Social Security
A Social Security Number (SSN) is:
- a unique 9-digit U.S. government-issued number required for employment and used for taxpayer identification, income reporting and record-keeping purposes
- valid for a lifetime - keep your SS card in a safe place
Application Procedure
Your I-20 must be in active status before you can apply for a social security card. If it is not in initial status, go to our E-form portal and select, complete, and submit the "New Student Check-in" eForm.
When your I-20 is in active status,
- Obtain a job offer. If you are an ELC student, you must also have employment clearance showing in our system from the ELC.
- Submit a Letter of Certification Request eForm found at https://ist.byu.edu under the F-1 Student Services menu. Within 3-5 business days, you will receive an email notification that your Letter of Certification is ready to be picked up in our office.
- Submit an social security card application at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time.
- Make an appointment with the Provo Social Security Administration Office at 88 W 100 N, Provo, 866-366-9549, Office Hours: 9am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.
- Bring the following to the Social Security Office for your appointment:
- Letter of Certification from ISSS
- Department Verification Form received from BYU HR Operations 2024 WSC OR off-campus employer offer letter
- Passport with Visa
- Form I-20
- Form I-94 (Link to get I-94)
- You will be given a receipt that will act as a temporary Social Security card until your permanent card arrives in the mail.
- Direct any hiring questions to your employer.
Note: Keep your Social Security card safe. Be aware that some people will try to find out this number and use it for illegal purposes. If you lose your Social Security card or need to change your name, complete the steps above. A name change requires legal documentation supporting the change.