Do you Need a Social Security Number?

Only students who secure on-campus employment, F-1 CPT or OPT, or J-1 Academic Training (AT) employment authorizations are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

During the school year, F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to have on-campus jobs working a maximum of 20 hours per week. To legally work in the US, students must have a Social Security Number (SSN).

Once you are offered a job on-campus, follow these steps:

  1. Make an appointment with Mechile Smith. Bring your job offer letter and tell her you need to apply for an SSN.
  2. At the appointment, Mechile will help you fill out your SSN application and give you other necessary documents.
  3. Following this meeting, reach out to Caroline Mason. She will set up a time where she will take you to the Social Security Administration Office in Macon. Bring all the documents you went over with Mechile along with your passport and visa. If you have your own transportation, you can go by yourself.
  4. At the Social Security Administration, you will present your SSN application and other documents to an employee. If accepted, they will give you a receipt confirming that your application has been accepted and that your SSN card will be shipped to you.
  5. In 1-2 weeks, your SSN card will arrive in the mail!
  6. Once you have received it, take it to the Registrar’s Office so that they can make a copy of it and include it in your student record.

Protect your Social Security Number! Never give this number to anyone unless they are a trusted individual or organization.