New Social Security Regulations

Effective immediately the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made some changes in assigning Social Security Numbers, specifically for F-1 student visa holders. One of the changes that will have the most impact on the students and the departments at Virginia Tech, is that the Social Security Administration is requiring F-1 students to provide a letter verifying employment or an offer of employment, in order to apply for a social security number. In order to ensure that all offices are using the same form and it meets the specifications required by SSA, a form letter is provided in the following links to be used by Virginia Tech authorized departmental representatives.

 

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), an F-1 student visa holder may work while the Social Security Number Application is being processed.

VT Employers - Employment Verification Letter for F-1 Student Visa Holders

Non-VT Employers (Bookstore, Foodcourt vendors, VT Foundation, Airport) - Employer must download letter onto their letterhead with original signature.

If you have questions regarding these changes, please contact the Cranwell International Center (540 231 6527), the Office of Graduate Student Services (540 231 4558) or the Payroll Office (540 231 5201).

 

How, when and where to apply for a Social Security number:

A representative from the Social Security Office comes to the Cranwell International Center the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Non-resident aliens must bring their passports and visa papers. United States citizens must bring proof of birth. Anyone over the age of 18 must come in person to make an application. The process takes at least 2-4 weeks. In certain circumstances, the process may take longer. You will receive the card in the mail so make sure your name and address are clearly marked on your mailbox.

Note: F-2s are NOT eligible for cards.
Note: J-2s are NOT eligible for cards unless they have proof of work authorization. (EAD)

 

F-1 student visa holders who apply for an SSN on the basis of on-campus employment must have the following:
1. A letter from their DSO - undergraduates go to Cranwell International Center and graduates go to the Office of Graduate Student Services.
2. Documentation on company letterhead with original signature from their on-campus employer to prove that the student has specific on-campus employment. See links above. Or show a pay slip or pay stub from the employer.
3. Show proof of identity including passport, I-94 card and I-20.

 

F-1 student visa holders who apply for an SSN on the basis of off-campus employment must have the following:
1. Students who have been approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must have their I-20s endorsed for work permission by their foreign student advisor.
2. Students who have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
3. Show proof of identity including passport, I-94 card and I-20.

 

What is a Social Security number?

A Social Security number is intended to accurately record your earnings in this country. Most employees are required to pay a certain percentage of their earnings to the Social Security System through the Federal Insurance Compensation Act or what is generally referred to as the F.I.C.A. tax. However, most F-1 and J-1 employees are usually exempt from the F.I.C.A. tax.

 

Social Security number as a form of identification

A social Security number can be useful to a foreign student as a major source of identification. For example, if you write a check to pay for a bill (such as in a grocery store), you may be able to use the Social Security number as identification.

 

Social Security number used for employment

All foreign students must have a Social Security number for employment either on-campus or off-campus. You may be able to use your Social Security card as one of the necessary forms of identification required on the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9), if the card does not have the notation "Not Valid for Employment." The regular appointment form you fill out when you start a new job at the University requires you to indicate your immigration status (F-1, J-1). The Payroll Office uses this information to determine deductions. These forms are available at the University Payroll Office at Virginia Tech if your employer does not have one.

 

Please note that F-2 visa holders may not apply for social security numbers and J-2 visa holders are not eligible for Social Security Numbers unless they have work authorization.

 

For more information concerning Social Security, please call their office at 540 857 2190, 540 857 2195, or toll free number: 800 772 1213. The Social Security Office address is:

Office of Social Security
116 N. Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24005