Social Security Number (SSN)

What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a permanent nine-digit identification number, assigned to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the U.S. The Social Security Administration (SSA), an agency of the U.S. federal government, uses SSNs to report wages to the government and track social security benefits. All F -1 visa holders, receiving a wage through authorized employment, must have an SSN.

Who is eligible to apply for a Social Security Number?

• F-1 students who are employed are eligible for a Social Security Number. F-2s are not eligible for an SSN.

Am I required to have a Social Security Number?
All individuals, working for a wage in the U.S., are required to have an SSN. As part of the hiring process, employers will ask to see your social security card to verify your SSN. Employers can either ask to see your social security card before allowing you to begin work or within a few days of your starting work.

If you are ineligible to receive an SSN, but you receive non-wage income while in the U.S. (ex. scholarships, grants, interest on stocks, gambling/lottery winnings, etc.), you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax processing number, issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), for individuals who need to report income but are ineligible to obtain an SSN. To apply for an ITIN, you must submit a Form W-7, “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number,” with a U.S. tax return.

How do I apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Once you have been advised by International Services that you are eligible for paid employment, you will need to do the following:

1. Complete SEVIS check-in with International Services. Your SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days prior to applying for an SSN. To expedite being issued an SSN, International Services suggests completing your SEVIS check-in immediately upon entering the U.S. Please note: It takes two business days for your SEVIS record to be activated once you successfully complete SEVIS check-in. If you would like to verify if your SEVIS record has been activated, please email nochevgn@delhi.edu to confirm.
2. Verify your status in the SAVE program. The SSA uses the SAVE program to verify your nonimmigrant student status. Please note: It could take 10 working days after entering the U.S. for your status to be verified in SAVE.
   1. Once your SEVIS record is Active and your nonimmigrant student status is verified in SAVE, you can apply for your SSN in-person at an SSA office.
3. Currently, the SSA office in Oneonta NY is meeting with the public by appointment only. To schedule an appointment in Oneonta, call 1-877-628-6581.
   1. The address for the Oneonta SSA is Suite 1, 31 Main St. Oneonta NY ,13820
4. You must take the following items with you to your SSA appointment:
   1. Complete Form SS-5( application for Social Security Card)
   2. Form I-20.
   3. Form I-94. Click on “Get Most Recent I-94” to save and print your I-94 travel record.
   4. Unexpired passport with visa stamp.

It is important to know that when you visit the SSA to apply for your SSN, the office will not issue your SSN immediately; they will issue you a receipt letter and mail your SSN card to your local address. It is important to let your employer know that you have applied for an SSN and are waiting to receive it.

Do I need an SSN to get a driver's license?
To apply for a driver's license, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will require you to show your social security card - OR - a letter from the SSA denying your request for an SSN.

Why is everyone asking for my Social Security Number?
You are not required to have an SSN to enter the U.S., open a bank account, sign a lease, or get a driver's license. However, it is likely that you will be asked for an SSN when trying to do these things. SSNs are typically used to check your U.S. financial credit history.

If you are asked for an SSN by a cell phone carrier, bank, landlord, etc. you should feel comfortable explaining that since you are an international student and not employed, you are not eligible for one. It is possible, because you do not have a financial credit history, that you could be asked to pay a higher deposit for certain services.

Protecting your Social Security Number
If you get an SSN, you should protect it in order to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. While you likely will be asked for your SSN when leasing an apartment, setting up a bill or service (cell phone, utilities), or opening a bank account, you should protect your SSN and do not give it out freely. You should not carry your social security card with you. You should keep your card (and your number) in a safe place and do not give it out to anyone who does not have a legitimate reason to ask for it.

If someone is able to get your SSN, they can open bank accounts or buy things using your name! You can quickly become a victim of identity theft if someone gets your SSN, and this can cause problems far into the future. Do not give your number over the phone or via email, particularly if you did not initiate contact.

  1 On campus Employment F-1 students are eligible to work on-campus while maintaining valid status.  This benefit is available to students after the student has checked in with the international office at the start of the semester. Total work hours for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semester. Students may work over 20 hours per week when school is not in session or during the student’s annual break.

• General Information
• Before you begin work you must inform the international office.
• Your supervisor must complete an On-Campus Employment form. This form will remain on file at the international office. The on-campus form will detail your job responsibilities and weekly hour commitment.
• The on-campus position or type of employment does not need to be related to your field of study.
• The student must inform the international office of any changes in employer and hours.
• Multiple on-campus jobs are permitted.
• You must have a Social Security number before you can be paid.
• What is considered 'on campus' employment
• Work done on-campus and paid by the College directly.
• Work done on the school premises that provides direct service to students. This could be for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or dining services, as long as the work directly provides services for students. Employment located on-campus that does not directly involve services to students does not qualify as on-campus employment (such as construction work).
• Working for an employer that is educationally affiliated with the school is on-campus employment even if the work site is not located on the campus (such as a research lab affiliated with the school).
• If you are not sure if a job is considered 'on campus' for immigration purposes, contact the international office before accepting it.
• Work Start and End Dates
• Students with an "initial" attendance I-20 cannot begin working more than 30 days before the program start date. The student must be enrolled full time in the next semester for consideration.
• Students transferring from another U.S. school can begin on-campus employment after their transfer-release date provided the student is enrolled full time in the next semester.
• Eligibility for on-campus employment ends on the I-20 end date.
• Eligibility for on-campus employment ends when the students SEVIS record is transferred to another U.S. school.
• Finding a Campus Job On-campus jobs can be found under Active Student Jobs
• Work-study- Some campus jobs are designated as work-study positions. Work-study awards are part of federal financial aid packages and are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

If the students are employed by the University and require a Social Security Number, they will need the Employment Verification Letter (EVL) to be signed by the hiring department. Once they receive the email from our office confirming your SEVIS Check-In has been approved and their SEVIS record activated, they can have our office sign section III of the form. They can then apply for an SSN.

2. Curricular Practical Training – CPT

General Information- To qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), your degree program must have an internship elective that contributes to the required credits to complete your degree. The internship course must be graded and appear on your transcript.

CPT is authorized one semester at a time in coordination with enrollment in an internship course. The CPT must fall within the dates of the internship course. If CPT will extend into an adjoining semester, a new CPT authorization must be requested. If granted approval for a CPT extension, you must enroll in an additional internship course for that semester.

CPT employment must be directly related to your major area of study (not a minor). This will be verified by your academic advisor.

CPT is date, employer, and location specific; any adjustments need to be reported for a corrected CPT authorization.

If you re-enter the U.S. using an initial I-20 you are not eligible for CPT until you complete 1 academic year as a full-time student.

CPT is approved by your international advisor, rather than from USCIS, and there is not an application fee. 

Eligibility

You must hold valid F-1 status at the time of application

You have been a full-time student in the U.S. and in F1 status for one academic year at the time of CPT application

You are making normal progress toward your degree and are in good academic and disciplinary standing

You have a job offer directly related to your program of study

You are registered in the internship course during the semester you are requesting CPT

You completed the CPT request form

Enrollment Requirements

If applying for CPT in the Fall or Spring semester, you must be enrolled full-time or have an approved Reduced Course Load on file before CPT is approved.

If applying for CPT in the Summer or Winter term and it is your final semester, you must be enrolled full-time or have an approved Reduced Course Load on file before CPT is approved. If Summer or Winter are not your final semester, then full-time enrollment is not required.  However, enrollment in the future term is required before CPT is approved.

If CPT authorization was granted in your final semester, then your CPT cannot be extended past the end date of your I-20.

Work hours

CPT authorization is limited to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semester.

More than 20 hours per week is permitted during Summer or Winter term and during official school breaks.

If you are authorized for CPT during the Fall/Spring semester, you may not exceed 20 hours per week between both CPT and any on-campus employment.

Students who have received 12 months or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for Optional Practical Training.

3. Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an F-1 student benefit granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Optional Practical Training is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.  It is meant to supplement your academic experience with practical experience.

The OPT employment benefit is a total of 12 months per degree level. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (Pre-Completion OPT) and/or after completing their academic studies (Post-Completion OPT).

Students who choose to break up their OPT into more than one period of pre-completion work authorization, or who choose to split their OPT period between pre- and post-completion OPT, must file separate applications for each period of OPT and pay the associated application fee.

• Pre- Completion OPT

Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT

• To be eligible for Pre-Completion OPT, you must:
• Maintain valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
• Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S. (consecutive Fall and Spring semesters).
• Be physically present in the U.S. when you submit your application.
• Intend to work or volunteer in a position directly related to your major field of study.
• Have not used OPT from a previous degree at the same degree level.
• Have not engaged in 12 months of full-time CPT at the same degree level.
• If applying for Pre-Completion OPT during the academic semester (Fall/Spring) you must be enrolled full-time. You are not eligible for Pre-Completion OPT during the semester in which you are approved for a Reduced Course Load unless it is your final semester.

Work hours during Pre-Completion OPT

• While school is in session you may work 20 hours per week or less.
• During Summer and Winter term or during school breaks when school is not in session, you may work 20 hours or more per week.
• Any Pre-Completion OPT time used will be deducted from the OPT time a student can use post-completion. Full-time Pre-Completion OPT is deducted at a rate of 100%. Part‑time Pre-Completion OPT (20 hours per week or less) is deducted at a rate of 50%. The time for which you are authorized will be deducted from your 12-month allowance, whether you work or not.
• There is no limit to the number of unemployment days while in your authorized period of Pre-Completion OPT. 
• Employment can be paid, unpaid, self-employment, or be multiple jobs.

Applying for Pre-Completion OPT

• You choose the start and end date. The start and end dates must coincide with a semester and/or your weekly hour commitment.
• The earliest you can apply is 90 days before your chosen work start date.
• You may submit your application up to 90 days prior to completing one academic year of study, provided that the period of employment will not begin until the completion of the full academic year.
• Your OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the OPT recommendation in SEVIS.

Starting work while on Pre-Completion OPT

USCIS will determine if you are eligible for OPT. If denied, the decision cannot be appealed.

You cannot begin working until your OPT EAD card is issued and received, AND your program start date has occurred.

You will need a Social Security number to work in the U.S.  If you do not have an SSN, you can apply for your SSN along with your OPT application. 

Reporting requirement while on Pre-Completion OPT

You are not required to report your employment to the international office or through the SEVP portal for Pre-Completion OPT. This is only a Post-Completion OPT requirement.

• Post – completion OPT

Eligibility for Post-Completion OPT

• To be eligible for Post Completion OPT, you must:
• Maintain valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
• Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S. (consecutive Fall and Spring semesters).
• Be physically present in the U.S. when you submit your application.
• Intend to work or volunteer in a profession directly related to your major field of study.
• Have not used OPT from a previous degree at the same level.
• Have not engaged in 12 months of full-time CPT at the same degree level.

Work hours during Post-Completion OPT

• Employment must be at least 20 hours per week or more.
• A student may work for multiple employers. In order for your OPT employment to be considered active, you must be working 20 hours per week or more between all OPT jobs combined. If your combined OPT employment is under 20 hours per week in total, this time may count against your unemployment time.
• A student may only accrue 90 days of unemployment during post-OPT. More than 90 days of unemployment will end their OPT and they will be required to leave the country. These days are cumulative.
• Employment can be paid, unpaid, and self-employment.

Applying for Post-Completion OPT

• You cannot apply for Post-Completion OPT 90 days before your I-20 program end date. The latest date that you can apply for OPT is 60 days after your I-20 program end date.
• You may choose any start date between the day after your I-20 program end date and the end of your 60-day grace period.
• Your end date will be calculated based on CPT and/or OPT already used.
• Your OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the OPT recommendation in SEVIS or by the 60th day from the program end date, whichever comes first.
• If a student does not apply for OPT at the time of eligibility, the student loses their OPT benefit.

Starting work while on Post-Completion OPT

• USCIS will determine if you are eligible for OPT. If denied, the decision cannot be appealed.
• You cannot begin working until your OPT EAD card is issued and received, AND your program start date has occurred.
• You will need a Social Security number to work in the U.S. If you do not already have an SSN, you can apply for your SSN along with your OPT application.

Reporting requirement while on Post-Completion OPT

You must report your OPT employment within 10 days via the SEVP portal and to the international office. Reporting your OPT employment stops the unemployment counter.

 During your Post-Completion OPT period, you must also report the following:

• Changes to your name, residence, or mailing address
• Any employment changes (ending a job, changing jobs)
• Names and addresses of all OPT employers
• Start and end dates of all OPT employment
• New immigration status (change to H-1B, for example)
• If you do not have access to your SEVP portal, please contact the international office.

4. 24 months OPT STEM Extension

Students currently on POST-OPT may qualify to apply for a 24-Month STEM- OPT Extension. A STEM-OPT Extension allows students to continue working off-campus in a job related to their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree for an additional 2 years after the completion of their POST-OPT.

To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension:

• You must have completed a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) designated degree program.
• You must be currently authorized for a 12-month POST-OPT and have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment.
• You must be employed for at least 20 hours per week (or have a future job offer) directly related to your STEM field of study.
• Your employer must be registered in the E-Verify Program External link.
• Your employer must have an EIN number.
• You cannot be self-employed.
• Employment must be paid.
• Volunteer (unpaid) employment is NOT permitted.
• Your employer is able to fully complete the Form I-983 External link and abide by all employer obligations, including Dept. of Homeland Security site visits.

When to apply for a STEM Extension:

• The earliest you can apply for the STEM-OPT Extension is 90 days prior to the expiration of your EAD card. If it is submitted too early, the USCIS will deny the application.
• Your application must be received by the USCIS before your current OPT EAD card expires or within 60 days of the issuance of your Form I-20 with the STEM-OPT recommendation, whichever date is earlier.
• If you timely filed your STEM-OPT application, you can continue working for 180 days past your Post-Completion OPT EAD end date while your extension is pending adjudication or up until a final decision on your application is determined by USCIS (whichever is earlier). During that time, you must meet the job requirements for STEM-OPT, such as working for an E-Verify employer. You can use your I-797C Receipt Notice to update your I-9 employment eligibility verification with your E-Verify employer. Your expired EAD card remains in effect during this period of time.

Requesting a Form I-20 with a STEM recommendation:

Requirement to File Form 8843    Complying with U.S. tax law is part of maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status. Non-compliance can affect the receipt of future U.S. visas, immigration benefits, or granting of legal permanent resident status.  International Student Services can answer general questions on completing Form 8843 only.

• All international students, scholars, and their dependents, including spouses and children present in the U.S. under F-1 or F-2nonimmigrant status regardless of an individual's age, who are nonresidents for tax purposes, must complete and file Form 8843. This form must be completed and mailed to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) even if no income was received in the previous year.
  
  
  
• If you are new to the U.S., in F-1 or F-2 nonimmigrant status and entered the U.S. on or after January 1, 2025, you DO NOT need to file Form 8843 in 2025. You will complete Form 8843 in 2026 to document the time spent in the U.S. in 2025.
  
  
  
• PLEASE DO NOT PANIC! If you have not filed Form 8843 in the past, it can be filed retroactively. It is important to file Forms 8843 and for previous years as soon as possible. Previous years' forms can be found here.
• If you are a Resident for Tax Purposes, you DO NOT need to file Form 8843.

Form 8843 for 2023 must be completed and mailed to the IRS by April 15, 2024.

Form 8843 cannot be filed electronically; it must be filed by mailing the completed paper form via USPS to the address listed below. Also, each individual Form 8843 must be mailed in separate envelopes, even those for dependents, to the following address:

U.S. Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215

• Two software companies offer assistance specifically for international students and scholars. Sprintax and Glacier Tax Prep are available to assist, for a fee, in preparing the tax forms needed to submit to the IRS.
  
  
  • If you are a nonresident tax filer withS. source income and are using Sprintax to file your tax return, your Form 8843 will be included in the forms that Sprintax generates for filing.
  • If you are filing your 1040NR form yourself, you must also include a Form 8843.

Avoid Tax Scams

Please be aware of tax scams, especially if you receive a telephone call from someone who says they are with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). There is an increase in aggressive phone scams during tax season. The IRS provides important guidance on Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts for ways to identify a tax scam and helpful tips for keeping yourself safe.

It is the student's responsibility to meet their tax obligations and do so accurately. Please consult the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, local and state tax agencies and tax professionals for advice and guidance regarding your individual tax situations. International Student Services staff cannot assist you since we are not trained tax preparers or advisors.

For further information and access to the forms, please visit the Internal Revenue Service website .