How to Apply for an SSN

If you are new, you have checked in with OISS and your school or department as necessary:

New Students

Instructions for checking in may be found at Your First Two Weeks. New students should also review the information at New Students: SSN and ITIN.

New Scholars

Instructions for checking in may be found at Your First Two Weeks.

These appointments are in-person, so you must be in New Haven area.

On-Campus Employment

1. Complete and print an application form (Form SS-5), available online.
2. Obtain written verification from your employer or the for-service fellowship sponsor which includes the nature of the employment or fellowship, number of hours (if possible), and the date employment is expected to begin.
   • Yale College - Written verification of employment can be requested from the Student Employment Office.
   • Masters and Professional Students - Written verification typically comes from the Student Employment Office or if not hired through the standard on-campus job process, a letter can come directly from your campus employer. (Note: If you are an MA student and a TF in GSAS, then please request this verification from the Teaching Fellow Program.)
   • PhD Students - All PhD students are eligible to apply for a social security number. Print a copy of your letter of admission to meet this requirement.
3. Obtain and print a letter confirming your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility from OISS.
   • Everyone except PhD Students - Please fill out this form to make your request and we will email you the letter as soon as we confirm your eligibility. Please submit your request at least 5 business days prior to when you plan on going to the SSA.
   • PhD Students - You can print this letter yourself in OISS Connect:
     1. Log into OISS Connect and click the Log in button in the 'Yale Students' section.
     2. Under Requests, click on 'Immigration Online Check-In'
     3. Scroll down to the Learning Content section and click on 'SSN Letter'
     4. Click the Print button
4. Take the documents above along with your passport, I-94 record, and your I-20 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 150 Court Street, 4th Floor.

On CPT or OPT

1. Complete and print an application form (Form SS-5), available online.
2. Obtain and print a letter confirming your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility from OISS. Please fill out this form to make your request and we will email you the letter as soon as we confirm your eligibility. Please submit your request at least 5 business days prior to when you plan on going to the SSA.
3. Take the documents above along with your passport, I-94 record, and your I-20 with CPT or OPT authorization when you go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 150 Court Street, 4th Floor.
4. If you are on OPT, you will also need to present your Employment Authorization Card.

1. Complete and print an application form (Form SS-5), available online.
2. Obtain and print a letter confirming your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility from OISS. Please fill out this form to make your request and we will email you the letter as soon as we confirm your eligibility. Please submit your request at least 5 business days prior to when you plan on going to the SSA.
3. If your visa sponsor is not Yale, you must obtain an SSN support letter confirming your immigration status from your J-1 program sponsor (e.g. Fulbright).
4. Take the (printed) documents above along with your passport, I-94 record, and your DS-2019 form to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 150 Court Street, 4th Floor.

1. Complete and print an application form (Form SS-5), available online.
2. Take the application along with your passport, Employment Authorization Card (EAD), I-94 record, and your DS-2019 form to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 150 Court Street, 4th Floor.

1. Complete and print an application form (Form SS-5), available online.
2. Take the application along with your passport, I-797 approval notice (if applicable), and I-94 record to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 150 Court Street, 4th Floor.

Written verification from your employer or the for-service fellowship sponsor which includes:

• the nature of the employment or fellowship
• number of hours (if possible)
• the date employment is expected to begin

• Yale College - email the Student Employment Office.
• Masters and Professional Students - email your school or the Student Employment Office. (Note: If you are an MA student and a TA in GSAS, then please contact the Teaching Fellow Program for an employment letter)
• PhD Students - All PhD students are eligible to apply for a social security number. Print a copy of your letter of admission to meet this requirement.

This depends on your visa status, so you should check our page on How to Apply for an SSN for details. However, everyone will need to bring the following:

• SS-5 - you fill out and print
• Your passport
• Your I-94 record - you print
• Your immigration document (I-20, DS-2019, etc.) - you print
• Letter verifying your employment eligibility and visa status:
• • Non-PhDs: OISS emails to you the day before your appointment, you print
  • PhDs: you can print this letter yourself in OISS Connect. See the Required Documents section above for instructions.

Even though the letter from OISS that confirms your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility is addressed to the New Haven Social Security Administration, it will still suffice if you apply at other Social Security offices.

You must still see the SSA in order to receive this letter. You do not need the letter from OISS verifying your employment eligibility and visa status, a SS-5, or proof of employment (for F-1 students), but you will still need the other documents normally required. You can walk-in to their office, no need for an appointment.

Obtain and print a letter confirming your Yale related immigration status and employment eligibility from OISS. Please fill out this form to make your request and we will email you the letter as soon as we confirm your eligibility. Please submit your request at least 5 business days prior to when you plan on going to the SSA.

This depends on the SSA and is unfortunately out of our control. The current time is 2-3 weeks, but we have heard of instances in which it takes in excess of 5-6 weeks to receive the card, especially during busy times of the year and holidays. If you have any questions about this we recommend contacting the SSA directly or checking your status on their website.

You do not need to give your SSN to OISS, and should never email your SSN or a copy of your card.

Students should report their SSN in person to their registrar:

• Yale College and Graduate School students can do this at 246 Church St
• Professional School students should visit your own school registrars

Faculty and staff should report their SSN in person to the Employee Service Center at 221 Whitney Avenue.

Please contact Alina Nevins and include 'SSA' in the subject line.