A social security number (SSN) is a number used by the U.S. government to track your earnings for income tax purposes. You will be able to apply for an SSN after you are offered a paid job in the U.S.; you cannot apply for an SSN for unpaid internships or volunteer work.
Applying for a Social Security Number
SSNs are issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The closest SSA is the Pomona Office. The following are the steps you can expect when applying for a SSN.
1. Receive a written offer letter from your employer.
You must receive a written offer letter from your employer. The letter should have your employer’s wet signature and all information requested by the SSA. See Pomona College On-Campus Job Offer Letter [docx] for an example of what information should be included.
2. Email offer letter to the ISSS Office.
After receiving your offer letter, the ISSS Office will draft a letter verifying your F-1 or J-1 status. This verification letter is another required document for your SSN application.
Note: If you are a non-Pomona student who has a student job on Pomona campus, please instead reach out to your school’s international student office for this verification letter.
3. Pick up your verification letter at the ISSS Office.
You will need to receive the physical letter from the office, as the SSA requires a wet signature for all signatures.
When picking up your letter, you should also bring your I-20 or DS-2019 so your DSO can confirm that it has a wet signature.
4. Schedule an appointment at the SSA office.
Schedule your appointment on the SSA website. You will first need to complete the online application form, then you will be prompted to schedule an appointment.
Note that all SSA offices require applicants to schedule appointments in advance; walk-ins are no longer allowed. If there are no appointments available at the Pomona SSA, other nearby offices include:
- Glendora - 91740
- West Covina - 91790
- Ontario - 91761
- Brea - 92821
- El Monte – 91731
5. Attend your appointment with the required materials.
You will need to bring the following items to the appointment.
- Passport and visa
- I-20 or DS-2019 with wet signature
- Job offer letter with wet signature
- Letter from DSO verifying your immigration status
- Your most recent I-94 information
At the end of your appointment, the SSA will provide you one of two letters:
- A receipt of your application’s completion. After you receive this letter, you can use this to continue the employment process with your employer. Your SSN card (also known as social security card) will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 days of your appointment.
- A letter that states the SSA needs more time to review your application. If you receive this letter, let the ISSS Office know. You will not be able to work with this letter and will have to wait until the review is cleared.
Keep Your SSN Secure
Once you are issued a U.S. Social Security Number, it is linked to your identity for life. Be sure to keep in mind the following tips for keeping your number safe, as theft of your SSN can make you vulnerable to identity theft:
- Put your social security card in a safe place. If you lose your card, you will have to be currently working to replace it.
- Only share your SSN with employers.
- Do not keep your SSN on your phone.
- While not illegal to laminate your card, the SSA prefers you that you don’t. Lamination could obscure certain anti-identity theft security features.
Access on E. Bonita Ave., across from Wig Hall