Social Security Number (SSN)

Step 1: Before getting started, please confirm the following:

• You must have an “active” SEVIS record. Make sure you have already checked in at least 5 days prior at the Office of International Programs and Services at the beginning of your first semester of study at Mason so that your SEVIS record can be activated.
• Also you must have arrived in the United States no less than 5 business days prior to applying for a social security number to allow the SAVE database to accurately reflect your arrival.

Step 2: See https://oips.gmu.edu/on-campus-employment/the remaining steps you need to complete.

Step 1: Before getting started, please confirm the following:

• You must have an “active” SEVIS record. Make sure you have already checked in at least 5 days prior at the Office of International Programs and Services at the beginning of your first semester of study at Mason so that your SEVIS record can be activated.
• Also, you must have arrived in the United States no less than 5 business days prior to applying for a social security number to allow the SAVE database to accurately reflect your arrival.

Step 2: Visit your Employer's Hiring Department

• Obtain your job offer letter and hiring documents.

Step 3: Download an Enrollment Verification

• The enrollment verification is usually available 7 days after you register for classes.
• Go to Patriot Web, click the “Student Services” tab and go to “Student Records”.

Step 4: : Download a copy of your I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/

• Click on Get Most Recent I-94 (blue box at the bottom of the page) 
• Enter your information in the Enter Your Travel Info section and click NEXT 
• Print your I-94 

Step 5: Complete the Social Security Application form (SS-5)

• Download this form from the Security Administration’s website https://www.ssa.gov/forms/

Step 6: Visit the Social Security Administration office with the following items:

• Passport
• Visa
• I-94
• Job Offer Letter
• Enrollment Verification form
• DS-2019 with Academic Training endorsement or CPT I-20 or OPT I-20 and EAD card  

Important: You should NOT visit the SSA until OIPS has approved your Academic Training or CPT. If you are an OPT applicant, you should not go to the SSA office before you receive your EAD Card.

If your employer is Mason (e.g. teaching position), you will also need to complete step 7:

Step 7: Contact the International Tax Office (Merten Hall). 

• After you have applied for a SSN, contact the International Tax Office to complete your hiring paperwork and I-9 form. See here for their appointment availability or call them at 703-993-5223.  Bring the same documents you submitted to the SSA office and: 
  • Receipt form SSA office 
  • Acceptable documents as proof of identity and work eligibility (See pg. 9 of the I-9 form. (For example, passport, I-94, I797/I-94, I-20 or DS-2019 forms, and/or Employment Authorization cards may be used for this purpose). 
• After your social security card has arrived in the mail, contact  the International Tax Office again to update your I-9 and tax documents.