International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Social Security Number

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique, nine-digit identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). An SSN is a requirement for all persons who work and receive pay in the U.S. The SSN is used to report wages to the government and serves as a permanent form of identification.

If you are a new international student, you MUST complete the new international student check-in process before you may begin the SSN application procedure. Please understand that maintaining your visa status is our priority.

Please Note, if an international student has requested a SEVIS Transfer to a new university: Per ISSS policy, we do not process any SSN documents for students with a pending SEVIS Transfer request.

SSN Application Procedure Steps

Students are only eligible to begin work after completing Step 4.

Click HERE to download a printable checklist of the SSN Process

1. Complete the Online Social Security Number Application (OSSNAP) on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
   • There is limited space to enter an address on the online application. Please use the following address to ensure your card arrives to the ISSS office safely: SIUE Intl Affairs, Box 1616, Edwardsville IL 62026
2. Once the online application is successfully completed, students will receive an online control number from the SSA website. The control number begins with the letter “O.”  Record the control number or print the screen with the control number on it. Schedule an appointment once you have completed the online application.
   • If you did not receive a control/"O" number at the end of the online application, you did not complete the application fully or correctly. Please review your application and make any necessary changes.
   • Students under the age of 18 CANNOT complete the online application. Please email isss@siue.edu to request the paper application. 
3. Complete the top section of the SIUE Job Offer Form. The Employer must complete the bottom section. (The DSO Signature line will remain blank) 
4. Submit the SSN Document Request Qualtrics.
   1. Students will upload the SIUE Job Offer Form and the SSN application reference number (“O” Number).
   2. Students may start working after successfully completing the online SSN application and uploading the SIUE Job Offer Form to the ISSS Qualtrics form
5. The International Affairs office will sign the SIUE Job Offer Form and return the signed form to the student via email, along with a reminder to visit the SSA office in Alton no later than 45 days after completing the online SSN application.
   • As of January 6, 2025, students are required to schedule an appointment at the SSA office. Make sure you have your O number available when you schedule. 
6. The student must bring the following ORIGINAL documents to the SSA office in Alton:
   • I-20
   • I-94
   • Passport
   • Visa
   • SIUE Job Offer Form (Signed by DSO)
7. At the end of the visit, the student will be given a receipt notice stating that their SSN card should arrive at the International Affairs office within 2-4 weeks.

NOTE: International Affairs will notify students via SIUE email when their SSN card arrives. If a student’s card does not arrive within 4 weeks of their visit at the SSA office, students should inform the ISSS office and also call the SSA office to inquire about the status of their card.

The address information and appropriate bus routes for the Alton, IL SSA office can be found at the bottom of this page.

For any questions or concerns regarding the SSN process, email the international affairs team at intlprog@siue.edu.

Required Documents

After Your Visit at the SSA Office

At the end of your visit, the Social Security Administration staff will give students a document that states their SSN Card will arrive within 2-4 weeks. ISSS does NOT need a copy of this document.

ISSS will notify students via their SIUE email when the SSN card arrives. If the card does not arrive within 4 weeks, the student should inform ISSS staff and also call the SSA office to inquire about the status of their card.

Once you have an SSN, it will never expire. Even if your employment is discontinued or you leave the United States for a few years and return, you will keep the same number.

It is very important that you do not share your SSN with anyone else, as this can lead to identity theft. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet. Memorize it! Do not give out your SSN to anybody unless it is absolutely necessary. 

Social Security Office:

• Address: Room 103 Federal Bldg., 501 Belle St., Alton, Illinois 62002
• Phone: 1-855-285-6006
• Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. / Wednesday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. / Thursday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• Directions: Located in downtown Alton in the Federal Building at 5th and Belle Streets, five blocks north of the Alton Belle Casino boat on US Highway 67 (Piasa Street)

Bus Transportation:

• Take bus 17 from SIUE to Edwardsville Station.
• Take bus 7 from Edwardsville Station to Wood River Station
• Take bus 1 from Wood River Station to Belle Street (Social Security office). Tell the driver you want to be dropped off close to the Social Security office.
• To return use the same route (bus 1, bus 7, bus 17)

View the bus schedule