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Social Security
 The Following information is found in the Social Security Administration website. Social Security numbers are generally assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security will not assign you a number just to enroll in Texas State University-San Marcos. |
What do I have to do to work in the United States?
Read more about International students hiring process here
Read more about International students hiring process here
- How do I apply for a Social Security number?
In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from DHS can apply for a Social Security number.
To apply for a Social Security number:
Proof-of-Enrollment Letter -Social Security for On-Campus Employment
The Social Security Office requires two letters when you apply for a social security number:
(I) A Job Offer letter from your immediate supervisor in a specific format dictated by the San Marcos Social Security Office in accordance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations. Your hiring office or deparment should follow the job offer letter template to ensure compliance with the Social Security Office requirements.
(II) A proof-of-Enrollment letter from our office, which you request by submitting the International Office Request form along with your job offer letter (I)
Additional documentation for Social Security:
(I) Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
(II) Show original documents proving your:
Immigration status
Work eligibility
Age, and
Identity
Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office (Social Security Office San Marcos)
Social Security
Suite 200
900 Bugg Lane
San Marcos, TX 78666
Tel: 512 396 3972
Toll Free: 1 800 772 1213
Web: http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
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- Immigration status
To prove your immigration status, you must show the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States. If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you also must show your I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show your DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
- Work eligibility
If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from International Office Texas State University that identifies your employer and the type of work you are, or will be, doing. You also need to show evidence of that employment, a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter. The letter must describe:
(a) Your job,
(b) Your employment start date,
(c) The number of hours you are, or will be, working; and
(d) Your supervisor’s name and telephone number.
If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training (CPT), you must provide your Form I-20 with the employment page (page 3) completed and signed by International Office designated official.
If you are an F-1 or M-1 student and are authorized to work off campus (OPT), you must provide with the Employment Authorization Document (I-766 or I-688B) you received from DHS.
If you are a J-1 student, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.
- Identity
Social Security administration accepts only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable immigration documents include you’re:
(a) Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);
(b) I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
(c) Work permit card from DHS (I-766 or I-688B).
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
- Do I need a Social Security number before I start working?
The Internal Revenue Service requires employers to report wages using a Social Security number. While you wait for your Social Security number, your employer can use a letter from Social Security Administration stating that you applied for a number. Your employer may use your immigration documents as proof of your authorization to work in the United States.
- Who is eligible to work at US?
Visa ClassificationDefinitionE-1, E-2Treaty trader or Treaty investorF-1Foreign academic student, when certain conditions are metH-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, H-3Temporary workerIForeign information media representativeJ-1Exchange visitor, when certain conditions are metK-1Fiancé of a U.S. citizenL-1Intra-company transfereeM-1Foreign vocational studentO-1, O-2Temporary worker in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athleticsP-1, P-2, P-3Temporary worker in the arts, athletics in an exchange or cultural programQ-1, Q-2Cultural exchange visitorR-1Temporary religious worker with a nonprofit organizationTCProfessional business worker admitted under U.S.-Canada Free Trade Act (NAFTA)TNProfessional business worker admitted under NAFTA