Social Security Information

Applying for a Social Security Number

Any F-1 or J-1 student who will be employed by LSU or who has received authorization from International Services (IS) or USCIS to work for another employer in the U.S. must apply for a Social Security number (SSN). Receipt of this number will help to ensure that you are paid in a timely manner. Obtaining an SSN can take a month (or longer, in rare cases), so you are advised to apply as soon as you have all of the required documentation (listed below).

Note for new students: Before applying for an SSN, you need to be in the U.S. for a minimum of 10 days after completing your SEVIS Check In with International Services. Visit our webpage for additional instructions on reporting your arrival to the U.S.

After you receive your Social Security number, you must:

  1. Notify the LSU Payroll Office in 204 Thomas Boyd Hall and provide them with a copy of your Social Security card. This is necessary in order to continue to receive payment for on-campus employment.
  2. Immediately notify your employer and your bank of your U.S. SSN.
  3. Keep your Social Security card in a safe, secure place at home along with your non-immigrant documents. Because of the possibility of identity theft, it is NOT advisable that you carry your Social Security card in your wallet in the event that your wallet is lost or stolen.

If You Are Ineligible 

If you are not eligible for an SSN (i.e., you do not work in the U.S. to be able to obtain an SSN), and you need to apply for a driver's license or other document that requires an SSN, you can request a Social Security "letter of ineligibility" from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The official letter from SSA serves as evidence that you are not eligible to apply for an SSN. You can provide this letter when applying for a driver's license, a state ID, or a lease for an apartment and to open a bank account. 

Documents Required

F-1 Visa Status

  1. Completed Form SS-5 Social Security application.
  2. Original, unexpired, and most-recent I-20 or DS-2019.
  3. Original, unexpired passport.
  4. Your most recent I-94 admission record, marked F-1, “D/S” OR, your I-797 approval notice.
  5. Proof of employment and/or authorization, depending on your current situation and job type:

    1. F-1 Student Workers must show an original, official job offer letter from hiring department AND authorization from International Services, which will be provided in a combined letter.

      Important note: An original on-campus job summary letter must be printed on official departmental letterhead using the Template Letter for Combined Employment Authorization (LSU Hiring Department and IS DSO). New to LSU? Please make sure that you have reported to International Services with your Immigration documents either at International Orientation or as a latecomer. In order to request the DSO signature of the combination letter, please follow the instructions on the DSO Letter Request page.  

    2. F-1 Graduate Assistants must show two documents:

      1. Graduate Assistantship job offer letter with details of appointment and if signature is required, it must also show your signature that you have accepted the Assistantship terms.
      2. An original, official job offer letter from hiring department AND authorization from International Services, which will be provided in a combined letter.

        Important note: An original on-campus job summary letter must be printed on official departmental letterhead using the Template Letter for Combined Employment Authorization (LSU Hiring Department and IS DSO). New to LSU? Please make sure that you have reported to International Services with your Immigration documents either at International Orientation or as a latecomer. In order to request the DSO signature of the combination letter, please follow the instructions on the DSO Letter Request page. 

    3. F-1 students on OPT  or other off-campus work permission authorized by USCIS must show a Valid EAD card issued by USCIS (for OPT or Economic Hardship).
    4. F-1 Students approved for CPT  must show a Valid CPT Authorization listed on page 2 of the original I-20.

J-1 Visa Status

  1. Completed Form SS-5 Social Security application.
  2. Original J-1 program Sponsor Letter (complete the J Program Sponsor Letter Request online). If your DS-2019 was not issued by LSU, you must request this from your J Program Sponsor.
  3. Original, unexpired, and most recent DS-2019.
  4. Original, unexpired passport.
  5. Your most recent I-94 admission record marked J-1 and “D/S” OR your I-797 Approval Notice.

Other Visa Statuses

Social Security numbers are only available to those who are eligible for employment in the U.S. Therefore, anyone who is not eligible for employment because of his or her visa status (F-2, H-4, etc.) also is NOT eligible for a Social Security number (no exceptions). Rather than an SSN, these individuals may apply for an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN).

For information and instructions to apply for an ITIN, please see: www.irs.gov and enter “ITIN” in the “Search” field.

If you still have questions after consulting the IRS Web site, you should contact the LSU Office of Accounting Services (204 Thomas Boyd Hall) at 225-578-3321.

Baton Rouge Social Security Administration Office

5455 Bankers Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 866-613-3070
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm


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