General Information - Part 3

Social Security

What is a Social Security Card?

A Social Security Card provides a unique identification number that allows the United States government to monitor and tax wages earned by employees in the U.S.

Please note that a Social Security Card does not grant employment authorization, it simply provides a unique identifying number to allow employers to pay wages and deduct the appropriate taxes on behalf of the U.S. government. Each different immigration classification has varying rules regarding possible employment authorization.

Eligibility

You must be physically present in the U.S. in an immigration classification that permits employment and you must have proper authorization to work and apply for a Social Security Card.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When should you submit the Application for the Social Security Card?

You may submit an Application for a Social Security Card to the Social Security Administration in person on any business day (except holidays) between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. When possible, it is best to obtain the Social Security Card prior to beginning any employment in the U.S. If you begin employment without a Social Security Number, you must inform your employer as soon as you receive your Social Security Number for payroll purposes.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have recently arrived in the U.S. for the first time in your current immigration classification, you should wait at least 10 business days after your date of arrival in the U.S. to submit an application for a Social Security Card. This will allow the Department of Homeland Security adequate time to enter your arrival information in their database for verification purposes.

2. What documents do I need to bring with me to the Social Security Office when applying for a Social Security Card?

a. A completed Application for a Social Security Card. The application form is available at the ISO, online , or at the Social Security Administration office.
b. Unexpired foreign passport with U.S. Visa
c. Original I-94 Departure card (small white card stapled into passport)
d. Form(s) I-20 AND a verification letter from the ISO
f. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

3. Where should you submit the Application for a Social Security Card?

Social Security Administration

Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Office Building
10 Causeway Street Room 148
North Station
Boston, MA 02222
Telephone # (800) 772-1213

(MBTA: North Station 'T' stop on the green or orange line; building is next to the TD Banknorth Garden, formerly called the Fleet Center.)

OR

Marks Building
240 Elm St.
Somerville, MA 02144
617-253-2851

(MBTA: Davis Square 'T' stop on the red line)

Receiving Your Social Security Card and Number

The Social Security Administration may need time to verify your current immigration status before they can issue you a Social Security Card. In most cases, your Social Security Card will be mailed within 14 business days to the address you listed on your application form. If you do not receive a Social Security Card within 30-60 days, you should contact the Social Security Administration via telephone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website to inquire about the status of your pending application.

The notation on the Social Security Card should read Valid for Employment Only with INS Authorization which means that you may need to obtain work permission in order to commence employment. To find out more about employment authorization, please contact a staff member at the ISO.

Public Transportation

T Pass

One of the nice things about studying in the city of Boston is that students are able to take advantage of the city's extensive network of public transportation. A good option for international students is to buy a monthly T Pass, which covers subway and bus travel. Visit the MBTA website for more information.

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