Introduction
A Social Security Number (SSN) is assigned to people authorized to work in the US; it used to report your wages to the United States government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. The number also functions as a form of identification in many situations; for example, your SSN may be requested if you open bank accounts or apply for a driver’s license.
Upon arrival at LSU, you must report to the International Faculty & Scholars Office (IFSO) for orientation and validation of your program participation. Reporting to your program sponsor upon arrival in the US is not only the law, but it is also an important step in obtaining an SSN. After IFSO has validated your program participation, Human Resource Management (HRM) generally requires that you have an SSN in order to be paid. (Before you receive your SSN, however, HRM will usually assign you a temporary number that you can use as identification in the meantime. Be sure to ask your department for this number.)
How to Apply
Wait about 10 days from your arrival date in the US; then, take the following steps:
- Complete Form SS-5, Application For A Social Security Card. When completing the form, fill in your name exactly as it is shown on your Form I-94 and passport. The name on
your passport, Form DS-2019, and Form I-94 should all be the same. It is critical that all immigration documents match.
- Take the completed application and the following original documents to the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office:
- Form DS-2019;
- Passport with the J-1 visa stamp; and,
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Form I-94 is considered to be the primary immigration and identity document when applying for a Social Security card.
The nearest SSA office in Baton Rouge is located at 5455 Bankers Avenue, near Corporate Boulevard and College Drive.
Getting Your SSN
The SSA must verify your documents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before an SSN can be assigned to you. After receiving the verification from DHS, an SSN will be issued to you, and a Social Security card containing the assigned SSN will be mailed to the address provided on your application (Form SS-5). Most of the time, documents can be verified quickly with DHS online; you will likely receive your Social Security card within two weeks of the application. If the documents cannot be verified online, it may take DHS several weeks to respond to the request.
For more comprehensive information on Social Security, see: http://www.ssa.gov/.