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Apply for an SSN

Apply for an SSN

A Social Security number (SSN) is used by employers and employees to report taxes to the US government. Your employer reports taxes withheld from your paycheck using your unique Social Security Number, and you provide your SSN to the US Government’s IRS (Internal Revenue Service) when you file an income tax return. An SSN is not a work permit and does not indicate work authorization for international students. In addition, you should not need an SSN to open a bank account or get a credit card. SSNs are only required for tax reporting.

Eligibility to Apply for an SSN

F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to apply for a SSN after they receive their first job offer from an on-campus or off-campus employer. Note: Reminder that first year international students are only eligible to work on campus during their first academic year. After the first academic year, students are eligible to work both on and off campus so long as they comply with the appropriate work authorization requirements.

Where to Apply

Students should go to the Social Security Office (SSO) in Crawfordsville, Indiana, a half hour from Greencastle by car. Greencastle is in the Crawfordsville SSO’s jurisdiction (or authority area), which is why you need to go to that particular office.

  • Address: 1515 South Grant Avenue, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
  • Hours: 9AM-4PM Monday through Friday
  • Phone: (800) 772-1213

You don't need an appointment to go to the Crawfordsville SSO. You should not schedule an appointment either, as sometimes students do not put in their information correctly and it can make the SSN application process take longer.

Documents to Apply for the SSN

Students must have all items in the list below to apply. Students should also have their documents checked with ISA prior to going to the SSO to make sure they have the correct documents and copies for the application.

  • Completed online SSN Application form Receipt
    • Students will fill out this form online.
    • Vietnamese students should fill out the form as follows: Last name: Last Name; First Names: Middle Name, First Name. Ensure that you fill out the form so that the order of your names matches your visa.
    • Once you have submitted your online form, a page will come up that has an application receipt number on it. Print out that page, with the receipt number on it, and take it with you to the appointment.
    • Do not close the page until you schedule an appointment time. This is required.
    • For students younger than 18, completed Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Number (one original and one photocopy]
  • I-20: Original and photocopy of your complete I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility immigration document
  • Original Passport Plus Passport Photo Page: Original passport and photocopy of your biographic/expiration page(s)
  • F-1 or J-1 Visa: Photocopy of your F-1 or J-1 visa (stamped in your passport)
  • I-94 Departure Record: Printed copy of your I-94 Departure Record
  • Job Offer Letter: Letter verifying your employment details from your on-campus or off-campus employer.
  • Letter from International Student Affairs: Copy of a letter confirming your eligibility to work as well as your on-campus address [Requested through the ISA Portal.]

If you have all the necessary documents and your appointment is successful, you will get a receipt confirming that you had an appointment with the Social Security Office. You will take this receipt to the Hubbard center along with your I-20, I-94, and passport to confirm your eligibility to begin working.

How to Get There

Shuttles are offered at the beginning of each semester and announced through the ISA newsletter. For those needing transportation but who do not already have transportation arranged, they may choose to get in touch with one of the local drivers in the community.