Services for International Students and Scholars(T) 530-752-0864

University of California, Davis(F) 530-752-5822

Applying for a Social Security Number – International Scholars

Anyone who receives income from a US source must have a Social Security card with a Social Security number (SSN). The number is optional for J-1 scholars who do not receive income from a US source however, an SSN is required if you plan to apply for a California Driver’s License. All applicants should wait a minimum of 10 days after arrival in the US before applying for an SSN.

Application forms are available on the internet: To obtain a Social Security card, complete the “Application to Obtain a Social Security Card” and present it at the social security office, along with the original documents listed below, and copies of those documents that the social security official can keep:

  • a valid passport
  • a copy of your I-94 online record, found at
  • your DS-2019 (J-1 scholars) or I-797 Approval Notice (H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1 scholars)
  • your invitation letter/appointment letter from UCD

Applications for Social Security cards may be made in person at the following Social Security Offices:

*825 Riverside Parkway, Suite 1000 8351 Folsom Boulevard

West Sacramento, CA 95691Sacramento, CA 95826

Phone: 1-866-726-8136 Phone:1-877-274-5419

Social Security Taxes

J-1 Scholars Only: Although you do need a Social Security card if you are paid in the US, J-1 visa holders who are employed may be excluded from Social Security deductions from their paycheck according to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. This means that it is possible that neither you nor your employer has to make Social Security payments. If you are paid by UC Davis and you have questions regarding Social Security, taxes or your paycheck, please contact Payroll Services for further information Please do this PRIOR to your first paycheck.

J-2 Dependents

J-2 dependents are not eligible for an SSN unless they have applied for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and received the card. The EAD is a work permit that can be granted by the USCIS. J-2 dependents who are interested in applying for work authorization will find instructions on how to do so at:

For J-2 dependents who do not have work authorization, it is possible to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number (SSN).If a J-2 dependent feels this number would be useful, you can get more information by going to the website for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and typing in “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” in the search bar:

Directions to the Social Security Office

You can get hours of operation and driving directions to the nearest Social Security office at on “Find a Social Security Office” on the lower left side of the home page). You can find a bus that will get you to the Social Security office by visiting and using the “Yolobus Trip Planner.”

SISS, UC Davis, University House, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 ● 530-752-0864 ●

Rev. February 19