What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security Number is intended to accurately record your earnings in this country. Social Security Numbers also function as a general identification number in many situations. International students with F-1/J-1 status have permission to work on campus and are therefore eligible for social security numbers. (Note that there are limitations on this permission, consult an intentional student advisor for details.)

Most employees are required to pay a certain percentage of their earnings to the Social Security System through the Federal Insurance Compensation Act (FICA). However, f-1/J-1 employees are usually exempt.

Do I Need a Social Security Number?

Social Security numbers are needed for:

• Employment: You must have a Social Security number to work in the United States. Therefore, if you plan to work in this country you need to apply for a Social Security Number.
  
  

• Fellowships: If you are going to receive a fellowship or scholarship payment from the university, you need a social security number.
  
  

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms: All students who are non-resident aliens, for tax purposes, are required to fill out an IRS for every year, even if they have no U.S.-source income. A social Security number is required on all IRS forms.

Social Security numbers are not needed for:

• Registration: It is not necessary to have a Social Security number in order to register for classes.
  
  

• Banking: F-1/J-1 holders do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account or for most other financial transactions. The bank may ask F-1/J-1 holders to fill out IRS form W-8 to prove that they are exempt from the requirement of providing a Social Security number.

How do I apply for a Social Security card?

To apply for a Social Security card, go the Michigan Social Security Office in Dearborn.

Address:
19853 Outer Drive, 2nd floor
Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 278-9412

Directions: The Social Security Office is located in the Eastpoint Building, near the corner of Michigan Avenue and Outer Drive, behind Fitness USA and Farmer Jack Supermarket. The office is on the second floor. They are open from 9:00a to 4:00p Monday to Friday.

What do I need to bring to get a Social Security card?

• Your original birth certificate or passport
  

• The original documents given to you by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Such as your Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151 or I-551 and I-94)

For more information on Social Security cards, please call 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.ssa.gov

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