Social Security

How to Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) for International Students

Step 1: Request Necessary Forms

• F-1 students should contact the International Services Office after securing a job to request a Social Security Letter from ATS and an Employment Verification Form.

Step 2: Complete and Submit Forms

• Fill out the required forms and wait for International Services to notify you when your Social Security Letter is ready.
• International Services will send an employment letter template to your on-campus employer/supervisor for completion.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents Collect the following documents for your SSN application:

1. Letter from International Services confirming your status as an international student at ATS.
2. Employment Letter from Your Supervisor including:
   • Your full name and date of birth
   • Job description and start date (within 30 days of application)
   • Expected number of working hours
   • Employer department and contact information (name, phone, supervisor)
   • Employment status verification (hired status)
   • Supervisor’s signature, title, and date
3. Other Required Documents:
   • Completed Employment Verification Form
   • Passport
   • Original I-20 and a copy of I-20
   • Copy of I-94 or printout
   • Copy of passport photo/bio page

Step 4: Apply for SSN Complete and submit the SS-5 (Social Security Number Application) and bring the following to your appointment:

• Letter from International Services
• Employment letter from your supervisor
• Passport
• Original and copy of I-20, I-94, and passport bio page
• Housing Contract from Student Services (Single or Family Housing)

Social Security Office Contact Details:

• Phone: 1-866-530-7754 or 1-800-772-1213
• Address: Suite 110, 2241 Buena Vista Rd., Lexington, KY 40505
• Hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    (Closed on federal holidays)

Important: Ensure your mailbox is labeled with your name for secure delivery of your Social Security card.

Step 5: Finalize Employment Verification Once you receive your SSN, contact International Services to complete the final verification on the Employment Verification Form. Collect the signed form and submit it to the Payroll Office.

Tips for Completing the SS-5 Form (Application for Social Security Card):

• Under “Citizenship,” check “Legal Alien Allowed to Work.”
• Use your Lexington residence as your mailing address—do not use c/o addresses, as the U.S. Postal Service will not forward Social Security cards.

If you don’t have a Lexington address yet, wait to apply until you do.

What to Do Once You Receive Your SSN Card: After receiving your SSN card, bring it to Human Resources at Scovell Hall.

Protect Your SSN: Keep your Social Security number safe to avoid identity theft. Never share it over the phone or via email with unknown individuals. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

Resources

International Students and Social Security Numbers
How to Apply
Request for Social Security Letter

Obtaining a Social Security Number (study in the states.gov)