Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)

Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)

Students who do not have authorized employment are not eligible for a Social Security Number.

If you are going to work, you MUST apply for a Social Security Number immediately after you are hired, if you do not have one already. You will need to bring the following documents to the Social Security office to apply for the card:


  1. Passport

  2. I-94 card (This may be printed from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html, unless you have a white paper card stapled in your passport, in which case you will bring the paper card).

  3. I-20 form for F-1 Students or DS-2019 form for J-1 students

  4. On-Campus Employment Verification Form verifying your employment signed by a supervisor and a GEO advisor. You can download this form in Word format or PDF format

You should receive your social security card in the mail approximately 3 weeks after applying. If you do not receive your card after 3 weeks, please contact GEO for further instructions. The completed form above can be used for verifying UNM Campus Employment. Have your campus employer complete the letter and bring the signed copy to GEO for an international advisor's signature before going to the Social Security office to apply for the card.

Once you are issued a social security card, it is good for life!

More information and directions can be found on the On-Campus Employment Handout.