International

Social Security

In order to receive wages legally in this country, international students who wish to work will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).  As of 10/13/2004, the Social Security Administration will issue SSNs to international students only after they obtain legal employment. This must be documented by a letter of eligibility from an international student adviser plus a letter of employment from the student’s employer. If at least 10 days have passed since the student entered the US allowing the student’s immigration record to be updated with port of entry information, it will take about two weeks to receive the card after submission of the application at a Social Security office. Students can begin work before obtaining a SS card but will not be able to receive wages until the card is issued.

To apply for a SSN you must:

• Secure on-campus employment.
• Obtain a letter from the department verifying your employment
• Obtain a proof-of-enrollment letter from the international office
• Complete the SSN Application (Form SS-5)
• Take the original letter of employment and letter from the IAP, the SSN application, your visa, passport, I-94, and I-20 to the SSN office in person to apply.

For a more complete description of the requirements for a SSN, go to International Students and Social Security Numbers.

SSN Office Locations

In Stephenville (once a month only): The Social Security agency comes to St. Brendan’s Church on West Washington (next to the McDonald’s), on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

In Cleburne (open Mon. through Fri. from 8am to 5pm): The nearest US Social Security Administration Office  is in Cleburne, about an hour from Stephenville. 
Address: 1711 W Henderson St., Cleburne, TX 76033 Phone: 1-800-772-1213 or (817) 645-7448