International Scholars

Social Security

Social Security Card Information for Scholars

Purpose and Eligibility

Social Security was established in 1935 as a social welfare and retirement system in the United States and is closely associated with the US tax system. All persons who are employed or earn income in the US must have a Social Security Number (SSN) as a tax ID. This includes foreign nationals who are authorized to work in the US.  J-1s, H-1Bs, TNs paid by PSU and J-2s with employment authorization must obtain a SSN before PSU can make payment.

Visiting scholars who are not paid by PSU, or dependents without employment authorization, are not eligible for a SSN and do not need one. Many businesses (banks, phone companies, etc.) will often ask for a SSN as an ID, but they cannot require it.

For information about Social Security and other taxes, see our tax page.

When to Apply

It is not possible to apply for a SSN from outside the US. Applications will only be accepted in person with the required documents.  J-1s, H-1Bs and TNs should not apply until after their check-in appointment at ISSS.

How to Apply

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), you will need to take the following items to a Social Security Administration office:

J-1 Scholars

  1. Completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
  2. Passport with J-1 visa stamp
  3. I-94 (printed from www.cbp.gov/i94)
  4. DS-2019
  5. Appointment Letter or Wage Agreement from PSU host department


H-1B & TN Employees

  1. Completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
  2. Passport (with H-1B visa stamp if you have one)
  3. I-94 (printed from www.cbp.gov/i94 or from I-797)
  4. Original I-797 Approval Notice (approval of your H-1B petition)
  5. Employment Offer Letter from PSU

Application Information

  • Please see the Social Security Administration's information about the Social Security Number how to apply for a new or replacement card.
  • Use a valid local mailing address in your application, as Social Security will mail your Social Security Card to the address you provide.
  • Use your name as it appears on your passport – it is very important to be consistent on all government forms and applications.
  • Make sure you request a receipt from Social Security. Your receipt is the only proof of employability you have until you receive your card in the mail. The receipt is valid for 90 days.

After Your Social Security Number (SSN) Application

After you have applied for a social security number, you must take your receipt to the PSU Human Resources office immediately. You must also take your Social Security Card to Human Resources as soon as you receive it in the mail. Failure to verify your SSN and employment eligibility will prevent payment and can lead to dismissal.  When you go to Human Resources to verify your SSN take that same documents you used to apply for the SSN (see above).

When you receive your Social Security Card in the mail keep it in a safe place (see safety below). Your SSN is yours for life, so always keep the original Social Security Card even after you leave the US. You never know when you may need it again.

Social Security Number & Safety – Prevent Identity Theft

  • An SSN is extremely valuable as a form of ID in the US, so it is important to use and protect it carefully.  Stealing SSNs is a common form of identity theft, so protect yourself!
  • Keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home. NEVER carry it in your wallet.
  • Memorize your SSN so you do not need to take your card with you (except for employment verification).
  • Be careful about sharing your SSN, even when you are asked for it. There are very few places that legitimately need your SSN (such as your bank). NEVER give your SSN in an email, text or online, or from someone calling you to “verify” your identity for something.

More from the Social Security Administration on protecting your personal information.

 

Where to Apply

Social Security office closest to PSU:
1538 SW Yamhill
Portland, OR  97205
Hours: M,T,Th,F 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
W 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Other Social Security Office Locations
17925 SE Division Street, Portland, OR  97236
11975 SW 2nd Street, Beaverton, OR  97005
194 Beverly Drive, Oregon City, OR  97045