Social Security Numbers (SSN)

• Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)
  The purpose of a Social Security Number (SSN) is to help the U.S. government track an individual's earnings for tax purposes. Once you are offered a job, you will need to apply for an SSN from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  

  Eligiblity

  Eligibility for an SSN is based on the offer of paid employment, and regulations require you to provide valid employment offer letter and authorization from VIS or USCIS to apply for a SSN. SSNs are issued exclusively by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and applicants, except those filing the I-765, must visit an SSA office in person to complete the application process.

  Any international student accepting employment during their program - whether it is on-campus or off-campus (CPT, OPT, or STEM) must obtain an SSN.
  
  You do NOT need an SSN to:

  • Open a bank account. F and J-visa holders do not need a Social Security Number to open a bank account or for most other financial transactions. The bank may ask F and J-visa holders to fill out Internal Revenue Service form W-8BEN to prove that they are exempt from the requirement of providing a Social Security number.
  • Obtain a NYS Driver's License. Although some states require that you have a Social Security number in order to obtain a driver's license, New York State does not have such a requirement. Click here for more information on driving in New York State.
  • Rent an apartment
  • Open a utility acount (e.g. electricity or gas)
  • Set up a cell phone

  SSN Authorization Letter for On-Campus Employment

  For those applying for their SSN with on-campus employment, before visiting the Social Security Administration, you must first receive an SSN Authorization Letter from VIS.

  This requires you to have an offer letter from your on-campus employer. The letter must meet certain standards or it will be rejected.  If your employer needs assistance with writing this letter, please ask them to email vis@stonybrook.edu for assistance.

  Note, if you are applying for an SSN based on CPT or OPT authorization, an SSN Authorization Letter from VIS is not required.

   

  Step 1: Submit your request in accessVIS

  Submit the "SSN Authorization Request"in accessVIS, uploading a copy of your employment offer letter which outlines the terms of your employment.

  Step 2: Wait for your employer to confirm your employment

  Upon submitting your request through accessVIS, the employer you indicate on the form will receive an email requesting confirmation of your employment.  This is in addition to the employment offer letter they already provided.

  Step 3: VIS Review & Processing

  Please allow VIS 5-7 days to process your request.

  If approved, you will receive an email informing you that your SSN Authorization Letter is available for pick up.

  Step 4: Pick up in VIS office

  Once the SSN Autorization Letter is issued, you can pick it up in the VIS office.  Click here for document pick up times. 

  SSN Authorization Letters cannot be scanned since the SSA requries they see a physical signature on the letter from the School Official.

  Upon picking up the SSN Authorization letter, you can follow the instructions below on how to apply for the SSN.

  SSN Application Process

  To apply for an SSN based on on-campus employment, CPT, or OPT authorization, follow the directions below.  

  Step 1: Submit your SSN application online

  Apply for your SSN by completing the Online Social Security Number Application.

  Upon completing the online application, you will be directed to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

  Step 2: Gather all required documentation

  Be sure to prepare the following documents:

  Documents Required for SSN Application	On-Campus Employment	Curricular Practical Training (CPT)	Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  Passport	✔	✔	✔
  Form I-94	✔	✔	✔
  Form I-20	✔	✔	✔
  Offer of Employment Letter	✔	✔
  SSN Authorization Letter from VIS	✔
  Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)			✔

  All documentation must be original and unexpired.

  Step 3: Visit the Social Security Office

  A visit to the SSA office is required; you can either schedule an appointment or simply walk-in during business hours.  You must visit your local SSA within 45 days of submitting your online application.

  You can find the closest office to you by ulitizing the Social Security Office Locator.

  The closest Social Security Office to Stony Brook University is located at 75 Oak Street, Patchogue, NY 11772.  The phone number is (866) 771-1991.  They are open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (excluding holidays). 

  When you arrive at the office, Mobile Check-In Express makes it easier to check in.  Upon arrival, scan the Mobile Check-In Express QR Code displayed on the poster as you enter the office.

  Step 4: Receive your SSN in the mail

  It takes 2-3 weeks for an SSN to be issued and mailed to the applicant. If it has been more than 30 days since you've applied, reach out to your VIS advisor for assistance.

  Important considerations

  • Social Security Administration cannot process your SSN application if your on-campus employment or CPT/OPT start date is more than 30 days from your application date.
  • You are expected to apply for an SSN at the Social Security office closest to where you live.
  • After receiving your SSN for on-campus employment, you must report it to the Office of the Registrar
  • SSA verifies lawful resident status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system. If they are not able to verify through SAVE, or if there is a discrepancy, they then must institute secondary verification through direct contact with USCIS, which often takes several weeks.
  • If it has been more than 30 days since you've applied, reach out to your VIS advisor for assistance.
  • Social Security fraud is a serious offense. If you are offered on-campus employment and receive a SSN without intending to honor the employment arrangement, this may be considered fraud. You must contact your on-campus employer immediately if you are unable to work.

  
  For more information, you can refer to the International Students and Social Security Numbers guide or explore options for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you are ineligible for an SSN.

• Directions to the SSA Office

  
  Directions to the Patchogue SSA Office

  
  Directions by car

  1. Take Nicolls Road (Rt. 97) South to the Long Island Expressway (L.I.E.) (Rt. 495).  Take the L.I.E. East (toward Riverhead) one exit to Exit 63 South (North Ocean Avenue). Take North Ocean Avenue (Rt. 83) South to Patchogue. Continue on North Ocean Avenue past Sunrise Highway (Rt. 27) for one mile to Oak Street (on your left).
  2. Turn left onto Oak Street and continue for one block.
  3. Arrive at 75 Oak Street on your Right. Main Street (Montauk Highway / Rt. 85) is one block South of Oak Street, if you come to Main Street, you have gone too far.

  Directions by public bus

  Current Stony Brook students can ride the Suffolk County bus for $1.25 per ride if they show their SBU ID card. You can take the Suffolk County S-51 bus from campus to the Patchogue LIRR Station.

  The bus ride will be about 1.5 hours long, and will drop you off 12 minutes away from the SSA office.

  Bus stop locations on campus:

  • Health Sciences Dr/Patriots Rd
  • Health Sciences Dr/Edmund D Pellegrino Rd
  • Health Sciences Dr/Chapin Complex
  • SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital (South of Hospital Entrance)
  • Health Sciences Dr/Nicolls Rd
  • Circle Rd/Fine Arts Dr
  • Circle Rd/Shirley Kenny Dr
  • SUNY Stony Brook Life Sciences Complex
  • Circle Rd/Tabler Dr
  • Circle Rd/Engineering Dr
  • Circle Rd/Roosevelt Dr
  • Circle Rd/Campus Dr
  • Circle Rd/Kelly Dr
  • Circle Rd/Gymnasium Rd
  • Stony Brook LIRR Station

  For more information on using Suffolk County Transit, call (631) 852-5200, or visit: www.sctbus.org.

  To find a Social Security office closest to you, use the Social Security Office Locator.