Social Security Number (SSN)

How do I obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Check Your Eligibility

Step 1. To obtain a Social Security Number, you must be pre-approved for one of the requirements below:

  1. Working on Campus
  2. Working on Curricular Practical Training Internship or Co-op (CPT)
  3. Working on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

You can only continue onto the next steps if you meet one of these requirements!

Watch the Video

Step 2.  Watch the Social Security and ITIN video.

In this short video, you will learn more about the process and the purpose of a Social Security card.

Prepare Your Documents

Step 3. Check SSA website for all required documents in addition to the following documents mentioned below:

On Campus

CPT

OPT/AT

  • Employment Authorization Letter
  • Passport
  • I-20/DS-2019
  • Electronic I-94 Print-out
  • Offer Letter
  • Passport
  • CPT I-20/AT DS-2019
  • Electronic I-94 Print-out
  • Passport
  • OPT I-20/AT DS-2019
  • OPT card
  • Electronic I-94 Print-out
  • Offer Letter*

Visit the Social Security Office

Step 4. Bring the documents you prepared in Step 3 with you to the Social Security office.

(Students on OPT must wait until your approved OPT start date to apply for an Social Security Number.)

The closest Social Security office to UB is the Bridgeport Social Security Office, located at 35 Courtland St, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Other Social Security offices can be found here.

Official Social Security Website

Important: Do not carry your Social Security Card with you. Keep it in a safe place!

What if I do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), but wish to apply for a Connecticut Driver’s License or a Connecticut State ID?

You will need a letter from Social Security office stating you are not eligible to obtain an SSN. First, check Practical Matters about how to prove enrollment at UB to the Social Security Office. Then, view the process for how to obtain a Connecticut Driver’s License or State ID.