/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is used to track your earnings in the United States. It is not work authorization. Once you receive an SSN, you will use the same number for your lifetime.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSNs. You must apply in person at an SSA office.

Eligibility

You can apply for an SSN only if you can show the Social Security Administration that you:

You Do Not Need an SSN To:
  • Open a bank account (you may use IRS Form W-8BEN instead)
  • Apply for a New York State driver’s license
  • Rent an apartment
  • Set up utilities (electricity, gas)
  • Get a cell phone plan

Before You Apply

On-Campus Employment

If you are applying based on on-campus employment, you must first receive an On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter from VIS. To receive this letter, you must have an employment offer letter from your on-campus employer AND complete the J-1 On-Campus Employment request in accessVIS.

Your employer’s letter must meet SSA requirements. If the letter does not meet those requirements, your request may be delayed or denied. If your employer needs help preparing the letter, they should contact VIS at vis@stonybrook.edu.

Academic Training

If you are applying based on Academic Training, you must first obtain an Employment Authorization Letter from VIS.

Important Timing

The SSA cannot process your application if your employment start date is more than 30 days in the future. You should wait until your work start date is close enough before applying.

Apply for an SSN Based on Your Work Authorization

Step 1: Request SSN Authorization Letter

  1. Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.

  2. Select J-1 Student Services from the left menu.

  3. Submit the On-Campus Employment Authorization request.

  • Upload your on-campus employment offer letter
  • After you submit the request: 
    • Your employer will receive an email to confirm your employment details
    • Upon your employer submission, VIS will review your request
    • Processing usually takes 5 to 7 business days

  • If approved, VIS will notify you when your On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter is ready for pickup. You must pick up the original letter in person because the SSA requires a physical signature.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

You must bring original, unexpired documents to your SSA appointment.

  • Passport
  • Form I-94
  • Form DS-2019
  • Employment offer letter
  • On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter from VIS

Step 3: Submit the Online SSN Application

Complete the online Social Security Number application through the SSA website. After you submit the application, you will be prompted to schedule an appointment.

Step 4: Visit the Social Security Office

You must appear in person at the SSA office and bring all required documents. You should attend your appointment within 45 calendar days of submitting the online application.

You should apply at the SSA office closest to where you live.

The closest SSA office to Stony Brook University is:

75 Oak Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: (866) 771-1991

If you are unable to visit the Patchogue office, you may also try offices in Melville or West Babylon.

Step 5: Receive Your SSN

Your SSN is usually issued and mailed within 2 to 3 weeks after your appointment. If it has been more than 30 days since you applied, contact your VIS advisor.

Updating your SSN in SOLAR

For your on-campus employer to hire you, your SSN must be updated to in SOLAR. Once you receive your SSN, complete the Registrar’s Google Form or visit their office in Stony Brook Union to have SOLAR updated.

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

You must bring original, unexpired documents to your SSA appointment.

  • Passport
  • Form I-94
  • Form DS-2019 with Academic Training notation
  • Employment Authorization Letter from VIS
  • Employment offer letter from your employer

Dependents: J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to have the above documents plus their EAD card in order to apply for an SSN.

Step 2: Submit the Online SSN Application

Complete the online Social Security Number application through the SSA website. After you submit the application, you will be prompted to schedule an appointment.

Step 3: Visit the Social Security Office

You must appear in person at the SSA office and bring all required documents. You should attend your appointment within 45 calendar days of submitting the online application.

You cannot attend your in-person appointment earlier than 30 days before your AT authorization start date.

Step 4: Receive Your SSN

Your SSN is usually issued and mailed within 2 to 3 weeks after your appointment. If it has been more than 30 days since you applied, contact your VIS advisor.

Important Considerations

  • You should apply at the Social Security office closest to where you live
  • If you are under 18, you cannot apply online and you should call your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment

  • The Social Security Administration verifies your immigration status through a system called SAVE

    • If your status cannot be verified right away, additional review may be required and can take several weeks
  • You must only apply for an SSN if you intend to work in the position listed in your application
    • Applying without the intent to work may be considered fraud
    • If your plans change, you must notify your employer immediately
  • If you are not eligible for an SSN, you may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead