The social security number is used for employment purposes in the United States in order to report wages to the government. The Social Security Administration will only issue a social security number for employment purposes only. If you have problems in establishing a bank account, renting an apartment, opening a cell phone account, please see your foreign student adviser.

The Social Security Administration will require that you prove your identity, age, immigration status, and eligibility to work. In addition, F-1 students must provide evidence of on-campus employment from the campus department and verification of enrollment status from International Student Services. J-1 students must provide evidence of employment eligibility from the sponsor: if Penn State issued the DS-2019, International Student Services will issue the letter; if a programming agency such as IIE or AMIDEAST issued the DS-2019, that agency must issue the letter.

Map of US Social Security Adm:814-238-5035 901 University Dr State College, PA 16801, US

Social Security Administration
901 University Drive, Suite 2
State College, PA 16801

Office Hours: 9 a.m.—4 p.m.

Department Letter Template

Students must have on-campus employment verification from the hiring department. The verification must be typed on official school or department letterhead and contain the employer’s original signature.

Dear Social Security Administration:

This letter is evidence of on-campus employment for: _________________________________________________________ (name of student).

Type of job (e.g. wait staff, library aide, research assistant, etc.): _____

Start Date: _____

Number of Hours Per Week: _____

Employer Identification Number (EIN): 24-6000376

Employer Telephone Number: _____

Student’s Immediate Supervisor: _____

Employer Signature (Original Signature; no photocopy): _____
Signatory’s Name and Title: _____
Date:_____