Social Security Numbers & Massachusetts ID
Social Security Number (SSN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique identification number issued by the U.S. government to track an individual’s taxable wages and work history. For international students, an SSN is only available if you have been authorized to work in the United States.
It’s important to understand that an SSN does not provide employment authorization. Instead, it serves as an identifier that allows U.S.-based employers to process payroll and withhold taxes correctly for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
When Do You Need an SSN?
You will need an SSN only if you are employed or have received valid work authorization (such as through CPT, OPT, or on-campus employment). Your SSN will appear on a card issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is used for:
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Being paid by your U.S. employer
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Filing tax returns
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Reporting your income to the IRS
Common Misconceptions About the SSN
You are not required to have an SSN to:
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Open a U.S. bank account
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Sign a lease or rent an apartment
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Purchase a cell phone plan
While some businesses may request an SSN as part of a credit check, they are not legally allowed to require one unless you are applying for services involving credit or employment. In these cases, alternative identification or a signed statement explaining your ineligibility may be accepted.
Reminder
You will only be eligible for an SSN after you have secured authorized employment. Once you receive work authorization, the IISS office can assist you with the process of applying for your SSN through the Social Security Administration.
If you have questions about SSN eligibility or the application process, please contact the Immigration & International Support Services (IISS) at
📧 internationalservices@mcphs.edu
For more information about Social Security Numbers, you can consult these pages of the Social Security Administration website:
- International Students and Social Security Numbers
- Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens
- Application for a Social Security Card
SSN Eligibility for F-1 Students
To qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN), you must be physically present in the United States and hold an immigration status that permits employment.
As an F-1 international student, you are eligible to apply for an SSN only if you have secured authorized employment. Below are the situations in which F-1 students may qualify for an SSN:
When Can F-1 Students Apply for an SSN?
You may apply for an SSN if you have one of the following types of employment authorization:
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On-Campus Employment
You have secured a position as a student worker at MCPHS or an affiliated campus employer. -
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
You have received CPT authorization from a Designated School Official (DSO) at MCPHS.
▸ You may apply for an SSN up to 30 days before your approved CPT start date. -
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
You have received OPT authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
▸ You must wait until the start date listed on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before applying for an SSN.
Next Steps
If you meet one of the above conditions, the Immigration & International Support Services (IISS) office can guide you through the SSN application process, including helping you prepare the required documents for the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Applying for a Social Security Card
When possible, you should obtain your Social Security Card before beginning any employment in the U.S. Doing so ensures a smoother onboarding process and allows all necessary employment paperwork to be completed in advance.
However, you are not required to have your SSN in hand before starting work. If you begin employment before receiving your SSN, you must notify your employer as soon as your number is issued so they can properly update your records and adjust payroll withholdings for tax purposes.
How to Apply for a Social Security Card
To apply for a Social Security Card, you must:
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Submit a complete application in person
Visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to apply. -
Bring the required documents
Documentation requirements may vary depending on your immigration status and employment authorization.
You can review the list of required documents and find your nearest SSA office at:
🔗 www.ssa.gov
- SSN Application Checklist
- F1 Certification for SSN
- Requesting Enrollment Verifications
- Social Security Office Locator
You can also review the Social Security Administration website for more details.
After You Apply: Receiving Your Social Security Card
Once your application has been submitted, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may need additional time to verify your F-1 immigration status before issuing your Social Security Card.
In most cases, your card will be mailed to the address listed on your application within approximately 14 business days. If you do not receive your card within 30–60 days, you should follow up directly with the SSA:
📞 SSA National Hotline: 1-800-772-1213
📞 TTY Line (for hearing impaired): 1-800-325-0778
🌐 SSA Website: www.ssa.gov
What to Expect on Your SSN Card
Your Social Security Card will include the following notation:
“Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization.”
This statement makes it clear to employers that the Social Security Card alone does not authorize employment. You must have separate, valid DHS-issued work authorization (such as CPT, OPT, or on-campus employment approval) in order to legally begin working in the U.S.
For more details about employment eligibility and authorization, please refer to the Employment, Rotations, & Internships section of the IISS website.
SSA Resources in Other Languages
The SSA offers resources and interpreter services in many languages:
🌐 Multilanguage Gateway: SSA Multilanguage Gateway
📞 Free Language Interpreter Services: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
🕐 Available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.