How to Obtain a Social Security Number for US Noncitizens
If you have not applied for a Social Security number prior to arriving in the United States, you will need to visit a Social Security Office. Please see a list of local offices below:
Closest to campus:
SOCIAL SECURITY
2100 M STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20037
North of the city:
SOCIAL SECURITY
SUITE 304
10230 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE
SILVER SPRING, MD 20903
South of the city:
SOCIAL SECURITY
SUITE 200
1401 WILSON BLVD
ARLINGTON, VA 22209
Process in a Snapshot
*Please note: It is recommended that you wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US to apply for a Social Security Card.
When you visit a local office, please make sure that you have your papers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status and authorization to work in the US. All documents MUST be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
Immigration status forms:
- I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card,
Machine Readable Immigrant Visa)
- I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- I-766 (Work Permit)
US Work Authorization forms:
- I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant
Student Status with F-1 or M-1 visa)
- DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange
Visitor Status with J-1 or J-2 visa)
You will then need to fill out a form SS-5 to apply for a social Security number and card.
Finally, you will need to take your original form and all original documents to one of the Social Security offices listed above.
Once you have received your Social Security card you will need to return to the Human Resources department and present the card to the I-9 analyst. They will enter the Social Security number into the payroll system and make a copy for the tax department. Do not send a copy of the social security card or the social security number via email, fax or leave it on voice mail. For the I-9 office hours and locations go to https://hr.georgetown.edu/employment_services/i9maincampus.html.
IMPORTANT: End of the year W-2 tax form cannot be processed a valid US Social Security number. This is why it is imperative that you apply for the number immediately and upon receipt provide the information to Human Resources.
Should you need additional information, you can access this particular page on the Social Security website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10096.html#a0=1
Additional information for International Students
If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official that:
· Identifies you;
· Confirms your current school status; and
· Identifies your employer and the type of work you are, or will be, doing.
Also needed is evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter. The letter must describe:
· Your job;
· Your employment start date;
· The number of hours you are, or will be, working; and
· Your supervisor's name and telephone number.
If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training (CPT), you must provide your Form I-20 with the employment page (page 3) completed and signed by your designated school official.
If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit (Form I-766) from DHS, you must present it.
If you are a J-1 student, student intern or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.
Should you need University specific information regarding obtaining Social Security Numbers for US noncitizens, please contact Sandra Layton, Office of International Programs:
or 202.687.5867