To work in the U.S. you must have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) for tax witholding purposes. You may start working while you are in the process of applying for an SSN. If you do not have an SSN at the time your are hired, your employer may ask to see evidence that you are in the process of applying for an SSN.

If your employer is Harvard, between the time you apply for an SSN and when you receive your card in the mail, you may be issued a placeholder number for internal use only. The placeholder number is not an actual SSN and cannot be used for anything other than internal Harvard processes. Do not use the placeholder number when completing your tax forms, or for any other purpose.

Your Social Security Number is an important identifying number, and should be kept in a safe place to avoid identity theft. Do not give out this number to unknown parties, especially over the phone or email. For more information, please see Identity Theft.

SSN Eligibility

Your eligibility to apply for an SSN varies based on your immigration status. You may find details in the chart below:

SSN Application Instructions

The process to apply for an SSN is:

1. Review the SSN Application Instructions to verify that you have the proper documents to apply for an SSN.

• F-1 visa holders with on-campus employment must first obtain a job offer letter from your on-campus employer following this format.
• F-1 students with on campus employment, J-1 students (degree candidates sponsored by Harvard), and J-1 student interns require an HIO SSN authorization letter. To request the letter, submit the HIO's online SSN letter request form. Once submitted, the HIO will email you a copy of the SSN authorization letter. J-1 students on Fulbright's visa sponsorship must contact their Fulbright advisor for the SSN authorization letter.
• J-1 Short Term Scholars, J-1 Research Scholars, and J-1 Professors do not require SSN authorization letters.

2.  Complete the Online Social Security Number Application on the Social Security Administration website. After submitting the application, ensure you print, annotate or take a screen shot of your submission number. You must complete the application process by visiting your local Social Security office in person within 45 calendar days - see next step.

3. Once you have each of the documents ready, and have submitted the online SSN application, you must go in person to your local Social Security Administration office with hard copy immigration documents and your submission number from the online application within 45 calendar days. You do not need to schedule an appointment to go to the Social Security office in person. You may find office locations on the SSA website.

4. After you complete your in-person application with the Social Security Administration, the SSN card will be mailed to you.

Please note that it is NOT possible to fully complete the SSN application process online or via an agency. You must have a personal interview with a Social Security Administration representative usually in a local Social Security office. Please be aware that there are no application fees for an SSN.

What To Do Upon Receipt of the SSN

Do not laminate your SSN card. Additionally, please note that the SSN is a secure number. Do not give this number out over the phone or email.

Harvard students receiving income from the University, including fellowships, stipends, on-campus employment wages, etc., must report the SSN to the appropriate payroll or student accounts office. Please note, the HIO does not collect or require your SSN. 

1. Login to your Harvard Sprintax Calculus account
2. Input the SSN
3. Print the new Summary sheet, if your determination changes
4. Upload the Summary sheet and SSN notice to the Harvard Office of the Controller

If you are working off-campus with off-campus work authorization, you must report the SSN to your employer's payroll or HR office.

If you have previously obtained an ITIN, you will need to contact the IRS to link the ITIN and SSN numbers. Please find the below information directly from the IRS:

What do I do when I am assigned a social security number (SSN)?
Once you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes and discontinue using your ITIN.  It is improper to use both the ITIN and the SSN assigned to the same person to file tax returns.  It is your responsibility to notify the IRS so they can combine all of your tax records under one identification number.  If you do not notify the IRS when you are assigned a SSN, you may not receive credit for all wages paid and taxes withheld which could reduce the amount of any refund due.  You can visit a local IRS office or write a letter explaining that you have now been assigned a SSN and want your tax records combined.  Include your complete name, mailing address, and ITIN along with a copy of your social security card and a copy of the CP 565, Notice of ITIN Assignment, if available.  The IRS will void the ITIN and associate all prior tax information filed under the ITIN with the SSN.  Send your letter to:
     Internal Revenue Service
     Austin, TX 73301-0057

SSN Denial Letter Instructions

The U.S. Government restricts the issuance of new SSNs to F-1 students who are employed. If you are not currently eligible for an SSN, and are hoping to apply for a MA State ID, you will instead need to apply for an SSN denial notice. 

Students who are NOT eligible for an SSN must go in person to your local Social Security Administration office to request the SSN denial notice. You may find office locations on the SSA website. 

Documents required for F-1 students who are NOT eligible for SSN:

• Completed SS5 Application form with clear annotation at the top of request of denial letter
• Copy of Biographical Page of Passport
• Copy of Visa Page
• Copy of "Most Recent" I-94 record
• Copy of I-20

Is it Possible to Open a Bank Account, Get a Credit Card, or Purchase a Cell Phone Plan Without an SSN?

Generally, you will be able to open a bank account without a SSN. You will need to show at least two forms of identification. The Harvard Federal Credit Union (Harvard FCU) should accept your Harvard ID or Harvard-affiliate ID and passport. You will also need to provide a local address.

You usually will not be able to get a credit card without a SSN. However, if you open an account at the Harvard FCU you should be eligible for a credit card with limited credit, even without a SSN.  When you open a checking account at a bank, you should receive a debit card that can be used in most businesses. The difference between a debit card and a credit card is that the money you "charge" using the debit card is drawn directly from your bank account.

If you want to purchase a cell (mobile) phone plan without a SSN, you may have to make a sizable deposit. For those looking to access mobile data, text, and calling upon arrival the HIO has free Mint Mobile and US Mobile SIM cards available during our pick up hours. You can find more information about these SIM cards here.