Social Security Numbers

International students working in the U.S. must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). In order to apply for a SSN, a student must have a qualifying employment offer letter and a letter from ISSS.

The on-campus job offer letter must be printed on department letterhead and include the specific information below that is required by the Social Security Administration (SSA):

  • Identity of student employee
  • Nature of job the student is, or will be, engaged in
  • Anticipated or actual employment start date
  • Number of hours the student is expected to work
  • Employer identification number (EIN)
  • Employer contact information, including the telephone number and the name of the F-1 student’s immediate supervisor
  • Original signature and signatory’s title
  • Date

In order to obtain an SSN, an international student in F-1/J-1 status needs a letter from ISSS verifying their eligibility. ISSS issues this letter when a student submits an appropriate request form, located in their MyISSS portal. There are two types of request forms:

  • Request for SSN Letter for On-Campus Employment (including Fellowship/Assistantship) (available in MyISSS portal)
  • Request for SSN Letter for Approved CPT (available in MyISSS portal)

After you receive your SSN letter from the ISSS office, you can submit a Social Security Number (SSN) application and then provide your documents to the Social Security Administration office in person.

  • An international student in F-1/J-1 status can start working prior to receiving the SSN!
  • A new international student in F-1 or J-1 status can start working on-campus as early as 30 days prior to the start date of classes in their first semester.

While it is possible to be paid initially without an SSN, all international students working on campus must receive an SSN as soon as possible in order to be properly reported in the CU Boulder employee system and to be able to properly file a tax return.

When students receive the SSN from the Social Security Administration, they should notify their employment Payroll Liaison. Please do not provide a copy of your SSN to ISSS as we do not keep records of SSNs.

Your Social Security Number is a piece of your personal identifiable information that you should keep in a safe place. You should be cautious about who you provide your SSN to. It is normal for employers, banks, and the Department of Motor Vehicles to ask for your SSN. In most cases, you should not provide your SSN over the phone or via email or text message. You could be victim of a scam if your SSN ends up in the wrong hands.

Students in F-1 and J-1 status are only eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have a job, according to U.S. law. Please only apply for a job if you intend to work for at least one semester. Do not apply for a job just to obtain an SSN and then quit. This is not fair to the employer and leads employers to be reluctant to hire international students in the future. In addition, applying for an SSN when you do not intend to work could be seen as fraud.

Social Security Numbers are used by banks and some other entities to find out a person’s credit history. While it is less convenient, in most instances, there are other options if you do not have a SSN.

Opening a Bank Account

Many banks require an SSN to open a bank account, but some do not.  In Boulder there are several major banks that do not require a SSN to open a bank account.  You may need to provide proof of your Colorado residence (usually through rent receipts or a copy of your lease). Some banks that do not require a SSN are Chase Bank, US Bank, and Wells Fargo, and there may be others.

Obtaining Some Types of Banking Cards

When you open a bank account, you may apply for a debit card without an SSN.  A debit card can be used in most places where a credit card is used.  When you use a debit card, money is taken directly from your checking account, so you must be sure you have enough money to make your purchase.

You may also apply for a secured credit card without an SSN.  A secured credit card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for the account.  So the money you put into the account is the money you can use.  There is usually a minimum amount you must maintain in the account, as well as an annual fee.  You should compare different options offered by different banks.

Renting an Apartment

When a landlord asks for a SSN, they are looking for a form of guarantee that rent will be paid.  According to the CU Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations office, if a potential landlord requires an SSN for a housing application, let the landlord know that you do not have a SSN, but that you can provide other forms of financial guarantee.  This could be in the form of bank statements, paying multiple months’ worth of rent upfront, or setting up a unique deal with the landlord that would be agreeable to them and you.  If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the CU Boulder Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations office.

Cell Phones

Below are some options to consider if you need to obtain a cell phone and/or cellular line.

Option 1: Obtain an unlocked phone and set up a prepaid plan.

When you choose a prepaid plan, you don't need to sign a contract. You buy minutes as you need them, but keep in mind that your unlocked phone needs to be compatible with the carrier you're going to. Generally, you cannot buy an unlocked phone at a carrier without having a social security number.

Option 2: Sign up for a contract plan.

Many plans typically require a Social Security Number (SSN), but carriers like T-Mobile or Mint Mobile offer options for those without one. You'll likely need to pay a deposit and commit to a contract ranging from one to two years. Other providers may also offer options.

Option 3: Bring an unlocked cell phone and buy a new SIM card in the U.S.

If you have an unlocked phone, campusSIMS offers a new SIM card. Other companies may provide the same product.

Students on F-1 and J-1 visas are exempt from having to participate in the mandatory student employee retirement program and are not eligible to participate.

Helpful Handouts

Additional Resources

  • (SSA Publication)
  • (SSA webpage)