Social Security

If you will be employed in the US, you must obtain a US social security number (SSN) to be paid. Students who are not working or receiving income in the US are not eligible for a Social Security number, and should NEVER use their FSU identification number (999 or 899 number) in place of the SSN outside of the FSU campus.

Social Security brochure
Click on the image above to view the Social Security Brochure.
To obtain your Social security number, you will need to do the following:
  • For on-campus employment, obtain a letter from your employing department, on their letterhead with the details of your employment and bring the letter to the International Center for an approval signature.
    » Click here for the Required Letter for Social Security.
  • For off-campus employment, have the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) issued by USCIS, or the I-20 endorsed with an authorization for CPT on page 3
  • Fill in form SS-5 ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
  • Appear in person at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office at 2002 Old St Augustine Rd, Building B, Suite 12, Tallahassee, FL
  • Present your employment letter, EAD, or I-20 with CPT authorization and immigration documents-passport, visa, I 94, and I-20-to the SSA representative
  • Provide an address on the application at which you know you will be able to receive the card in 2-4 weeks
  • Obtain a receipt for your application for the SSN

Be sure to keep your original Social Security card in a safe place. Do not carry it with you in your wallet or purse. Be careful who you give this number to avoid falling victim to identity theft. This number and the resulting record are yours for your lifetime.

All forms are available in alternative format upon request.