Acquiring a Social Security Card

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What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a permanent nine-digit identification number administered by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the U.S. federal government. SSNs are required for anyone employed in the U.S. because it tracks income for employers and the IRS, but is not required for anything else. 

Who is eligible to receive a Social Security Number?

  • J visa holders are eligible for a Social Security Number whether employed or not. If a J visa holder is not employed, International Services would encourage you to think carefully about whether you would like to apply for an SSN because of some dangers of having one (see below).

Who is required to have a Social Security Number?
All individuals working in the U.S. are required to have a Social Security Number. Many jobs do not require you to have a Social Security Number to begin working, but you should submit SSN information to your employer as soon as possible.

I am employed and/or eligible for a Social Security Number. How do I get one?
International visitors who are eligible for a Social Security Number can apply 10 working days after entering the U.S. and once your SEVIS record has been activated by International Services. Your SEVIS record will be activated after you complete the SEVIS check-in with International Services. If you arrived recently and are not sure if your SEVIS record has been activated, please email is@clemson.edu to confirm.

In order to apply for the Social Security Card, you will need to visit the closest Social Security Administration office. For a list of required documentation/information along with the office hours, please visit Social Security Administration's website.

Protecting your Social Security Number
If you get a Social Security Number, you should protect it in order to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. While you likely will be asked for your SSN when leasing an apartment, setting up a bill or service (cell phone, utilities), or opening a bank account, you should protect your Social Security Number and do not give it out freely. You should not carry your Social Security card around with you. You should keep your card (and your number) in a safe place and do not give it out to anyone who does not have a legitimate reason to ask for it.

If someone is able to get your Social Security Number, they can open bank accounts or buy things under your name! You can quickly become a victim of identity theft if someone gets your number and they can cause problems far into the future. Do not give your number over the phone or via email, particularly if you did not initiate contact.

If someone is asking you for your Social Security Number and you do not know if you should give it to them, please feel free to contact International Services and an international student advisor will help to advise on what you should do.

How do I apply for an SSN?
Once you have been advised by IS that you are eligible for paid employment, you should do the following:

  1. Complete your SEVIS check-in with IS. To ensure you can apply for a SSN and begin working as soon as possible, please note the following:
    • Do not apply for an SSN without first receiving the approval email confirming your SEVIS record has been activated.
    • You must be physically inside the U.S. to complete your SEVIS check-in. 
    • SEVIS check-in can be completed 30 days prior to the start date of employment.
    • It is recommended to submit your SEVIS check-in as soon as you arrive in the U.S.
    • Your Clemson offer letter is required if you are employed by the University.
    • Once you complete the SEVIS check-in, IS will activate your SEVIS record to change it from initial to active status. You will receive an email once the process is complete.
    • The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends that you apply for the SSN after you have been inside the U.S. for at least ten days. It is also recommended that you not go to the SSA appointment the same day your SEVIS record is activated.
  2. SSA requires all initial applicants start the process online and then schedule an appointment at the nearest SSA location.
    • Get started here through the online application portal.
  3. You must go to the SSA in-person to complete your SSN application. Please ensure you bring the physical copies of all required documents to your appointment. See below for the nearest SSA Offices.
    Main Campus

    Anderson SSA
    4 Civic Center Blvd. Ext.
    Anderson, SC 29625

    		 Website: https://www.clemson.edu/human-resources/international/anderson-ss-office.html 
    Phone Number: 800-772-1213
    Greenville Campuses

    Greenville SSA
    319 Pelham Road
    Greenville, SC 29615

    		 Website: https://ssofficelocation.com/offices/south-carolina/greenville/greenville-social-security-office-29615/ 
    Phone Number: 877-274-5423
    Charleston Campuses

    Charleston SSA
    143 Tobias Gadson Blvd.
    Charleston, SC 29407

    		 Website: https://ssofficelocation.com/offices/south-carolina/charleston/charleston-social-security-office-29407/ 
    Phone Number: 866-495-0111

  4. You must take the following items with you to your SSA appointment:
    • Clemson employees must take their offer letter.
    • Completed Form SS-5.
    • Form DS-2019
    • Form I-94. Click on “Get Most Recent I-94” to save and print your I-94 travel record.
    • Unexpired passport with visa stamp.

It is important to know that when you visit the SSA to apply for your SSN, the SSA will not issue your SSN immediately; they will issue you a receipt letter first and later mail your SSN card to your local address. You should let your employer know you have applied for the SSN by showing them your receipt letter. Once you receive the actual SSN card, you will need to show this to your employer as well.