Obtaining a Social Security Number

In order to work in the U.S., even on campus, you need a Social Security number. Everything you need is available in the Center for International Exchange in Belknap Hall.

The Social Security Administration will only assign Social Security numbers to those students with proper documentation certifying that they have an on-campus jobs (plus authorization from their program sponsors in the case of J-1 students) or have been specifically authorized to work under one of the categories listed under the employment sections of this Web site.

In addition to your passport and one additional document proving your identity, I-20 or
DS-2019, I-94 and a completed application (Form SS-5), you must also present to Social Security proof of employment eligibility. For J-1 students, this proof would be a letter of authorization from your sponsoring program's Responsible Officer plus, if applicable, a letter from your on-campus employer. For F-1 students, this proof would be one of the following:

1. A valid Employment Authorization Document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (in the case of optional practical training, work permission based on economic hardship, or work with an approved international organization);
or
2. A new I-20 endorsed by an international student advisor in CIE with the specific employer for an internship (curricular practical training);
or
3. A letter from the employing department at SNHU with another letter from the Center for International Exchange (in cases of on-campus employment).

Once you have the necessary documents, go to the Social Security Administration office at 2 Wall Street in Manchester to submit your application. There is no fee.