Social Security Number

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to earn wages, file taxes, and receive some types of government services in the U.S. A SSN is a nine-digit number issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary workers by the Social Security Administration.

Like your passport, this document should be stored in a safe location and not carried on you. Once you are granted a SSN, it is yours for life.

F-1 Students

F-1 students are only eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have a job offer through on-campus employment or authorized off-campus employment.

Process for Obtaining a Social Security Number

  1. You must first be hired for a campus job.
  2. If you do not have a Social Security Number, Student Employment will notify ISS.
  3. ISS will email you a form outlining F1 Employment Guidelines.
  4. Review the F1 Employment Guidelines form, sign it, present it to your supervisor to sign, and return it to ISS.
  5. Upon receipt of the signed F1 Employment Guidelines, ISS will email you a signed Social Security Request Letter.
  6. Please gather the following documents:
    • Passport
    • I-20
    • Social Security Request Letter (referenced in #5 above)
    • I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/) Select and print “Most Recent I-94”
  7. Complete the online Social Security Application.
  8. Once you have submitted the application, you will be assigned a 9-digit number preceded by a letter O. Please note that number.
  9. You will then be able to book an appointment with the local Social Security Administration Office. Appointments are required as of January 1, 2025.
  10. When you attend your appointment, bring the documents detailed above. The Social Security Administration’s address is 2345 Gateway Dr, Suite B, Wooster, OH 44691. Their phone number is 1-877-319-0729.
  11. At your appointment, you will receive a receipt letter from the Social Security Office. Scan and email a copy of the receipt letter to studentjobs@wooster.edu.
  12. You will receive your Social Security card in the mail in approximately 2 weeks. Once received, schedule an appointment with Student Employment by emailing studentjobs@wooster.edu.

Transportation Options:

  1. Wooster Ride Share: Book via link on Instagram account @woorideshare
  2. Hallstar Taxi: +1(330)262-0123
  3. Personal Taxi Service: +1 (330) 347-2276
  4. Wooster Taxi: +1(330) 202-9000
  5. SWOOP Transportation (a local service) https://swoop.express/ (or see app)
  6. Uber / Lyft (See apps)

*Do not forget to reserve a return ride to campus.

Material on this website is general and for informational purposes only. It does not constitute or replace professional legal advice, and you should not rely on it solely when making decisions about your immigration status or reporting requirements.