Social Security numbers and taxes

Social Security Number for F-1/J-1 Students

In the U.S. a Social Security number (SSN) is issued to track pay over a worker’s lifetime. A SSN is not an off-campus employment authorization and a SSN is not required to apply for a driver's license, open a bank account, rent an apartment, start a mobile phone contract or get a credit card.

If you are employed in the U.S. you must apply for a SSN. If you are not employed, then you are not eligible for a SSN.

If you have been previously issued an SSN in the U.S., the number remains yours. You do not need to request a new number.
If you lost your SSN card and you are currently employed or have secured an on-campus job, you will need to start the SSN process again with the ISSC and then submit the replacement card application request to the Social Security Administration.

Do I need a social security number to work in the United States?

Yes. You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to allow employers to report your earnings to the U.S. government.

For more information about F-1 and J-1 regulations, please visit the ISSC website.

Filing taxes

All F-1 and J-1 students will have annual U.S. tax filing obligations while they reside within the U.S., and may owe U.S. taxes on any income they receive. These forms are generally required to be submitted by April of the following calendar year, meaning that if you resided in the U.S. during 2025, you will have required filings due in April 2026. Submission of these forms is a legal requirement, as well as a requirement to maintain your immigration status.

How to Apply for Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to verify your status through its database. Verification relies on two critical actions:

Your arrival in the U.S: It takes 10 days for the SSA database to be updated after your arrival in the U.S. This applies anytime you re-enter the U.S. from abroad as you will receive a new I-94 admission number.
Your activation in the SEVIS system, which requires you to submit a SEVIS New Student Check-in eForm through MyISSC eForm Portal for all new and transferring F-1 students.
If you are a continuing student on the same I-20, you can skip this step.

After check-in is complete all F-1 students must:

Enroll full-time at ASU.
Ask your department/employer for an on-campus Employment Offer letter. The DSO signature and name should be left blank.
From the MyISSC eForm Portal, click on the F-1 Student Services to complete the F-1 Certification Request for a Social Security Number Application eForm.
1. If further information or documentation is needed, the ISSC will contact you by email or phone.
2. You will be notified via email when your eForm is approved.
Once approved, bring your Employment Offer letter to the ISSC for DSO certification.
Apply for a Social Security Number at a Social Security Card Administration office based on your zip code. Before visiting an SSA office, complete the Online Social Security Number Application. This digital form will allow the Social Security Card Administration to gather your information before you arrive at their office. You will need to take the following ORIGINAL documents to a Social Security Card Center:
1. Original Employment Offer letter certified by the ISSC
2. Passport
3. I-94
4. Most current I-20
5. Confirmation page from online application
Upon completion of your online application, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment through their system. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, the Social Security Administration office will still accept drop-ins during its normal business hours.
After meeting with a social security representative you will receive a receipt for your transaction. Once you receive your SSN in the mail, please update your Sprintax record or contact Aramark/Follett human resources so that they can update your record accordingly. For more information, please see How to Apply for a Social Security Number.

For J-1 students : DS-2019 issued by ASU

Enroll full-time at ASU.
Ask your department/employer for an on-campus Employment Offer letter. The DSO/ARO signature and name should be left blank.
From the MyISSC eForm Portal, click on the J-1 Student Services to complete the J-1 Certification Request for a Social Security Number Application eForm. You will upload your employment offer letter to this eForm.
1. If further information or documentation is needed, the ISSC will contact you by email or phone.
2. You will be notified via email when your eForm is approved.
Once approved, bring your Employment Offer letter to the Faculty and Scholar Office (Discovery Hall- 250 E. Lemon St. Suite 172, Tempe, AZ 85287) for certification.
Apply for a Social Security Number at a Social Security Card Administration office based on your zip code. Before visiting an SSA office, complete the Online Social Security Number Application. This digital form will allow the Social Security Card Administration to gather your information before you arrive at their office.
Upon completion of your online application, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment through their system. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, the Social Security Administration office will still accept drop-ins during its normal business hours. You will need to take the following ORIGINAL documents to a Social Security Card Center:
1. Original Employment Offer letter certified by the ISSC
2. Confirmation page from online application
3. Passport
4. I-94
5. Most current DS-2019

After meeting with a social security representative you will receive a receipt for your transaction.

Once you receive your SSN in the mail, please update your Sprintax record or contact Aramark/Follett human resources so that they can update your record accordingly.

For more information, please see How to Apply for a Social Security Number.

For J-1 students : DS-2019 not issued by ASU

Contact your J-1 program sponsor for instructions on how to apply for a SSN.
Once you receive your SSN in the mail, please update your Sprintax record or contact Aramark/Follett human resources so that they can update your record accordingly.