Social Security Card Process

It is recommended that you wait at least 10 business days after registering with SEVIS before you apply for your Social Security card at the Social Security Office.  Be sure to apply for Social Security at the beginning of your program! If you apply in the last month of your program, your application will be rejected.  Here are the steps you should follow: 

1.      Find your local Social Security Office.  Contact the local Social Security Office to find out if you need to make an appointment.   

2.      Ask if you need to fax, mail or bring in person your documents.  

3.      Provide social security with the following documents: 

• Completed Social Security application form: http://ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf 
• Passport/ Visa 
• Sponsor letter 
• Job Offer Letter (Company Specific) 
• DS-2019 
• Electronic I-94 record print out (can be printed at the following link https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home ) 
• Provide your Host Company address on the Social Security application form.  Keep your Social Security application receipt and show it to Host Company. 

Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives recently shared the SSA’s newly released online application that can now be used for first-time social security card applicants; https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.

The SSA asked us to stress the importance of having and entering a good address or even in care of address to receive the card, before completing and submitting the application. This will prevent visitors from having to visit the SSA multiple times for non-receipt issues. The post office cannot deliver the card if the applicant is unknown at the address.

• Visitors may use their employer’s physical address rather than their PO Box as their mailing address.
• If the exchange visitor’s name is not on the mail box or if c/o is not included for a PO Box Address the Post Office will not deliver the SS card.

Please check with your local SSA Office for any specific local instructions.