Question
What is a social security number (SSN) and individual tax identification number (ITIN)?
Do I need a SSN or ITIN?
Answer
What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?
The United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Social Security numbers generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.
International students in F-1 status have permission to work on campus and are therefore eligible for Social Security numbers, even if they are not employed. Students or scholars in J-1 status are eligible for Social Security numbers provided that they have the J-1 sponsor's permission to work. Contact the Gallagher International Center if you hold a J-1 visa and plan to work on campus.
You are NOT required to have a Social Security number before you start work. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires employers to report wages using a Social Security number. While you wait for your Social Security number, your employer can use a letter from the Social Security office stating that you applied for a number. Your employer may use your immigration documents as proof of your authorization to work in the United States.
What is an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)?
An ITIN is an alternative option for students and/or dependents who earned income during the tax year, but are not eligible for a SSN. It is also used to identify the dependents of the person filing a tax return. There are only a few cases where students and scholars can claim dependents on their tax return. All student athletes who are otherwise not eligible for an SSN must get an ITIN number. Please contact the International Office to get more information on the ITIN application process and timeline.
Do I Need an SSN or an ITIN?
SSN and/or ITINS are generally needed for:
- Employment: You must have a SSN in order to work in the United States. An ITIN is not acceptable for employment purposes.
- Fellowships: If you are going to receive a fellowship or scholarship payment from the University, you will need a SSN or an ITIN (if you are not eligible for a Social Security number).
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms: All students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status are required to fill out an Internal Revenue Service form every year, even if they have no U.S.-source income. A SSN or ITIN is required on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms. The International Office will share information on income tax filing in February of every year.
- Driver License: All students wishing to obtain a South Dakota driver’s license will find it beneficial to obtain a SSN prior to applying for a license. However, a SSN is not a requirement for a driver’s license application. For more information, please refer to the driver’s license handout or contact the International Student Advisor.
How to Apply for a Social Security Number
Are you an F1/J1 student and have secured on-campus or off-campus employment/training (CPT/OPT)? Students who are employed are required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN): https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf
Step 1: email a copy of your employment letter to isso@usd.edu so we can issue you a verification letter (our office may provide an offer letter template to employers per students’ requests when needed); we will email you when the letter is ready for pick up from our office.
Step 2: sign up for a SSN trip if you need a ride to the Social Security Office (SSA) if one is available at the time you are applying (check your USD email for the sign up link) or apply on your own.
Step 3: have the following documents with you when you apply for a SSN:
- Original passport
- Original I-20/DS-2019 (printed out, not on your phone!)
- I-94: if you need one, it can be retrieved from: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home (printed out, not on your phone!)
- Letter of employment with signature (printed out, not on your phone!)
- Verification letter from the Gallagher International Center
- Completed Social Security application form: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf (we will print out this form for you)
If you are hired by USD, please email USD HR department (hr@usd.edu) to let them know after you have applied for the SSN;
if you are hired by USD Dining Sodexo, bring a copy of your SSN receipt to your supervisor.
The closest Social Security Office is in Yankton:
- Social Security Office Information
- Address:
- SUITE 2
- 1818 BROADWAY AVE
- YANKTON, SD 57078
- Phone: 1-877-405-3522
- Text telephone (TTY) mode: 1-605-665-0985
If you need further assistance, please contact the Gallagher International Center at isso@usd.edu