monday - 9:00 to 4:00 PM
Tuesday - 9:00 to 4:00 PM
Wednesday - 9:00 to 12:00 PM
Thursday - 9:00 to 4:00 PM
Friday - 9:00 to 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday - Closed

Helpful Links

Questions? Contact Us

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Office Location:
Student Center, Room 222.
Mailing Address:
International Student Programs Office
Oxford College of Emory University
801 Emory Street
Oxford, GA 30054
Telephone:
770-784-8702 or 770-784-8500
Email:
OxISP@emory.edu