A Social Security Number Card (SNN) can only be issued for someone who is authorized to work in the U.S. In the past, SSN were issued for non-work purposes. But recent changes in the law require that it can only be issued for employment purposes. F-1 students who want on-campus employment must have a job offer letter or letter of employment in order to receive a SSN.

Employing Departments

The J-1 Exchange Visitor will have to obtain a statement from his or her employing department on UH department letterhead (1st letter), to prove that the Visitor is engaging in, or has secured, specific employment.

For your convenience, ISSSO has provided a template for use by departments. Your department can fill the form in at http://issso.uh.edu/J1employment/ssn.html Your Department should complete the form and print it on UH letterhead.

J-1 Exchange Visitors who apply for an SSN on the basis of employment will also have to present a letter from an Alternate or Responsible Officer (2nd letter) that is available at the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO), 302 Student Service Center 1, stating that the Visitor is authorized to engage in employment, the nature of the employment to be engaged in, and identifying the employing department for whom the Visitor will be working. The J-1 Exchange Visitor needs to bring the 1st letter to ISSSO to request the 2nd letter.

Bring your 1st and 2nd letter along with your passport, I-94 card and DS-2019 to Social Security Administration Office to apply for an SSN.

Working While Awaiting an SSN

A J-1 Exchange Visitor may work while the Social Security number application is being processed. Employers may wish to reference SSA’s fact sheet, Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers. This fact sheet contains information on how to report wages for an employee who has not yet received an SSN and is available online at http://www.issso.uh.edu/j1/WEB_J1SSN_employer_ltr.doc

SSN and Texas Driver’s License

You must use your SSN to apply for a Texas Driver’s License (TDL). J-2 dependents are not allowed to obtain a SSN. A J-2 without work permission may obtain a TDL by obtaining a SSN rejection letter (i.e not eligible for a SSN) and submitting it at the Department of Public Safety when applying for a TDL. If the J-2 has work authorization, he or she should use his or her SSN to apply for the TDL.

SSN and Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN)

Some banks, apartment complexes, car rental and other stores may ask you for a SSN. If you are not eligible for a SSN, you may be able to submit an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) that is available by applying to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is sometimes accepted in place of a SSN. Individuals who are not eligible for a SSN may be eligible for an ITIN. Follow this link for more information about obtaining an ITIN: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html