For more information on this topic, please go to the Social Security Administration website at http://www.ssa.gov/

A Social Security Number is an identification number issued by the United States Government for tax purposes, and is often used for identification.

If you do not have permission to work in the United States, you can’t get a Social Security number without a valid non-work reason for needing a number. If you get permission to work, you will need a Social Security number for your employer.

A Social Security number is currently issued to immigrants who are not eligible to work only if:

• A Federal statute or regulation requires you to provide a number for a government benefit or service.

• A State or local law requires you to supply a number to get general assistance benefits.

To apply for a social security number, students must go in person to the Social Security Administration Office in the Strom Thurmond Federal Building in Columbia.

Students will need:

1. Passport
2. I-20
3. Letter from the International Student Coordinator’s office
4. If the number is going to be issued to a non-working student, the student will need:
   • Documentation from the Federal or state government agency that requires they have the number
   • Identifying the student
   • Reason why the number is required
   • Relevant government regulation that requires the number
   • Name and telephone number of an official to contact to verify the information.
   • Statement that the student has completed all the other requirements for the benefit or service

Social Security Administration
Strom Thurmond Federal Building
1835 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Back to International Student Main Page