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With locations in Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow, NSU is Oklahoma’s immersive learning institution. Choose from in-person, blended or online learning options.

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Offices/International/Current students/Social Security Number

Social Security Number (F-1 & J-1 Visas)

Reminder

Please note the social security application process is relatively quick, however, getting your social security card may take longer than expected.

Who Can Apply?

F-1 Students

F-1 students are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) without an employment offer. F-1 students must have a job offer before beginning the Social Security process through the Office of International Programs. 

A “job offer” letter for F-1 students can be satisfied by providing a Student Financial Agreement (for non-GA students) through the hiring department or an offer of employment via email from the hiring manager/Graduate College (for GAs only). 

Upon receiving the offer letter, students will have to request endorsement from the Office of International Programs through a letter from the International Student Advisor. To request endorsement, students must provide several documents and complete the SSN application. Please see the Documents to Submit for SSN Application below to view the required documentation to complete.

Once a student has completed the application and provided all documentation to the Office of International Programs, the International Student Advisor will review your offer letter and documentation attached to provide an endorsement letter to the Social Security Administration. You will be contacted to pick up your endorsement letter and all requirements will be met to apply for the SSN.  

J-1 Students

J-1 students are eligible to apply for an SSN with or without an employment offer. If you will need the Social Security Number to work on campus, J-1 students will need to follow the same steps for F-1 students (see above) to qualify for proper work authorization on campus. 

J-1 students needing an SSN without working on campus, please contact us at oip@nsuok.edu or come to the Office of International Programs during regular office hours.

Documents to Submit for SSN Application

To be eligible for a SSN appointment, you must complete and gather the following documentation below to be considered complete

  • SSN Application completed using blue or black ink: The SSN Application Form and Instructions are available online.
  • Original I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1),
  • Original I-94 card 
  • Original passport 
  • Your U.S. visa stamp 
  • Employment offer letter issued by the hiring department 
  • Endorsement Letter from the Office of International Programs. To comply with the Social Security Office rules, the following must be included in letter:
    • Student name (as it is listed on the student's passport)
    • Department
    • Position/Title
    • Start Date
    • Number of Hours per week
    • Rate of pay
    • Contact information for employer and supervisor
    • Employment identification number (EIN) (if possible) (This number can be requested from the payroll office of the hiring department.)

SSN Appointment and Application Process

The nearest Social Security office from NSU is the office in Muskogee, Oklahoma (30-40 mins from Tahlequah). Currently, students will have to call the Social Security office in Muskogee to schedule an appointment for the SSN. 

  • To schedule an appointment, call 877-575-5195. 
  • You will be given a date and time to attend the appointment (usually 1-2 weeks after calling)
  • You must attend the appointment with all the Documents to Submit for SSN Application (see above)
  • Upon successful approval of the SSN, students will receive their SSN via mail 7-10 business days after the appointment 
  • Once you receive your SSN, you are able to begin working at the campus department that has hired you.
  • Approximate time it takes to begin working after you have applied for an SSN: 3-5 weeks. 

Important Information

  • Students are expected to find their own transportation to get to the SSN Office in Muskogee
  • The Office of International Programs will provide monthly rides to the SSN Office, free of charge, 1-2 times per month (depending on demand of students needing to get a SSN).
  • To find a campus job, we recommend you logging into your HANDSHAKE ACCOUNT to see all campus job postings for student workers. 

For any questions regarding the social security process, please contact us via email at oip@nsuok.edu or come to the Office of International Programs during regular office hours. 

 

Contact Us:

Phone: 1 918-444-2050
Fax: 1 918-458-2056
international@nsuok.edu