Social Security

To apply for a Social Security Number, go to www.ssa.gov/number-card to start the process online.  After you have completed the online application, you may then request an appointment to visit the local Social Security office. If you do not find an appointment that suits your schedule, you may visit the Social Security office, and your SSN application be processed on a walk-in basis. You must present your original documents to the Social Security office within 45 days of completing the online application. 

IMPORTANT: If you are located in New Brunswick, please use the following information to apply for your SSN

Step 1) Complete necessary workshops in the RGlobal portal under the “Workshops” tab. You will need to complete these workshops before you can obtain needed documents for your SSN application. 

• Complete the Staying in Legal Status workshop. 

• Learn about On-Campus or Off-Campus Employment (i.e. CPT) in our online Employment Workshops  

Step 2) Students prepare their SSN application packet.

A complete packet must include:

See below and here for more information.

- Original valid passport with F/J/H-1B visa stamp inside

- Printed I-94 record

- For F-1 Students, original I-20 document (both current and previous)
- For J-1 Exchange Visitors, most recent DS-2019

- (F-1/ J-1 students only) Social Security Letter, signed by the student’s Designated School Official (DSO/ARO), obtained from the RGlobal Portal (you will need the SS letter even if you are applying based on OPT or CPT)

- Proof of employment:

- If on-campus, F-1 students submit the On-campus Verification Letter and J-1 students  Employment Verification Form for J-1 Students (completed by your on-campus employer) with an original, wet PEN ink signature from your hiring manager. This means bring the original document that was signed with a pen - not a scanned copy. Digital signatures are NOT accepted. 

- If off-campus, job offer letter (e.g. OPT/CPT/AT offer letter) from employer with an original, wet signature from your hiring manager and I-20/DS-2019 that shows CPT/OPT/AT recommendation on it. J-1 students on Academic Training will also need their AT letter signed by their ARO.

Step 3) Ensure the SEVIS record has been activated, then complete the online SSN application and visit the SSA office within 45 days with the required documents. All Social Security Administration offices now require customers to schedule an appointment for service in their field offices, including requests for Social Security Numbers. Students are advised to book their appointments through the online system and bring their application reference number with them to their scheduled appointment at the New Brunswick SSA office: 

Social Security Administration
550 Jersey Ave, Suite 200
New Brunswick NJ 08901

Step 4) An SSA staff member will review the SSN application packet and, if everything is in order, will provide a receipt notice for the application. The applicant should receive their SSN card in the mail within 7-14 days.

To apply for a Social Security Number, go to www.ssa.gov/number-card to start the process online.  After you have completed the online application, you then may request an appointment to visit the local Social Security office.  If you do not find an appointment that suits your schedule, you may visit the Social Security office and your SSN application will be processed on a walk-in basis. You must present your original documents to the Social Security office within 45 days of completing the online application. 

To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, you will need to bring the following documents: 

1. Passport 

2. Form I-94 

3. Form DS-2019 (J-1 Scholars) or Form I-797 (H-1B Employees) 

4. Invitation Letter or Appointment Letter 

You should receive your SSN card in the mail within a few weeks after your appointment.  It some cases, SSA may require additional time to verify your documents. 

Once you receive your SSN, be sure to report it to your sponsoring unit.  Otherwise, your SSN should not be given to others unless absolutely necessary.   

SSN denial letters are sometimes needed. However, please note the NJ MVC no longer accepts them.

If you need a denial letter, please consult with ISSS for further guidance.  

Those who are not eligible for a Social Security Number may be eligible for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). 

PLEASE NOTE: Students and faculty/scholars should NOT have an SSN and an ITIN at the same time. This can cause confusion in the IRS system. You will need to rescind your ITIN later on if you have the need to instead obtain an SSN. 

From the IRS ITIN website:  

“An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).” 

"Once you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes and discontinue using your ITIN.  It is improper to use both the ITIN and the SSN assigned to the same person to file tax returns.  It is your responsibility to notify the IRS so we can combine all of your tax records under one identification number.  If you do not notify the IRS when you are assigned a SSN, you may not receive credit for all wages paid and taxes withheld which could reduce the amount of any refund due."

To notify the IRS, follow the instructions here.

For more detailed information on ITINs, refer to:

• ITIN FAQs in English
• Obtaining an ITIN from Abroad
• Publication 1915, Understanding Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number PDF

Please note: Some of the following resources are external links, outside Rutgers.
Apply for a replacement or correction of the SSN card
FAQs for SSN
International Students and Social Security Numbers
Study in the States
Rutgers Global tax webpage