How to Apply for a Social Security Number

Social Security Number (SSN) Application Steps
for F-1, J-1, and J-2 status:

  1. Read When to Apply for an SSN before submitting your application.
  2. Complete and print out Social Security Application Form SS-5.
  3. Collect the additional required forms and documentation (see table below).
  4. Complete the Online Social Security Number Application request and schedule an in-person appointment online. Bring the required documents in person on the day of your appointment at the Social Security Administration's office. Request a verification receipt of your application.
  5. Wait approximately two weeks for the Social Security card to arrive in the mail.
  6. Present the Social Security card to employer for review.
  7. Store the original Social Security card in a safe place. Do not carry it with you.

SSN image

Social Security Administration

 2045 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
(near downtown Berkeley BART station)

Click here for open hours


Required Documents
F-1
Students
F-1 (OPT) Students
J-1
Students
J-1 (AT) Students
J-1
Scholars
J-2 Dependents
 Social Security Application Form SS-5  X X X  X   X X
 Passport X X X X X X
 I-94 record or passport admission stamp X X X X X X
 I-20 (see below) (If on OPT/CPT, present the OPT/CPT I-20) X X        
 DS-2019*     X X X X
Employment Letter (see below) X     X    
Employment or Fellowship Authorization (see below)     X      
 Employment Authorization Document (EAD)   X       X

*If you are using a digital DS-2019, we encourage you to also print out and bring the Department of State's Emergency Message confirming digital signatures on Forms DS-2019 are sufficient for SSN application purposes.

Employment Letters or Authorization for Social Security Numbers

F-1 On-Campus Employment Letter

Ask your on-campus employer to write a letter using this Employer's Letter [doc] template. Submit this letter to Berkeley International Office for an Advisor's approval before going to the Social Security Administration office.  Submission options:

  • Drop off your letter at the Berkeley International office and pick it up again in 5 business days.

F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Off-campus employment letters do NOT require Berkeley International Office approval. Obtain an offer letter from your CPT employer (this letter does not need to follow the sample). 

J-1 On-Campus Employment and Fellowship Authorization

Obtain employment or fellowship authorization from your J-1 visa sponsor (DS-2019 issuing entity). UC Berkeley-sponsored students can obtain On-Campus Employment or Fellowship Authorization from Berkeley International Office.

J-1 Academic Training (AT)

Off-campus employment letters do NOT require Berkeley International Office Advisors' approval. Obtain the employment letter from your AT employer (this letter does not need to follow the sample).

F-1 On-Campus Employment Letter 

SAMPLE

[Use Business Letterhead Stationery]

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is to certify that [student’s full legal name] is enrolled as a full-time student pursuing a [degree level] in [major] at the University of California, Berkeley. 

[Student’s full legal name] will be working [full-time / part-time] at [name of employer].  [His/her] job will be to [describe job].  [His/her] employment start date is [date].

For additional information, please contact the student’s supervisor,  [name of supervisor] at [telephone number].

Sincerely,
[Original Signature]
[Name of Author]
[Title]

Stamp and Signature of
Berkeley International Office Adviser

Download the F-1 On-Campus Employment Letter [doc]