Social Security Numbers(SSN) are no longer regularly issued to international students. You will need to have a legal job offer and ISSS permission to apply for a SSN. For more information see Employment part. Please note, MSU only allows U.S. Tranfers and Graduate Students to work on-campus their first semester.
If you meet the criteria for a SSN, contact International Student Office. We will issue you a letter stating that you are a full-time student and eligible to work. You can then take that letter, your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and go to the local Social Security Administration Office. They are located at:
Social Security Office
Intergovermental Plaza
Downtown, Mankato 56001
ISSS will provide transportation to the Social Security Office during Orientation Week. Stop in and check the schedule at ISSS.
If you work in the United States, your Social Security Number is used by your employer to report your income. Banks and other financial institutions use the Social Security Number to report the interest and investment income you earn. Many businesses, government agencies, and schools use the Social Security Number for record keeping and identification. NEVER GIVE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TO A STRANGER OR ANYONE ON PHONE OR EMAIL. Only give it to your employer, bank, school, utility company, credit card company, etc. If you ever have a question as to whether or not to give someone your Social Security Number, ask at ISSS first.
The Social Security Administration will send your card to the address you put on the application within two to three weeks from the day you apply. They will not send it to another address. If you do not get your card within three weeks, contact the Social Security Administration Office.
If you move before you get your card, have someone at your old address hold your mail or forward it to you. If you move AFTER you receive your card, you do not have to tell the Social Security Administration your new address. DO NOT USE ISSS'S ADDRESS FOR YOUR CARD We cannot be responsible for your Social Security Card.
You may start employment or open bank accounts without a number. Tell the bank or your employer that you have applied for a number. When you get your Social Security Number in the mail, give it to your bank and/or employer.
NO! Do not let ANYONE else use your Social Security Number. Keep your card in a secure place, such as where you keep your passport. In most cases, your Social Security Number and Social Security Administration records are confidential and the information in your file may only be released with your permission.
