U.S. Social Security Card

All J-1 scholars
J-2 spouses with permission to work from immigration (EAD card)
All H-1B, TN, O-1 scholars
J-1 students, with letter of permission to work from sponsor (either Yale or outside organization, ie: Fulbright)
F-1 students who have secured on campus employment, are receiving for service fellowships, or working off-campus with OPT or CPT

A Social Security Number (SSN) is used by employers and employees for the purpose of reporting individual employee earnings for tax purposes only.
The SSN is valid for life, so you only need to appy once.
The temporary number assigned by Yale to new international students and scholars (e.g., 900-00-0000) is NOT a valid U.S. SSN.

You must have a SSN if you will receive a salary or stipend from Yale.
You will need a SSN (or, alternatively, an ITIN) to file a U.S. income tax return for each calendar year for which you spent any period of time in the U.S.
SSNs are often used for a variety of unoffical purposes, such as opening telephone, utility, or bank/credit card accounts. While having a SSN is convenient for these reasons, it is not required. If you have difficulty opening a bank account or other types of accounts because you do not have a SSN, you may want to speak to a supervisor or seek a different vendor.

How to Apply

For specific application instructions, select your immigration status below:

Foreign nationals who are not eligible to work, and therefore not eligible for an SSN, can apply for the ITIN. The application is submitted when you file your U.S. tax return, in April each year. All F-1 and J-1 visa holders must file a U.S. tax return whether they have earned income or not.

PhD students receiving non-service fellowships that are from a country where they would benefit from a tax treaty may apply for this number upon their arrival in the US. Download PDF instructions on how to apply and a list of countries that have treaty benefit.

Social Security Administration
150 Court Street
4th Floor
1-800-772-1213
Open Monday-Friday
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
[map this address]

Social Security Forms

		Application form (Form SS-5) and letter from OISS confirming your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility, both available at the OISS front desk.

		Immigration documents: valid passport, I-94 card (small white card stapled into your passport at U.S. port of entry), and your I-20.

		Written verification from employer or the for-service fellowship sponsor which includes the nature of the employment or fellowship, number of hours, and the date employment is expected to begin. Yale College – Written verification of employment can be requested at the Student Employment Office, 246 Church Street. Masters and Professional Students - Written verification can come directly from your School or from the Student Employment Office, 246 Church Street. PhD students – Only those students receiving for-service fellowships are eligible to apply. Send an e-mail to gradfinaid@yale.edu to determine if you are receiving a for-service fellowship.

		Application form (Form SS-5) and letter from OISS confirming your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility, both available at the OISS front desk.

		Immigration documents: valid passport, I-94 card (small white card stapled into your passport at U.S. port of entry), and your I-20 with CPT or OPT authorization.

		If you are on OPT, you will need to bring your Employment Authorization Card.

		Application form (Form SS-5) available at OISS or available online.

		Immigration documents: valid passport, I-94 card (small white card stapled into your passport at U.S. port of entry), and your DS-2019.

		Employment Authorization Card.

		Application form (Form SS-5) and letter from OISS confirming your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility, both available at the OISS front desk.

		Immigration documents: valid passport and I-94 card (small white card stapled into your passport at U.S. port of entry).