Social Security Number

What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security number is intended to accurately record your earnings in this country. International students in F-1 status have permission to work on campus and are therefore eligible for Social Security numbers. (Note: there are limitations to this permission -- consult an international student advisor for details.) Students or scholars in J-1 status are eligible for Social Security numbers provided that they have the J-1 sponsor's permission to work.

Most employees are required to pay a certain percentage of their earnings to the Social Security System through the Federal Insurance Compensation Act, otherwise referred to as the FICA tax. However, most F-1 and J-1 employees are usually exempt from the FICA tax.

Note: If you need a Social Security number for any of the reasons listed below but are not eligible for one, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at The Office of International Students and Scholars, 1111 University Capitol Centre.

Since the ITIN number itself is not issued by the OISS, but by the United States government, you will not receive the number immediately. You may have to wait weeks or even months to receive the number.

Do I Need a Social Security Number?

Social security numbers are needed for:

Employment
You must have a Social Security number in order to work in the United States. Therefore, if you plan to work in this country you should apply for a Social Security number.
Fellowships
If you are going to receive a fellowship or scholarship payment from the University, you will need a Social Security number or an ITIN if you are not eligible for a Social Security number.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms
All students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status who are non-resident aliens for tax purposes are required to fill out an Internal Revenue Service form every year even if they have no U.S.-source income. A Social Security number is required on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms. For additional information about these requirements, please consult OISS.

Social security numbers are NOT needed for:

Class Registration
It is not necessary to have a Social Security number in order to register for classes.
Banking
F and J-visa holders do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account or for most other financial transactions. The bank may ask F and J-visa holders to fill out Internal Revenue Service form W-8BEN to prove that they are exempt from the requirement of providing a Social Security number.
Driver's License
Although some states require that you have a Social Security number in order to obtain a driver's license, the State of Iowa does not have such a requirement. Therefore, you do not need a Social Security number to obtain a driver's license in Iowa.

How to Apply for a Social Security Card

F-1 and J-1 Students

You must have a job offer and an employer verification letter (view a sample letter) to be eligible for a Social Security Number.
Register for classes and obtain a printout of your class schedule
Ten days or more after your report to the OISS, go to the OISS with your immigration documents (passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94) and the printout of your schedule. Ask for a Verification Memo for Social Security Applicants for you. If you are a J-1 student, you must also bring your employment authorization letter from the Responsible Officer for your J program.
Take the Employer verification letter, Verification Memo for Social Security Applicants, your class schedule, your job offer letter (if you have one), your J work authorization letter (if applicable), and your immigration documents to the Social Security Office. There is no fee for this application.
Once you receive your social security card, take it to the Registration Center to update your student record.
Social Security Administration
400 S. Clinton Street, Room 206
Iowa City, IA 52240
Telephone: (319) 338-9461 or 1-800-772-1213
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday