Social Security Numbers
Effective October 13, 2004, new Social Security Administration (SSA) regulations require that all F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor applicants for a social security card show proof of employment or an explicit job offer in order to be eligible for a social security number.
What is a Social Security Number?
It is a 9 digit number assigned by the SSA and is intended to primarily track a worker’s wages, but is often used by companies and other government agencies to identify many things like an individual’s credit history, driving record, etc. It is entirely different from the Campus Wide ID assigned to you by Loyola.
Do I need a Social Security Number?
If you have a job you must apply for a Social Security Number. As a full time F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor you are eligible to work on campus a minimum of 20 hours per week while school is in session. If you are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) you must also apply for a social security number. Please ask the CIE staff for more details about CPT or OPT.
How can I apply?
You must submit originals of the following documents to the local SSA office:
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Passport
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I-20 or DS-2019
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I-94
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Letter from CIE (request letter at least 2 days before you intend to go to the SSA office)
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Letter from your employer (on Loyola letterhead) that contains the following information:
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Clearly identify the student
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Name of Hiring Department
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Anticipated or actual employment start date
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Job description of student’s position (F-1 or J-1 international students can only be employed in student assistant positions. They cannot work as work-study students.)
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# of hours the student is expected to work (please remember that F-1 students are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session.)
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Name and contact information of the student’s immediate supervisor
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Signed and dated by immediate supervisor
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Where do I apply?
The nearest SSA office is located at: 3615 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119. (Directions to this office are on the back of this page.) If you need information on other SSA offices, please call 1-800-772-1213.
Do I have to pay to get a Social Security card cost?
There is no charge to apply for a Social Security card.
How long will it take to get my Social Security Number?
It will take between 10 days and 6 weeks to receive your Social Security Number. Your card will be mailed to the address you specify on your Social Security application. (You will complete this SS application when you go to the SSA office.)
Do I have to wait to get my card before I can start working?
No. You may start working right away, but you should apply for your Social Security card shortly after you are hired. If you are working on campus, you will have to complete employment forms in the Human Resources office (located in Mercy Hall, Room 102). As soon as you receive your SS card you need to give this information to the Human Resources office. If you are on CPT or OPT, then you will need to do this with your employer.
What if I lose my card?
There are instances when you will be required to show your Social Security card, but it is usually the number that is most important. If you lose your card, but don’t remember your SS number, you will have to complete the application process all over again. If you lose your card, but you remember your number, you can apply for a replacement card.