What is a U.S. Social Security Number?

A Social Security Number is a government identification number/tax identification number issued to all residents of the United States. Most residents receive this number as children. It is not necessary for international students to have a social security number, unless they need it for an authorized employment opportunity. All students need a social security number in order to be able to start work in the U.S. There is no charge for social security numbers.

A social security number remains the same throughout a person's life, even if the person loses their card. International students/scholars should be cautious in letting other people know what their social security number is, especially if not needed.

Do I need a U.S. Social Security Number?

  • Since a Social Security number is a persons' tax identification number, if YOU (an international student) does not have offered, authorized (off-campus only) employment, then you do not need a Social Security number, nor would you be eligible.
  • If your purpose is to get a driver's license in Georgia, you are not eligible for a Social Security Number.  You need to get the form letter SSA-L676 instead.

When should I apply for a Social Security Number?

  • You should apply for a Social Security Number if you would like to work, after you actually find employment. 
    • On-campus jobs do not require authorization from the International Student Advisor
    • Off-campus jobs REQUIRE authorization from the International Student Advisor.
  • You must wait 10 working days (after arriving to the U.S.) before you can apply for a Social Security Number.

What do I need to apply for a Social Security Number?

The Social Security Office will only issue a Social Security number provided that you have the requirements below, and the start of your employment is within a month of your application.

F-1 student visa holders need the following documentation in order to apply for a Social Security Card:

    • Proof of Employment
      • Examples: Offer letter from employer, Hiring Proposal Form from the Student Employment Office, Graduate Assistantship Appointment Form/Letter from the Graduate Assistantship Coordinator
    • Authorization letter from the CIP - You can request one by filling the 
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) - a print-out of the information retrieved from the
    • Most recent/updated I-20
    • Completed Social Security application form

J-1 visa holders need the following documentation in order to apply for a Social Security Card:

    • Passport
    • Visa
    • I-94(Arrival/Departure Record) - a print-out of the information retrieved from the 
    • DS-2019
    • Completed Social Security application form
    • J-1 student visa holders: Letter from your sponsor authorizing your employment
    • J-1 scholar visa holders : Invitation letter from your department

What do I need to get the form letter SSA-L676?

  • (Optional) A letter from the International Student Advisor  or Exchange Student Advisor. You can request one by filling the 
  • Valid Passport
  • Valid Visa
  • I-94 card or print-out from the .
  • Your most recent form I-20 or DS-2019
  • Completed Social Security application form 

Where do I apply for a Social Security Number or form letter SSA-L676?

  • You must apply in person at the Social Security Administration office located at:   
Social Security Administration
3149 Perimeter Park Ln
Valdosta, GA 31602
Phone: 1(800) 772-1213  or  (229) 244-7326 
  • Operating hours are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday and 9:00 am- 12:00 pm on Wednesdays.

Note: The Social Security Card will be mailed to you in approximately 2 weeks at the address that you put on the application

For your admission to VSU, you were issued a student identification number which has the same number of digits as the social security number. The university uses the ID number for all your university records. This number also appears on your student identification card. For most students, this number follows this pattern: 870-XX-XXXX. Please do not use the "870" number for any business outside of the VSU campus.

For more information on why you need a social security number and how to apply follow the directions on the  we included in this section.