Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University

Social Security Number and ITIN

Last updated October 04, 2024

International Student Services | Policy or Regulation Information

Social Security Number (SSN) Information 

All U.S. employers require employees to have a Social Security Number (SSN) for the purpose of reporting individual employee earnings for tax purposes. A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to receive compensation for work in the US [F-1/J-1 on-campus employment, paid internship while authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Academic Training (AT)]. The Social Security Number is a permanent ID number issued by the U.S. government.  

Important to Remember: 

  • Your SSN is your unique U.S. identification number and is yours for life.  
  • An SSN is not required to open a U.S. bank account, rent an apartment, or apply for a driver’s license. 
  • While it does not authorize you for employment, it can be used for any work that you have authorization for in the U.S.  
  • You may apply for an SSN up to 30 days prior to the start date of your on-campus job or a Curricular Practical Training (CPT)-authorized internship. 
  • You should protect your SSN card and number from loss and identity theft. Do not carry your card with you. Keep it in a secure location and only take it with you when you must show it for identification or work authorization purposes (to obtain a new job, open a new bank account, etc.) 
  • Never write your SSN in the body of an email or text message or send a copy of the SSN card electronically via email.  
  • Do not allow others to use your SSN as their own.  
  • New students who have received an on-campus job offer or Graduate Assistantship must first complete OISS Immigration Check-In and attend International Student Orientation prior to applying for an SSN. Students must be registered in SEVIS by OISS and receive their Continued Attendance I-20 in order to apply for the SSN.  

Why do I need a Social Security Number?   

  • You must have an SSN if you will receive a salary or stipend from Quinnipiac University or from your off-campus CPT, OPT, or AT employer.  
  • You will need an SSN to file a U.S. income tax return for each calendar year in which you spent any period of time in the U.S.  
  • SSNs are often used for a variety of unofficial purposes, such as opening a telephone contract, housing lease, or bank/credit card account. While having an SSN is convenient for these reasons, it is not required. 

Why do I need a Social Security Number?   

You may apply for an SSN only if you have received a job offer. You must have entered the U.S. at least 10 days prior to submitting your application. You may not apply more than 30 days before the start of your job.   

How to Apply 

  1. Obtain a completed and signed International Student On-Campus Employment Letter from your hiring department supervisor. Quinnipiac supervisors can complete the On-Campus Employment Offer Letter (PDF) and provide it directly to the student.
  2. Submit a Letter Request in the Control Center of the ISS Portal. You must select SSN letter and upload a copy of your International Student On-Campus Employment Letter with your request. You will receive an email notification when your original letter is ready for pick up from the OISS office. Please allow 2-3 business days. If you are applying for an SSN for a CPT, OPT, or AT position, you must apply and be approved for the SEVIS work authorization in the ISS portal first.  
  3. Complete and submit the Online Social Security Number Application after you have received the OISS letter. Once your request is successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation number which you must print.
  4. Collect the required documents:
  5. Bring all original documents to the local Social Security Administration office within 45 calendar days of your Online SSN Application submission. The closest Social Security Administration Office to campus is located at 50 Court Street, 4th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. The office is open Monday- Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Within the online application portal, you have the option to set up an appointment at the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You are not required to make an appointment, however, SSA managers request that you arrive by 3:00 p.m. 
  6. The social security card will be sent to your mailing address within 2-3 weeks.  

Working While Waiting for an SSN 

An F-1 or J-1 student may work while the Social Security number application is being processed. For on-campus positions paid by Quinnipiac, students must submit all required hiring paperwork to Student Employment and the confirmation receipt that they have applied for the SSN. Students hired by Chartwells Dining Services should submit all hiring paperwork to their hiring manager at Chartwells. Employers may wish to reference SSA’s fact sheet, Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers. This fact sheet contains information on how to report wages for an employee who has not yet received an SSN and is available online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm. 

Once you receive your social security card, contact Student Employment or your hiring manager for I-9 document verification. 

 

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Information 

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a number assigned to individuals by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS is the United States agency responsible for tracking income and collecting taxes. 

The ITIN is used as a way to identify individuals who have to file a tax return, but are not eligible for a social security number (SSN) because they are not employed. Generally, an ITIN is used when you are receiving taxable income from a scholarship or interest-bearing account, or if you have a spouse who is claiming you as a dependent on an income tax return.  

For more information about an ITIN, please see the IRS website. 

Additional Information